Winter Storm Fern brought more than snow and ice across the Tennessee–Western Kentucky Conference. It brought disruption, uncertainty, and the kind of practical challenges that require quick decisions and creative solutions.

Across our connection, many TWK households found themselves without power—making alternative arrangements for themselves, their children, or even their pets. Congregations also faced hard decisions about worship: some moved online, others made the difficult call to cancel, and still others leaned into one of the most faithful practices of United Methodism—our connection, and found themselves worshiping together alongside other congregations.

One such story unfolded across Nashville.

During the storm, Ebenezer UMC found themselves without power. Then their pipes froze, leading to thousands of dollars in damage—damage that will take time to repair. With repairs underway, Ebenezer could not safely remain in their building.

But the storm did not stop the church from being the church.

As their pastor, Rev. Myriam Cortes, reflected:

“God is showing us that his church is bigger than any building.”

And the connection responded.

Ebenezer was welcomed to worship with Belmont UMC, and has also been invited into the worshiping life of West End UMC and Belle Meade UMC. St. John’s UMC opened their space so Ebenezer could continue offering their ESL classes—ensuring that even in the midst of disruption, ministry did not have to pause.

In the weeks following the storm, connection looked like more than shared space. It looked like shared life.

Church members from these congregations helped Ebenezer navigate insurance questions. Congregations offered hospitality that Myriam described as “above and beyond.” Hosts prepared bulletins in Spanish. They made room for Ebenezer’s children to participate fully in worship—alongside their own children. They even welcomed Ebenezer’s children to sing songs in Spanish as part of their Children’s Sunday service.

This kind of collaboration can be challenging—especially when it requires stepping outside what is familiar. It was not easy to leave the safety of their own sanctuary and enter a new worship space—one shaped by a different language and culture—while carrying the weight of what it means to be immigrants in today’s world.

Myriam named it honestly:

“[This kind of collaboration] is easy to do when people are the same culture and

language. People need to be willing to be uncomfortable on both sides.”

And yet, that discomfort is often where transformation begins.

In the wake of the storm, Ebenezer and their host congregations have not only found creative solutions—they have found deeper belonging. They have lived a witness that is both simple and profound:

Love translates.

Belle Meade invited Myriam to share even in preaching in both English and Spanish—a gift not only to Ebenezer, but to the whole Body of Christ. For a congregation that has been out of their sanctuary for weeks, it is a holy thing to hear the gospel proclaimed in the language of the heart.

Storms disrupt what we plan. But they also reveal what we truly believe.

In this season, God is reminding us that connectionalism is not just a structure. It is a spiritual practice. It is the church showing up for the church. It is people choosing the vulnerable work of hospitality. It is innovation that feels uncomfortable—and becomes transformative.

Or as Myriam’s words continue to echo through this story:

“God is showing us that church is bigger than any building.”

Winter Storm Fern tested our systems. But it also revealed a deeper truth: When we lean into the connection, the church becomes more resilient, more faithful, and more fully itself.