wfn.org | ELCA Congregation to Host Worship Service for Miners

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 31, 2002

ELCA CONGREGATION TO HOST WORSHIP SERVICE FOR MINERS
 02-179-AW*

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Dennis L. Doebler, Christ Casebeer
Lutheran Church, Somerset, Pa., will join as many as 12 other pastors
and the congregations they serve for a joint worship service Aug. 4
at 7 p.m. to give thanks for the nine miners who survived being
trapped in an underground chamber here at Quecreek Mine for 78 hours.
The service will be held at Christ Casebeer.
     Doebler, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America pastor, and
other Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic leaders were stationed at the
Volunteer Fire Hall in Somerset July 24-28, offering comfort and
prayers for all involved.  Christ Casebeer Church was used as storage
for emergency fire equipment, and members of the congregation were on
hand to supply rescue workers with food.
     "It's been like a roller coaster here," said Doebler.  "There
was so much unknown, so much wondering and worrying [during the
rescue]."
     Although none of the trapped miners were members of Christ
Casebeer, the parents-in-law of one trapped miner were and received
support from Doebler.  They were relieved to hear that all nine
miners were successfully rescued early Sunday morning, said Doebler.
     "They [the miners] never gave up hope.  They never gave up
their faith," said Doebler.  "It truly was a miracle.  God's hand was
a part of this, guiding the people and the equipment."
     Doebler expects attendance at the special worship service to be
more than the building can handle.  The basement of the church and a
nearby grove will be used to seat people, with live video being
projected onto a large screen.  All nine of the rescued miners and
their families have been invited.

-- -- --
*Amy Wineinger is a junior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.  This
summer she is an intern with ELCA News and Media Production.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html