On a rain-soaked Sunday morning, more than 40 worshippers gathered inside a small gray and brick church to do what they have always done—lift their voices in praise. But this service was different. The congregation of Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center was not meeting in their own sanctuary, which was reduced to ashes by the devastating Eaton Fire earlier this month. Instead, they assembled in a host church two miles away, determined to continue their mission despite the loss.

The theme of the morning’s message was fitting: “Beauty for Ashes.” Pastor Charles Dorsey, who has led the congregation through triumph and now tragedy, stood before them in prayer, addressing the sorrow and resilience of his church family.

Margaret and Simeon Alexander, longtime members of Lifeline Fellowship, recalled the devastation they felt upon hearing the news that their beloved place of worship had been destroyed.

“We were devastated,” Margaret said. “We miss our church. Lifeline is our spiritual family.”

Her husband, Simeon, nodded in agreement. “We soon faced the reality that all things work together for good.”

For 19 years, Lifeline Fellowship has been a cornerstone of the Altadena community, not only as a place of worship but as a hub for outreach, feeding the hungry and caring for those in need. Now, its members are among those displaced. Pastor Dorsey estimated that at least 19 congregants lost their homes in the fire, while another 13 members suffered significant property damage.

Despite the destruction, a powerful symbol of hope remains. The only thing left standing at the original site of Lifeline Fellowship is a purple and white cross. Pastor Dorsey sees this as a divine reminder that their faith is unshaken.

“The cross still stands,” he declared. “It did give me hope, and I felt strength. I was happy that the cross still stands because it’s the work of the cross that we are able to be forgiven. It’s the love of the cross, the work on the cross, that we’re able to be redeemed. And it signifies our existence and how we’re able to even have strength in the midst of sorrow.”

Dr. Lisa Dorsey, who has been assisting church members during the recovery process, noted that efforts are underway to allow displaced families to return home. However, the timeline for full recovery remains uncertain as officials navigate hazardous waste removal and debris cleanup.

Although their church building is now gone, the congregation remains hopeful. Lifeline Fellowship is awaiting the next steps to begin the rebuilding process, and in the meantime, they dream of bringing chairs and tents into the parking lot of their old location to worship together once again.

“We’re looking for that day… where we can look over and see the process,” Pastor Dorsey said. “The process of building, looking to the neighbors’ homes and communities and seeing them rebuilding. People driving up the street, stopping because they hear the Word of God or they hear music. Feeding people, loving people, listening to people—all the things that make a rich community.”

Even before the fire, Pastor Dorsey felt led to begin 2025 with a message of moving forward. Now, the congregation of Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center is walking that message out in real time, standing firm in faith, united in purpose, and believing in the promise that beauty will rise from the ashes.

“We lost homes and our church, but we have each other,” Pastor Dorsey said from the lectern.

“Amen,” the congregation responded in unison. “Amen.”