FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHURCH DAMAGED BY FIRE CONTINUES TO OPERATE
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Aug. 6, 2024 – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Academy experienced a multi-alarm fire at our 525 63rd Street facility on Monday, July 29, 2024 shortly after 6:00 a.m. No one was injured, but fire damage is significant. Worshippers cannot occupy our church facility. Our school facility is unusable.
We are grateful for both police and fire protection services from Downers Grove, Westmont and Darien. Their fast response and coordinated effort to close streets and fight flames prevented this tragedy from spreading to nearby homes. We also thank local news services who covered this tragic event and were a key source of communication with people who have offered help.
We are humbled and inspired by the outpouring of sympathy from our Christian brothers and sisters in the surrounding communities. Due to the Holy Spirit working in people’s hearts coupled with broad media coverage, a location was offered to us to continue operating our Academy. Leaders are working with the parents of current students to keep them engaged and enrolled. To the Lord goes all the credit.
In the same outpouring of Christian love and support, we have received offers for worship space from multiple churches and community organizations. Our Worship Ministry leaders are meeting with these organizations to identify a worship location for our congregation. Meanwhile, we will continue to worship at 525 63rd Street albeit in our parking lot only on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and pursuant to weather conditions. Please visit the calendar on our website for current information.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Academy's mission to Grow in the Word and Go with the Word has not changed. Our God is not limited to a building. He is always with us in each of our hearts to the end of the age.
Donations are being collected through the Good Shepherd website
Building Fund.
This is a developing story.
About Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Academy
We are a Christian Church and Academy located in Downers Grove, Ill. Our church’s mission is to Grow in the Word and Go with the Word. Our school offers Bible-based academic programs for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade One through Grade Eight.
Contact:
Media Inquiries:
Joe Garetto
Outreach Ministry
Downers Grove Lutheran Church
630.362.3848
outreach@gsdg.org
gsdg.org
Donation Inquiries:
Joe Abegg
Ministry Support
Downers Grove Lutheran Church
314.471.7694
ministrysupport@gsdg.org
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