Jesus Lives but My Former Church in Delmont Lost the Battle

There is such a thing as survivor’s guilt. I’m experiencing that right now as the town of Delmont picks up the pieces after a massive tornado struck the town.

Delmont is not my hometown, but it is a place that is significant during the formation of my youth. A number of my relatives live there and Zion Lutheran Church was my house of worship through my high school years. To God be the glory that no one was killed during the Mother’s Day twister.

Just thinking of the hundreds of services from the regular Sundays to Lent and Christmas are flying through my memories. Retired pastor Reverend Wild would sit in the back of the sanctuary, listen to the sermon then leave after the offering was taken. He would always pause to say something witty or wise to the teenaged boys who gathered in the narthex to encourage us in our ushering duties.

Then I think of the weddings and funerals attended. As a pre-schooler I was the ring bearer in my uncle’s ceremony. I dropped the pillow during the rehearsal, but sure-handed during money time.

Confirmation classes, Vacation Bible School, and church picnics were a part of my life there. My parents celebrated anniversary number 25 in the basement.

Quite a few choir practices commenced there as well upstairs next to the organ. That unique instrument bears explanation. It was an old pipe organ with settings that were the type where you pulled out the stops to change the sounds with the markings on the knobs in German not English. More modern equipment will adjust sonically in electronic fashion.

So there is sadness for the memories that will now exist only in these words and the minds of many others who experienced Zion Lutheran Church in Delmont, South Dakota. It is stone, glass, metal and wood when you boil it all down. For the faithful, this is a painful reminder that Christ’s church cannot be confined to or defined by the place He is worshipped.

Also for all of you who suffered loss in the storm, my prayers go out to you. Blessings will come and miracles shall happen for He is the Lord who gives and takes away.