Church dedicates service to family killed in SR 410 tragedy

PUYALLUP, Wash. -- The church leadership combined its Saturday and Sunday service into one so that the entire congregation could come together to grieve for a family lost in the 410 construction accident Monday in Bonney Lake.

Despite nearly all the seats filling up inside the sanctuary, the congregation felt the absence of Pastors Josh and Vanessa Ellis and their baby boy Hudson.

“It’s really hard not look through the crowd and to know I’m not going to see them,” said Jayme Sorensen, who served on the praise team with Josh Ellis for the youth.

This was the first Sunday service since the tragic death of the family after a concrete wall fell from the 410 bridge onto their pick-up truck as crews replaced a sidewalk.

Head Pastor James Ludlow said while there is still a lot of pain among his members, many are seeking healing through a message of hope and their faith in a greater purpose.

“We want the peace, but the question that is important is not why God but what now, God?” said Ludlow.

As youth pastors, Josh and Vanessa would have led a youth service Sunday night. In their absence, there was a private service for the youth, with grief counselors on hand.

The investigation in what happened and if all the safety precautions were followed is still underway.

Two celebrations of life are planned for the Ellis family:

Monday, April 20th at 6:00pm

Puyallup Foursquare Church

601 9th Ave. S.E.

Puyallup, WA 98372

 

North Service

Saturday, April 25th 3:00pm

His Place Community Church

1480 South Burlington Blvd

Burlington, WA 98233