When the Egans lost their electricity during the snowstorm, it was their church family to the rescue.

Like many, the Rochester family was caught off guard by the severity of the snowstorm.

“I’m from Texas. We never lose electricity unless there’s lighting in the summer,” said Dawn Egan, who weathered the blizzard with her husband Scott and their four kids.

The family got texts and calls from members of their congregation, the Wareham-based Church in the Pines, including an invitation from the nearby Nelson family for dinner on Saturday night.

With no way to make a hot meal for their family, Scott and Dawn didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Although Tom and Lynn Nelson didn’t have electricity either, they did have a wood stove to keep warm and a gas grill to cook.

Joined by the Nelson’s neighbors, the group pooled their resources and made a dinner for 12 with summer corn from Cervelli’s Farm and pork tenderloin.

In deciding what to cook, Scott said, “We had to figure out what was going to thaw first.”

With their bellies full, the Egans spent Saturday night in their basement, which was the warmest part of the house. But with the first floor temperature dropping to 40 degrees, Scott and Dawn packed up their kids, some bacon, and headed back to the Nelsons for breakfast.

“They were wonderful and so gracious,” said Dawn. “When they realized we were cold, they asked us to stay over.”

Scott agreed. “Without the Nelsons being there, we wouldn’t have had any way to warm up.”

The power outage gave the family a chance to spend time together unplugged, including a night huddled around Lincoln Logs by candlelight.

The Egans also spent an afternoon sledding to help the kids work out some of their energy before camping in the Nelson’s living room on Sunday night.

Besides being grateful for the hospitality of their friends, Dawn said the experience reminded her of those who live without clean water and electricity all the time.

“It was really humbling,” she said.

With their electricity back on Monday morning, Dawn has been checking on friends in the area who might need a warm meal and a hot shower.

And the first ones scheduled for a visit? Their faithful neighbors the Nelsons who are still waiting for power.

“There are so many things you take for granted. Now I want to pay it forward,” said Dawn.