Service of thanksgiving marks closure of Fenland church
A service of thanksgiving was held yesterday (Sunday) for Outwell Methodist Church, following the decision of the congregation to close the church.
The service was led by the Rev Debbie Caulk, the Minister of Outwell Methodist Church and the Rev Adam Stevenson, the Superintendent Minister of the Fens Circuit.
Outwell Methodist Church opened its doors in 1963, following the closure of three Methodist Chapels in the village, who came together to build a new church on the site of the former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Isle Road.
During the service thanksgivings were offered for the many community activities that have taken place in the church over many years including, uniformed organisations, youth clubs, flower festivals, car boot sales, luncheon clubs and shows.
Rev Stevenson said: "Through it all has been a faithful worshipping congregation, who dedicated their lives and the activities to the glory of God."
Angela French, one of the members of the church read a poem she had written especially for the occasion and during the service pictures of church events and memories were projected.
Three special candles were also blessed, which will move with the members to the churches in the Methodist Circuit where they have transferred their membership: Upwell Methodist Church, Trinity Church, Wisbech and St James’ Church, Marshland St James.
Rev Stevenson added: “The covid-19 pandemic has of course had a material impact on many churches in the area but today we have gathered with friends from across the Methodist Circuit to give thanks for the life of this particular church, to cherish the memories people have made here, and to offer our praise and thanks to God for them. In our worshipped we remembered that God journeys with us always, and we continue the journey in new places with hope and confidence.”
The order of service for the occasion carried messages from previous Ministers of the Church and a prayer of dedication.
The service took place under a covid-19 risk assessment, so fewer people were invited than the church would have liked. A time of fellowship was shared outside afterwards.