Prayers for thanks, farewell

With a double baptism, words of remembrances and a few tears, Oswego Prairie United Methodist Church ended 162 years of service to the community with a closing service June 27.

Although average attendance had dipped to a dozen persons, about 200 people attended the service at the church at 1217 Wolf's Crossing Road.

Officiating were the Rev. KyungHae Anna Shin, church pastor, and the Rev. Warren Ebinger, a former pastor. His sermon topic was "A Time Capsule of Faith, Hope and Love."

In her declaration of purpose, Shin said, "The time has come for this congregation of Christ's holy Church, under God's leadership to disband and take leave of this building.

"It has been consecrated for the ministry of God's Holy Word and Sacraments. It has provided refuge and comfort for God's people. It has served well our holy faith.

"It is fitting, therefore, that we should take our leave of one another and of this consecrated house, lifting up our hearts in thanksgiving for this common store of memories."

The Rev. Diana Facemeyer, UMC Northern Illinois Conference Aurora District superintendent, gave the benediction.

After the service, a luncheon and celebration was held in the church's fellowship hall.

A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the church archives to Roger Matile, director of the Little White School museum in Oswego.

The Rev. Scott Field, pastor of Wheatland-Salem UMC in Plainfield, announced that his church will make Oswego Prairie a second campus. He said the Rev. Robert Butler has been named primary developer for the project with a goal of building a 300-member congregation in coming months. Sunday services will be announced Field said.

Pastor Shin closed the luncheon with a group prayer of letting go.

The church's time capsule was opened June 25.