06/09/2023
Closing Declaration
On June 4, 2023, Calvin Presbyterian Church worshipped together for the last time. Like so many churches founded in the 1950’s, we experienced a surge of growth and vitality for several decades—years filled with vibrant worship, deep
commitment to local and international mission and service in God’s name, and joyful, caring fellowship.
Although our membership has been in steady decline over the past 10 years, we have remained a committed group of members who, though growing increasingly elderly, have stayed loyal and supportive to the church’s mission.
We are grateful for the blessing of our time together, and we give thanks for the years of faith-building and empowerment that God has encouraged in this place.
But times change and needs evolve. Rather than fritter away our resources in a futile attempt to hang on indefinitely, we made the conscious choice to be intentional about our closing.
We sold our church building to a growing young congregation, for it was our earnest desire that the building continue to be used as a worship center, the purpose for which it was built. Our new landlords took over the facility and graciously allowed us to continue as a congregation for as long as we remained viable.
We took a full year to celebrate our legacy and mourn our disbanding, all the while continuing to lean into our faith and open our hearts and minds to new possibilities as we scatter to seek new church homes.
And we distributed the proceeds from the sale of the building to dozens of non-profit organizations in Clermont County through rounds of $10,000 grants. In that way, even as our own life cycle comes to a close, the spirit and essence of our congregation lives on.
Remaining strong and unified to the end, we give thanks to God for the life we have shared in this place, and for the clarity and provision of the Holy Spirit in guiding our coming in and our going out.
May the richness of our past nourish the seeds planted in this place, however and wherever else they may take root.
To God be the glory.
~ written by Elder Marty Nordsieck
