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Pacific Palisades Church Holds First Good Friday Walk After January Wildfire

Congregants of the Community United Methodist Church return to their devastated site, salvaging artifacts and planning for a hopeful rebuild.

The land, center, where Community United Methodist Church of the Pacific Palisades once stood, Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)
The land, center, where Community United Methodist Church of the Pacific Palisades once stood, Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)
Members of a church listen to a prayer during a Cross Walk event by the Community United Methodist Church of the Pacific Palisades, Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)
Carli Wright plays music during a Cross Walk event by the Community United Methodist Church of the Pacific Palisades, Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)

Overview

  • The Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, destroyed in January's wildfire, held its first Good Friday cross walk on the charred grounds.
  • Pastor John Shaver and congregants paused at nine locations during the walk, reflecting on loss and resilience while honoring the 29 lives lost, including longtime member Annette Rossilli.
  • Nearly 80% of the congregation, including Pastor Shaver, lost their homes in the wildfire, which devastated the Pacific Palisades community.
  • Salvaged items, such as a metal cross and ceramic tiles, will be incorporated into the church's planned reconstruction on its original site.
  • Sunday services continue at alternate locations as the congregation embraces a 'community without walls' ethos during the rebuilding process.