Sarah Palin's church reopens after building damaged by arson

By AP
Published: February 04, 2009

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WASILLA, Alaska (AP) - Hundreds of worshippers flocked to the reopening of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's home church, which was badly damaged in an arson fire in December.

"We have been blessed by people's response to us, far beyond anything we deserved," Pastor Larry Kroon told worshippers at Wasilla Bible Church. "God's grace is the one true renewing resource and it will never run out."

Palin, the former Republican vice presidential hopeful, was in Washington, D.C., over the weekend and did not attend either of the two Sunday morning services.

Damage to the church from the Dec. 12 blaze was estimated at $1 million. Five people were inside the building at the time of the fire but escaped unharmed.

Investigators say they have no evidence that Palin's link to the church was a motive for the fire.

Kroon made no mention of Palin during the service. However, he said later that the governor attends occasionally when she is in Wasilla, her hometown. He said Palin is not a member, but her ties to the church brought widespread publicity and an outpouring of support and donations.

Letters from well-wishers were displayed in a loose-leaf notebook at the back of the sanctuary. Many came from individuals and religious groups who identified themselves as supporters of Palin in her vice presidential bid.

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http:/www.wasillabible.org