Spokane congregations open doors, cancel services as wildfires force mass evacuations

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As the Old Trails and Fairview fires triggered Level 3 evacuations across northwest Spokane, churches offered shelter, prayer and updates to displaced neighbors.

By FāVS News Staff

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.

As the Old Trails Fire jumped the Spokane River and the Fairview Fire expanded near Mead on Saturday, triggering Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders across northwest Spokane, Indian Trail and Peone Prairie, congregations across the region moved quickly to open their doors, cancel Sunday services and organize prayer for those displaced.

Organizations offering shelter

Turning Point Church, which is under a Level 3 evacuation order itself, directed anyone needing shelter to Country Church of the Open Bible in Elk. “Check on your neighbors,” the Rev. Josh wrote in a statement.

First Church opened its building to anyone required to evacuate.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church invited evacuees with nowhere else to go to come to the church. The building will remain open for anyone who wants to attend or take shelter.

St. Andrew’s on Howard said it would also take in evacuees.

Brighthill Church opened its doors from 4-8 p.m. Saturday for anyone affected by evacuation notices needing a place to regroup, charge a phone or plan next steps.

St. John’s Cathedral said it has power and air conditioning and is offering space for anyone needing overnight shelter or simply a place to charge a phone. The cathedral is also praying for calm winds and safety for those in the fires’ path, as well as for those without power.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is also opening the Rose Creek Longhouse to anyone displaced by the fires or in need of a safe place to stay. The tribe asked the community to help spread the word to family, friends and anyone who might need shelter.

Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church, at 4449 N. Nevada St., is also open as a place for respite and to plan next steps.

Services canceled or postponed

Audubon Park United Methodist Church canceled Sunday worship after many members, including the pastor and the entire worship team, evacuated. The church encouraged members to instead watch Spokane Valley United Methodist Church’s 10 a.m. livestream. The city has asked residents to stay off roads to allow evacuees and emergency personnel to travel safely, the church said.

North Church postponed its “Big Sunday” baptism service and said it was still deciding whether to hold in-person worship Sunday, Aug. 2. “Your safety is our top priority, and we want to make the wisest decision for our community,” the church said in a statement to members.

St. David’s Episcopal Church is in a mandatory evacuation zone. The congregation asked for prayers as the fast-moving fire threatens to expand evacuations further across Spokane, noting power is also out in multiple areas, affecting other congregations.

True Hope Church canceled its 8, 10 and 11:45 a.m. Sunday services but said its building will be open from 10 a.m. to noon for anyone who wants to gather for prayer, worship and encouragement in place of regular programming. There will be no children’s ministry or other normal Sunday activities. The church said many of its families have been displaced, evacuated or are without power, while others are housing neighbors in need. “We believe this is a moment for the Church to be present,” the church said in a statement, inviting anyone affected by the fires — not just members — to join.

The Gathering House Church has canceled Sunday service.

Real Life Spokane said it is moving to a single service Sunday at 10 a.m., inviting the community to worship and pray together. The church also shared a prayer calling for God’s protection over the city, for the wind and fires to stop, and for strength for first responders and comfort for displaced families. “Jesus is near to you tonight … call out to him wherever you are,” the church said.

Calvary Spokane canceled all Sunday services and activities, saying several staff, volunteers and church family members are directly affected by the fires. The church asked members to prioritize their own and their families’ safety and to pray for those displaced and for firefighters and first responders.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School canceled Sunday services after leadership determined the fire’s rapid, unexpected spread put the church in the middle of an evacuation zone. Members who fled homes in Indian Trail and Suncrest described watching flames just a block away, and several church members have offered to house anyone displaced. For those not displaced and wanting to worship in person, the church pointed members to its sister congregation, The Vine in Hayden, at its 10:30 a.m. service. St. Matthew also shared a list of Scripture passages — including Psalm 46, Isaiah 43:1-3 and Romans 8:31-39 — with brief notes on which might offer comfort depending on a person’s situation.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church canceled its Sunday worship service due to the wildfires and evacuations in northwest Spokane, and asked for prayers for all affected.

Unity Center of North Spokane canceled Sunday service, citing wildfires, power outages and ongoing air quality concerns. The center invited members to spend Sunday morning in prayer, meditation or reflection from home for those displaced or affected by loss, as well as for firefighters and first responders. “We remain connected in Spirit even when we cannot gather in person,” the center said.

St. Luke Lutheran Church canceled Sunday services to help keep roads clear and because of rapidly developing evacuation zones near the church. The congregation asked for prayers for those displaced, for first responders and for the wind to subside.

Redeeming Grace Church Spokane on Monroe and Frances is in the evacuation zone and cancelling services. Several of the church families have had to evacuate.

Covenant United Methodist Church is cancelling Sunday services.

Churches still meeting — and hosting others

Faith Bible Church will hold services as scheduled Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The congregation of Indian Trail Church plans to worship there as well, and Faith Bible said anyone else needing a place to go is welcome to join.

Prayer and diocesan response

The Diocese of Spokane called on Catholics and the broader community to pray for those affected by the Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire and other active regional wildfires, as well as for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency personnel and volunteers. The diocese said local parishes are evaluating the situation and mustering resources, and directed people to Spokane County Emergency Management (509-477-3046) for evacuation, shelter and road closure updates.

The diocese listed current shelter information:

Evacuation shelter: Spokane Convention Center

Animal shelter and RV accommodations: Spokane County Fairgrounds, which has opened its RV grounds to evacuees with animals.

Southside Christian Church shared a prayer asking God to stop the fires from spreading, and for strength for firefighters and comfort for evacuated families, pointing members to the county’s evacuation map for up-to-date shelter information.

Life Center shared a prayer asking for peace for evacuated families and protection and endurance for firefighters and first responders.

Have updates? Please email tracysimmons@favs.news

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