Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church slowly recovering
|
A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert
Lionel Jackson sings a solo at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.
|
| Lionel
Jackson performs “How Great Thou Art” without benefit of musical
accompaniment at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Oct. 30
during the congregation’s second Sunday back in the church following
damage from Hurricane Katrina. A month ago, the congregation was meeting
in lawn chairs in the parking lot. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert.
UMNS photo #05-H186. Accompanies UMNS story #617 11-02-05. |
Nov. 2, 2005
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
SLIDELL, La. (UMNS) — When it came time for announcements at Hartzell
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Charles Alfred stood up and asked for
volunteers and two trucks to go pick up a piano and organ being donated
to the church from a Jewish community in Monroe, La.
The Rev. Ernest Scott told the congregation that a church in Fort
Wayne, Ind., was donating United Methodist hymnals and “a few Bibles.”
Someone else announced $1,000 had been donated to put insulation in the
walls.
Slowly but surely, Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church is recovering from Hurricane Katrina.
A month ago, the congregation was meeting in lawn chairs in the
parking lot. Everyone was back indoors on Sunday, Oct. 30, even though
most of the inside of the building is still missing.
|
A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert
The
Rev. Ernest Scott makes a phone call from his office before Oct. 30
worship service at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.
|
| The
Rev. Ernest Scott makes a phone call from his office before worship at
Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, New Orleans. The church is
recovering from Hurricane Katrina and a month ago, the congregation was
meeting in lawn chairs in the parking lot. Everyone was back indoors on
Sunday, Oct. 30, even though most of the inside of the building is still
missing. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert. UMNS photo #05-H187.
Accompanies UMNS story #617 11-02-05. |
“This is our second Sunday back in our church,” Scott said. “God is in the remaking and rebuilding business.”
The congregation was sitting comfortably in blue upholstered chairs,
surrounded by studs, tar paper and blue tarp. The carpet is gone and the
floor is still a little sticky in some spots, but the mold and mildew
is gone and the stain-glass windows glisten.
Lionel Jackson sang a solo of “How Great Thou Art” without benefit of
musical accompaniment. His song was punctuated with “Yes, Lord!” and
voices joining in from the congregation.
“In the midst of all this we can still say ‘How Great Thou Art,’” said Idell Vaultz.
A 30-foot wall of water from Lake Pontchartrain slammed into the
small community surrounding Hartzell Mt. Zion in August, soaking all the
homes and leaving the people with nothing.
|
A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert
The congregation of Hartzell Mt. Zion is back in the church two months after Hurricane Katrina hit.
|
| The
congregation of Hartzell Mt. Zion is back in the church two months
after Hurricane Katrina damaged. A month ago, the congregation was
meeting in lawn chairs in the parking lot. Everyone was back indoors on
Sunday, Oct. 30, even though most of the inside of the building is still
missing. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert. UMNS photo #05H-188.
Accompanies UMNS story #617. 11-02-05. |
Dora Jackson was celebrating her 78th birthday and the recovery of her
church. “My house has been gutted and I am still living with one of my
daughters,” she said.
In a sign of recovery yet to come, Anthony Alfred reminded members
not to forget about Sunday school. Even though no classrooms are open at
this time he said Sunday school and education is vital to the church.
“We don’t have a lot of children right now but I want you parents to
encourage your children to participate.”
Members have been meeting for the 8 a.m. worship services since the
hurricane but they are talking about resuming the 11 a.m. service as
well.
The text for the sermon this Sunday was Matthew 23:1-12 and the title was “Humble Living.”
“We will continue to worship here every Sunday,” Scott said.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org
Donate Now
2005 Hurricane Response: United Methodist Committee on Relief
Audio Clip
Lionel Jackson: "How Great Thou Art"
Related Articles
United Methodist leaders seek ways to help in Louisiana
United Methodist leaders find faith in midst of devastation
New Orleans pastor finds home, church, in ruins
Louisiana bishop predicts huge financial toll on churches
Members count blessings after hurricane destroys church, homes
Resources
Louisiana Annual Conference
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Commission on Religion and Race
Churches in New Orleans District
| 
