On December 30, 2007, an Episcopal church on the southwest side that has been in the community for 129 years closed its doors. And there is no clear plan for what will happen next. In fact, the church officially "secularized" the building (whatever that means) in its closing service.
St. Paul's in Wicker Park on North Avenue also had their last worship service on Sunday. The church has been there for 115 years!
What is happening with the Episcopal church building now? Do these communities still need to be reached even though this churches have sadly ended its ministry? Who's telling the hopeful story that other churches are being revitalized in Chicago?
I want you to see and realize that Dechurchification is not a past tense issue--it just happened again a week ago in two places here in our city, Chicago. And with every church that closes and does open again, revitalized, Chicago loses. I want Chicago to win. I want Jesus to win in Chicago.
Hey Kevin,
The permanent closing of Church doors never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure that many more are on the brink...the edge...of throwing in the towel and thinking that there just aren't anymore options. My prayer is that churches that feel they are on the edge of closing their doors would realize that the edge doesn't necessarily mean the end...but just maybe the beginning -- an opportunity for something Fresh and New. After being a part of three restarts, two of which I was intimately involved...I've become a firm believer that what looks like the death of a church could very well be the closest to a fresh start then they have ever been before. Oh, God increase our faith - help us to see with your eyes and to have a true Kingdom mentality. Peace - appreciate your blog!
Posted by: John Palmieri | January 08, 2008 at 09:38 PM
God mourns with us as we stand jaw dropped at news like this. God's will will prevail.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 09, 2008 at 09:31 AM