Editor’s Note: This article is the third in a series regarding the journey of recovery after an arsonist started a devastating fire at Rose Park UMC in 2023. A link to the previous article is below.

February 3, 2025
by: Rev. Liz Petry

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the members of Rose Park United Methodist Church returned to worship in our sanctuary that was gutted by an arson fire two years ago. In place of the blackness that surrounded us on Jan. 26, 2023, we celebrated the light of our restoration. From our tears in the darkness, God heard our cries and led us through our wilderness to the the joy that comes with the morning.

Isaiah 61:3 to provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place of discouragement. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, planted by the Lord to glorify himself.

Our return would not be possible without God’s guidance, but we also want to thank all members of the Virginia Conference for their prayers and gifts of worship items. We will be hosting a Service of Consecration on March 30, 2025, followed by an open house. The Rev. Dr. Hyo Lee will bring the message.

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