2/19/2016 4:30:00 PM

CHICAGO (ELCA) – Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are offering prayers for the congregation of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minn., whose church suffered major damage in a fire Feb. 18. The fire, which destroyed much of the sanctuary of the 110-year-old building, is still under investigation.

The Rev. David M. Carlson, pastor of Gloria Dei, said although members are devastated by the loss, they are determined to continue their work in the community. Carlson said the church is in an area “where people are in need.”

“It is a loss, but we know the church is the people, and we believe in the resurrection. We know this is not the end, and the ministry continues,” said Carlson. He added that the monthly free breakfast hosted by the congregation will go on as planned and will be held at a temporary site in the community.

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