As villainous as the Valley Fire was in its hunger to consume so many family homes, two additional losses, listed simply as other structures, went more or less unnoticed except for the many families that worshiped and fellowshipped in them — The Cobb Mountain Community Fellowship located near where the fire originated, and the Hidden Valley Community Church, in the fire’s ravenous path as it surged across Highway 29 into the community of Hidden Valley Lake. If that wasn’t offense enough, the fire also consumed the home of the Hidden Valley Church’s pastor.
In different ways, both fellowships made decisive moves to declare to their communities that their faith was not broken. At the earliest opportunity the Cobb Mountain Church erected a wooden cross on which were stenciled the words, “He Is Risen.” The Hidden Valley Community church’s website proclaimed, “As long as we have God we have hope.”
The Lord alone knows how many worship services, prayer meetings, baptisms, weddings, memorial services and other gatherings these two congregations hosted in the past. Nor can anyone begin to measure the amount of spiritual encouragement, comfort and love their sanctuaries will not be providing — at least until they are rebuilt. For rebuilt they shall be. Separately and in faithful agreement both congregations have made that pledge, setting an example to encourage others to do the same.
Both congregations have already taken the necessary preliminary steps toward rebuilding. In the meantime, while insurance claims are processed, ashes removed, and architectural designs drawn, both Christian Fellowships will continue to actively congregate, supporting those who have lost so much, worshiping together and giving thanks in all circumstances (I Thess. 5:16) at alternate locations.
The Hidden Valley Community Church will be hosting services at 10:30 a.m. in the Coyote Valley Elementary School’s Multi-Purpose Room, 18590 Coyote Valley Rd., Hidden Valley, while the Cobb Mountain Community Fellowship will unite with their sister church, the Finely Revival Center, 1960
Big Valley Rd., Finely, across from Angel’s Rock House Restaurant, also at 10:30 a.m.
