Hope and help amidst ashes

Amidst storms Sunday night, the Walker Community United Methodist Church in Minneapolis perished in flames. Close to 40 firefighters battled the three-alarm fire, and five of them were injured, KSTP reported.

Yet, among the ruins, the community has shown hope and a strong spirit, evidenced in articles by the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press. They refused to cancel their Memorial Day picnic the day following the fire, instead spilling into the closed-off street.

The church had close ties to the community, supporting activist movements, community groups, and the local arts community. Heart of the Beast Theater was founded in the church with its first offices in the basement. Now, the theater will temporarily host Sunday services for the church, the Star Tribune reported.

Allyson Hayward, who chairs the Walker church council, said other churches and groups have offered donations or use of their buildings to the Walker community, according to the Star Tribune.