How to close a church well — A sermon

Sermon Notes at the Closing of St.Andrews Trinity East from the Right Rev. John Watton, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Central Newfoundland

My friends, I’ll be honest.

Throughout the three dioceses in Newfoundland and across the country, we will face increased Church closings. It’s hard to talk about, let alone live through it.

When it comes to making a tough, heartbreaking decision about our buildings, many of us “live” through a bombardment of suggestions and strategies from “helpful” outsiders, especially when the closing is made public. It’s been pretty quiet here about St. Andrews.

We know the time has come to stop asking “Did we try this?” or “What went wrong?”

Friends, let me tell you that The church is not dying.

We are resurrection people who know that resurrection comes only after death. Therefore, closing a building requires great faith in the promise of resurrection.

St. Andrews has served as an outward sign of faith and commitment in this place, and we will leave it today to go into the world as disciples of Jesus to do our ministry. This building is telling us… it is time. There are other buildings in this parish where fellow Christians need you and want you to join them.

Do you remember the story of the women at the end of Mark’s Gospel, who knew the power of Jesus and his promise of the resurrection, yet still fled the empty tomb in fear?

Do you remember in St.John’s Gospel, The story of Mary Magdalene weeping in the garden, but finally recognizing Jesus when he called her by name.

He calls us by name.. to follow him.

Let me remind you: Nobody here has been abandoned. A Church Closing is not an indication that God has abandoned us or that we have abandoned God.

The Holy Spirit faithfully opens us to new possibilities. Today we are invited to focus on a relationship with our living Lord.

The Holy Spirit trusts that our decisions and movement outward from today are deeply rooted in our trust in God’s great faithfulness and commitment to us.

So let us give our

• Gratitude for the History of St. Andrews. Thank God for the holy memories, baptisms, funerals, and weddings held here, and for how each brought comfort and gave strength for what was next.

• Think of all the moments when forgiveness was asked for and received here. A time when past conflicts and burdens were released. Think of that as we release this building.

• Let us look forward, knowing that God has a new future and will help His people take the light of their faith to new communities and new environments.

So, with gratitude and faith, we can also thank God for our transition from a physical building to a dispersed ministry.

Our God is the author of new beginnings and the church is the people of God, not the building itself, and the mission goes out from this building into the world.

We will go into love and peace to serve the lord.

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