By FāVS News Staff
Eastern Washington
Churches among properties lost, spared in Old Trails fire
Several churches and faith-affiliated properties were among the more than 900 structures destroyed, damaged or threatened by the wind-driven Old Trails fire burning near Spokane since Aug. 1, according to the Spokesman-Review. Riverside Real Life, on Nine Mile Road, was destroyed, with only brick pillars, metal poles and the foundation left standing. Pastor Kelly Armstrong has told the congregation in video updates that the church “is not a building,” and Real Life is working with an international relief agency on long-term recovery. Fairmount Memorial Park lost its maintenance building and an irrigation pump house, and its mausoleum sustained smoke damage and broken windows, though headstones and crypts appeared largely unaffected.
Two other congregations had closer calls but came through unharmed. New Horizons Community Church was untouched even as nearby fields burned, and Assumption Parish Catholic School and Church also escaped damage, though its principal said many families connected to the parish have been affected by the broader wildfires.
The full extent of the damage remains unknown, the Spokesman-Review reported, as the fire continues burning and Level 3 evacuation orders stay in effect.
Church sends three semitrucks of aid to Eastern Washington wildfire evacuees
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending three semitrucks of relief supplies to Spokane as wildfires across eastern Washington force thousands of residents to evacuate. One truck will carry water, while two will deliver food. Church members and local leaders are also coordinating temporary housing, meals, pastoral care and other assistance for displaced families.
The Spokane Wildfire Complex, including the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires, has destroyed more than buildings and prompted more than 67,000 evacuations. Church leaders expressed gratitude to first responders, volunteers and community organizations supporting the recovery. Members have opened homes and meetinghouses to evacuees and are assisting with relief efforts. Church officials encourage residents to follow evacuation orders, pray and seek opportunities.
Western Washington
Seattle Council considers $300K for LGBTQ+ service groups
Seattle City Council is considering a $300,000 allocation to support LGBTQ+ organizations responding to an increase in queer and transgender people relocating to the city after facing hostility elsewhere. The council’s Finance, Native Communities & Tribal Governments Committee approved the proposed budget amendment Aug. 4, directing JumpStart Fund money to the Seattle Human Services Department.
If approved by the full council, the funding could help organizations provide emergency shelter, housing, employment assistance, food support and other essential services. LGBTQ+ advocates have urged Seattle officials to provide more resources, saying local groups lack capacity to meet growing demand. Some have also called for a state of emergency, but city officials have rejected that proposal while exploring alternatives with the Seattle LGBTQ Commission. The council is expected to decide on the funding.
Central Washington
Tri-Cities Back-to-School Bash to Provide Free Haircuts, Supplies and Health Services
Tri-Cities families can access free back-to-school services Monday, Aug. 17, at the HAPO Center in Pasco. Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Communities in Schools Benton-Franklin and SOZO Church expect about 2,500 students at the seventh annual event. From 4 to 6:30 p.m., students of all ages can receive free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, dental care, health screenings, vaccines, sports physicals, books and family resources. No registration or identification is required.
Organizers say rising school-supply costs and medical expenses can prevent children from participating in school activities, making the event a one-stop resource for families. Other local back-to-school events include free backpacks from Tri-Cities Community Health, a school festival by Domestic Violence Services and activities at Columbia Center Mall. Additional supply giveaways are planned later in August.
Idaho
Idaho Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit against Diocese of Boise
The Idaho Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow on Tuesday, finding insufficient evidence of constructive fraud in an alleged 1968 sexual abuse case, according to ncwlife.com. Peter Steven Leriget alleged he was assaulted at age 9 by the Rev. Patrick O’Sullivan, a priest at St. Mary’s, while O’Sullivan was babysitting him; O’Sullivan died in 1993, and Leriget first disclosed the allegations to a therapist in 2019 before filing suit in 2021.
Leriget argued the diocese committed fraud by presenting priests as universally “holy, safe and trustworthy,” creating a relationship of trust that O’Sullivan exploited, the outlet reported. The court found no evidence Leriget had a heightened relationship with the church, such as serving as an altar boy, or that the diocese sponsored O’Sullivan’s visits to the family home or endorsed babysitting as a priestly duty. Citing a lack of evidence the diocese knew of abuse by O’Sullivan or other priests before 1985, the court upheld the lower court’s summary judgment ruling.
North Idaho school turns rural community into a Christian mission field
Foundations School in Naples, Idaho, is transforming a former greenhouse into a K-12 Christian school focused on helping struggling students develop practical skills and spiritual foundations. Founded by Charli Turner three years ago with 18 students, the school has grown to about 60 and now serves families from across North Idaho and into Canada.
The school emphasizes individualized learning, trade exposure and faith-based education. Students visit local businesses such as sawmills and meatpacking plants while participating in prayer and Christian activities. Tuition is $6,000 annually, with financial assistance available for some families.
Turner and principal Julie Montgomery see the school as a local mission serving children facing academic, emotional and family challenges. The school also operates worship gatherings, a daycare and plans for a mercantile and coffee business to support students and fund its mission. Read more here at ReligionUnplugged.
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