The home of one of the parishioners of Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill was destroyed April 10 when the tornado ripped through the area. An insurance agent, looking over the property, told the woman that the storm was considered “an act of God.”

Don’t call it an act of God, she responded. The outpouring of support she received, including a group of volunteers helping her clean up her property, some who were friends, some who were strangers — that’s the act of God, she said.

The Rev. Bob Smallman, pastor of Bible Presbyterian, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America, told the story to more than 100 parishioners who filled the church Sunday. It came at the end of a sermon that attempted to come to terms with the storm’s destruction.

The church service, like many held in Merrill on Sunday, was a haven for some victims of the storm, and a way for others to offer condolences, support and prayers.

Mike and Diane Everson of the town of Merrill counted themselves as blessed. Although their house was heavily damaged in the storm, it was not destroyed. Their garage, two vehicles, a motorcycle and a lot of other possessions were total losses, though.

After the service, parishioner after parishioner came up to Diane, 60, and hugged her. They asked how she was, and whether there was anything they could do to help.

Most of the cleanup work on their property was done, Mike, 61, told fellow church members, but he encouraged them to help others who had worse damage.