Members voted August 9 to close the church, which has an average weekly attendance of about 35 people. The church was established in 1961. At one point it had a weekly attendance of at least 300 people.
Three small groups will be formed to help members through the transition period. Special worship themes will include “Letting Go in Order to Go Ahead” and “How to Choose a New Church.”
The church’s preschool and other outside programs will continue to operate at least through summer 2010, says Stan Hagemeyer, who has been the interim pastor since February. Those contracts could possibly be renewed.
Hagemeyer told the local newspaper that the preschool is at near full capacity, pointing out that the decision to close the church will not negatively impact the fall session.
The Great Lakes Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church will manage the property and negotiate its sale. The conference will use the proceeds from the sale to plant new churches.
The church is planning several events, including an Appreciation Sunday on October 4 and a banquet on October 10 for members and friends.
All former members are invited to attend the special events and worship service and submit a paragraph sharing how they were blessed while at the church. Paragraphs may be emailed to the Hudson church office.
For more information, call the church at 330-650-0564.
