Neighboring Reno churches draw together after one damaged in fire

RENO -- A Reno church is opening its arms and doors to a nearby congregation whose church has been closed since an April 2 fire.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church will host a joint Easter Sunday service with the Faith Lutheran Church, including combined choirs.

Then, separate services will be held at the Episcopal church while the burned church is repaired.

"We're trying to do it together as much as possible because we're together as Christians," Mike Margerum, the Episcopal church's deacon, told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The Rev. Thomas Beck, pastor of the Lutheran church, said his congregation is grateful for the use of the other church. The two churches are within walking distance of each other on West Seventh Street.

"Even after being chased out by a fire, there is new growth and life and relationship happening as we cross the street to be with our friends on the other side," Beck said.

"It's kind of like an Easter message: Out of death, there is life. ... It's remarkable how we have found more sources of life and support," he added.

Flames spread from a maintenance closet at the Lutheran church to the attic and roof. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, but the building is closed.

While the sanctuary is expected to open in four to six weeks, the rest of the church won't open for about six months because of the need to remove asbestos, Beck said.

"Then, because there's smoke damage, everything has got to be cleaned and made usable," he said.