ABERDEEN, WA (December 7, 2007) – Members of Grace Harbor Covenant Church are beginning to recover from damage to their homes and church building caused by violent storms that ripped through their area earlier in the week, says pastor Jim Ptak.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a strong group of people who this as another challenge to face, but do so with the knowledge of God\u2019s grace and mercy,\u201d Ptak states.<\/p>\n
Winds that reached more than 80 mph earlier in the week blew out several windows and tore off a portion of the church\u2019s roof, resulting in water damage to the sanctuary and fellowship hall, Ptak says. The homes of several church members also sustained minor damage, but no one was injured.<\/p>\n
Despite the damage, the congregation will meet Sunday for worship, but did cancel mid-week activities and its outreach Christmas program scheduled for Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe question of what\u2019s next is unknown,\u201d Ptak says. \u201cI can\u2019t believe that a little wind is going to destroy 115 years of service to this community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ptak says the church is waiting on an insurance estimate on the damage. Cleanup is the most immediate need, however. \u201cThere are many older members, and we will need strong backs and hands to help with cleanup.\u201d<\/p>\n