Texas church damaged by floodwaters rebounds with help from businesses and other houses of worship
Wayne Christopher, center, weeps as his wife, Helen Christopher, looks on during the first Sunday service since Tropical Storm Harvey caused widespread flooding and damaged the First United Methodist Church.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Church pews damaged by floodwater are thrown out as volunteers rush to clean up First United Methodist Church in preparation for Sunday services in Dickinson, Texas
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Calvin Walker lowers his head in prayer.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Senior Pastor Jack Matkin leads the recovery effort as volunteers rush to ready the main sanctuary space at First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Colbin Holtz, left, and Steven Hanks load up a tractor with damaged furniture, doorways and other items on Saturday as volunteers clean up the church.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Elaine Wadkins greets Pastor James Littleton for communion during Sunday Service at the First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)The church’s damaged pews were thrown out, but the pew ends were saved for future use.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Pastor Jack Matkin leads a song worship during Sunday service at the First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Debris is left over from the flooded sanctuary at First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Community members greet one another during Sunday service in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Dylan Cumberland puts in temporary chairs after church pews damaged by floodwater were removed at First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Todd Coleman and his wife, Wendy Coleman, whose home was damaged by floodwater, attend the service on Sunday.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Volunteers ready the main sanctuary space for Sunday services at Dickinson, Texas, church.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Debbie and Charlie Willing stand in the back of the sanctuary, where the damage wrought by Harvey is evident.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)Dylan Cumberland sports a Methodist tattoo as he puts in temporary chairs after church pews damaged by floodwater were removed at First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)