The Church as Shelter

The aftermath of the tornado
in Washington, Illinois

Photo credit: State Farm

When you look at Crossroads United Methodist Church’s Facebook page, you instantly get a glimpse of the aftermath of Sunday’s tornado that ripped through the Washington, Illinois areas. Prior to their Sunday morning service, Crossroad UMC had posted a reminder to its parishioners to remember to bring their “Operation Christmas Child Box.”  At 5:17 p.m. they posted, “All church classes are cancelled. We're functioning as a shelter for now.”

Since Sunday, Crossroads UMC has used Facebook as a primary means of communication calling for a variety of donations; announcing school closings and updates from officials; invitations for food to storm refugees; and calls for prayer, lots of prayer. To shift from church to shelter in a matter of hours is no small feat and a reminder that not all first-responders wear a government or hospital issued uniform. 

I met the directing pastor of Crossroads UMC, Rev. Thomas Goodell, in 2012 when he was awarded Garrett-Evangelical’s Distinguished Alum Award.  He is a third generation pastor and a third generation Garrett-Evangelical graduate. He spent most of his growing up years in the Peoria and Dunlap, Illinois, areas.  He is now in his ninth year at Crossroads UMC and in his time there he has overseen the rapid growth of the congregation from 400 members to over 900 members, with an average worship attendance of 800. This, along with numerous other reasons found in the nomination information, is why Garrett-Evangelical was delighted to honor Rev. Goodell in 2012. Rev. Goodell’s response in this time of crises has once again confirmed why indeed he is distinguished. In addition, I am certain Rev. Goodell would insist that I say the entire staff of Crossroads UMC is to be commended for their tireless efforts to serve the community of Washington, Illinois and beyond and indeed he would be right. 

Since Sunday’s storms I have offered up daily, if not hourly, prayers for all of those affected by tornadoes, not just in Washington, but across the Midwest and for those who are still recovering in my home state of Oklahoma. Today, my prayer has turned to one of thanks.  I am grateful for theologically trained pastors like Rev. Goodell who can model Christ, especially in the greatest of crises, for their parishioners, their community, and me.

Shane Nichols

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Director of Communications

To learn more about Crossroads UMC, go to www.crossroads4all.org.
To learn more about Rev. Thomas as Distinguished Alum, go to www.garrett.edu/distinguishedalum