JANESVILLE — As the congregation was welcomed into a neighboring church for Sunday services, cleanup continues at Janesville’s First Lutheran Church following Friday night’s devastating floods.
Social media posts on the church’s Facebook page chronicle the cleanup work that has begun after flood waters reached midway up the main doors and rushed through the church and school leaving devastating damage in its wake.
The first level of the building was under more than four feet of water.
It will require a major clean up effort, according to the church.
Volunteers spent Saturday removing debris from the school and anyone willing to help continue the work Sunday is invited to show up at the church in the afternoon.
But for a short time Sunday morning, the congregation is joining with a neighboring church to pray and look ahead.
At the invitation of Pr. David Andert (interim pastor at Good Shepherd and member of First Lutheran), members of the church were invited to gather for a shared worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 N. Wright Road. Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe will join the congregation for this worship service.
Sunday also was intended to be the church’s day for Volunteer Appreciation — and now they have more reason than ever to celebrate the dedication of so many people who voluntarily share their time and leadership.
Chad Measner is preparing a meal in honor of all the volunteers and the congregation of First Lutheran and Good Shepherd are invited to eat together following worship.
“It is deeply encouraging and gratifying to see the way people have been coming together. Thank you to the many who showed up today at short notice to begin the cleanup work,” the church wrote online