Our Story Since the Fire
In the three years since the fire, our congregation has done what God created churches to do: we support one another and our neighbors, we grieve together, we serve our church and community side by side, and we share our hope in our savior through worship and action. Together, we have slowly begun to rebuild, not only in brick and mortar but also in spirit. We are also actively working on rebuilding our church sanctuary and preschool.
At the heart of everything we do is a commandment that Jesus gave His disciples:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
That love has kept us united after the fire. It draws us to our Garden Sanctuary each week and is central to the vision of our church: a place where every person who walks through the door feels that love the moment they arrive.
A Church Built on Welcome
We believe the church we rebuild will be more than a building: it will be a place of radical welcome, where everyone belongs, where no one is a stranger, and where the love Jesus described is practiced and felt.
Today, we are operating out of a temporary office and an open-air space we've come to call our Garden Sanctuary. We are very happy to be home, worshipping in this humble yet beautiful space, alive with worship, community, and love.
We've shared a video update so you can see where we are and hear directly from our community — watch it here.
What We Need Now
Right now, we have two pressing needs:
Church Rebuild — We are grateful to share that we have received a FEMA grant to support our rebuilding efforts. This is an answered prayer, and we don't take it for granted. But FEMA will only reimburse a portion of our costs, and the work of rebuilding a church is long, and the gap is real.
Current Operation — While we rebuild, this open-air space is our home. We want to make it truly beautiful and functional for worship, for gatherings, and for the community we serve. We are doing this as we keep the lights on, the ministries running, and our staff supported as we navigate this season.
Every dollar you give is an investment in a place where love, the kind Jesus commanded, will be visible, tangible, and freely given to all who come.
Why It Matters
Lahaina is in the long and tender process of healing, and the church is playing a vital role in that journey. We are here to support our neighbors in the community by visiting the sick, supporting those in need, mourning with those who have lost loved ones, and celebrating joyful moments. Our presence is possible because of your generous support.
Whether you've worshipped with us, visited our church, or contributed in the past, you are an essential part of this story. We would be so grateful if you would continue to walk with us into the next chapter.
How to Give
No gift is too small. Every contribution is an act of faith — in our congregation, in Lahaina, and in the belief that a place of love, welcome, and hope will rise again on this sacred ground.
With deep gratitude and aloha,
John Crewe
Pastor, Lahaina United Methodist Church