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Massachusetts Conference Edition
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Federated Church of Warren uses closing funds to support ministryby Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane October/November 2007 It’s never a good feeling nor an easy decision when a church has to close. But when that decision is made with faith and expert advice, sometimes good things can emerge. The congregation of the Federated Church of Warren recently faced that decision, went through a long discernment process, and found ways to carry on ministry beyond the life of the congregation. “I was on the committee for over three years trying to save the church,” said Judy Rice, former clerk and member of the Federated Church. “We didn’t want to close, but we knew it had to happen.” As reported in a Spotlight e-newsletter article last year, the Federated Church of Warren sits on a raised perch above the town common. A casual observer might well assume that the large, historic, well-maintained building was the home of a large, vibrant congregation. However, on most Sundays, the building was nearly vacant. Money, attendance and energy levels were all low. The dedicated group who had been working to discern the direction for the congregation called a student pastor, Jennifer Munroe-Nathans, in order to keep the church open. Munroe-Nathans boosted the efforts of her parishioners by partnering with First Congregational Church of West Boylston – sharing meals, music, and ministries. But when the money ran out, and the building needed more attention than the 12 members could give it, it made sense to consider closing. Munroe-Nathans contacted the Massachusetts Conference early on so the closing could be positive. In fact they were able to have worship on Easter and Christmas; and in June, Minister and President Jim Antal was there to participate in their closing worship service. “Profound is how I would describe the service,” said Antal. “Of course there were profound feelings of sadness and memories. But there was also a profound recognition that this church has never stood alone, and the members are part of a larger fellowship of churches. Their legacy will continue to live on because their members will join other churches and the funds they distributed will amplify the witness of the church.” Andy Gustafson, Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development, helped the congregation with the closure process, offering legal and technical assistance in selling the building and distributing the funds. After arriving at the decision to close, the committee thought about the building itself and how any monies received could help in mission and outreach. “Obviously it’s a sad thing to see a church come to an end,” said Gustafson. “But, just as aging folks examine their own legacies, we looked at the legacy of the church – the faith and life lived out – and it made sense to leave a financial legacy to carry on the work of that church.” First, the committee wanted the building to be used for religious purposes only, and had that item stipulated in the selling agreement. An Evangelical/Episcopal group bought the building, and the Warren UCC committee sent flowers to decorate their altar for their first service – held less than a month after the building was purchased. Second, they wanted the money to help many of the programs they wished they could have supported before but didn’t have the funds. “When we met with Andy, I asked ‘isn’t there something we can do for New Orleans?’” said Rice. “We want to show that we still care.” The congregation of the Federated Church of Warren showed they care in many different ways. With the funds received by the sale of the building, they were able to support many ministries:
According to Rice, the committee also gave a gift of money to their pastor, Munroe-Nathans, to pay off her seminary student loans, so she ‘could follow her heart.’ After the process was completed, some of the congregation took a break from church – it was too overwhelming for them. Others went to other UCC churches in the area. Munroe-Nathans is candidating and awaiting a call. “It was clearly sad,” said Munroe-Nathans. “But we focused on the belief of resurrection. We don’t know what a new life will be like, but we know it will be there.” “We are walking in faith that positive things will come out of it.” “Despite all the emotions, though, I must acknowledge the help of the Massachusetts Conference staff. Andy helped guide us with the sale of the building and the financial issues. And having Jim Antal at our closing service really meant a lot. I don’t have the words to say what a blessing it was to me to be able to walk with them,” she said. “It was a very difficult process,” said Rev. Dr. Peter Wells, Associate Conference Minister in the Western Region. “I will give praise to Jennifer who led the congregation in a passionate way through this process so while closing their doors, they could keep their hearts open.”
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