The Southland Firestorm: A Special Report : The Recovery : RELIGION : Congregations Join to Support Fire Victims

Estimating roughly that 10% of their members lost homes in the Calabasas/Malibu fire, the leaders of Malibu congregations with widely diverse beliefs have joined together to give material and spiritual balm to a fire-struck community.

“We meet not to discuss theology, but to be here with the community,” said the Rev. David A. Worth Sr., senior pastor of Malibu Presbyterian Church, whose Malibu Canyon Road site overlooks some of the devastation.

Jewish, Episcopal and United Methodist congregations are joining with representatives of the evangelical Vineyard congregation, the Pepperdine Church of Christ and a Christian Science branch church for a joint service Sunday at Malibu Presbyterian.

Bishop John Ward will celebrate a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church for fire victims and in gratitude for the work of firefighters. The fire Wednesday stopped at the front doors of the church.

Anticipating offers of volunteer help, Worth said the religious groups are putting together a computer bank of such resources in cooperation with city officials.

“All of us are willing to receive donations,” Worth said. “We’ve already had calls from about 50 churches around the nation.”

A summary of the aid efforts of local churches:

* Malibu congregations: The community interfaith service of support will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Malibu Presbyterian Church, 3324 Malibu Canyon Road. Professional counseling will be available on a rotating basis five evenings next week, Monday through Friday, at participating congregations. For information, call (310) 456-1611. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Mission, 28211 Pacific Coast Highway (310) 457-7966 is open 24 hours to distribute food and clothing and to receive donations. A Red Cross unit is stationed at Malibu Presbyterian.

* Catholic Charities: The social service arm of the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archdiocese is providing temporary, limited financial assistance for rent, medical and other disaster-related emergencies. Those in need and others wishing to donate money may contact Catholic Charities, Fire Disaster Relief, 1400 W. 9th St., Los Angeles 90015. (213) 251-3400.

* World Vision: The evangelical agency is collecting donations and channeling aid primarily through three partner churches--Malibu Presbyterian Church (310) 456-1611, Laguna Presbyterian Church (714) 494-7555 and Altadena Presbyterian Church (818) 797-8970. People who want to make donations through World Vision may call (800) 423-4200.

* Jewish: Free groceries are being distributed on a non-sectarian basis at the Sova Kosher Food Pantry sites at 11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, and 6027 1/2 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana. The central office may be called at (310) 828-3433. Collection points for donations are at Bay Cities Jewish Community Center, 2601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 828-3433 and West Valley Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills (818) 587-3300.

* Salvation Army: Cash donations are especially sought. The evangelical and social organization has a permanent disaster number (800) 725-9005 or can be called at (213) 852-7730.

* Lutheran Social Services: For emergency aid and donations, call (818) 792-2260. Its relief center is at 1010 E. Locust St., Pasadena.

* Methodist: Fire victims needing relief and people wanting to donate may call (800) 244-8622.