New Jerusalem United Church of Christ, Fleetwood, hosted a Closing Worship Service on Nov. 19.
The congregation at New Jerusalem UCC voted on Oct. 1, 2017 to accept a resolution to hold a closing worship service and approve a proposal for The RealChurch 516 to occupy its property at 33 Lyons Road, Fleetwood.
New Jerusalem UCC dates back to 1841, and were in a union relationship with New Jerusalem Lutheran Church until the dissolution in 1997. They have been worshipping in the present location since 1998. The Rev. Corrine Dautrich has served as the Supply Pastor since January 2017.
Pastor Earl Wise, The RealChurch 516, and the leadership team are excited for the opportunity to move into the church and make it their own. The RealChurch 516 recently celebrated their first year anniversary. They presently worship at the Dunn Community Center in Exeter Township.
At the Closing Worship Service, The Rev. David Lawton, The Rev. David Siegfried, The Rev. Dr. James Killian, The Rev. Dennis Schappell, The Rev. Jams Dunn, all previous pastors who served New Jerusalem, were present for the service.
There was a special liturgy ending the church’s relationship with the Covenant Association, and The Rev. William Worley, Conference Minister, brought greetings from the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was observed. There was a litany passing the symbols of the church to The RealChurch 516.
Bruce Schlegel, Consistory President, presented Tom Wright a donation from the congregation towards the Fleetwood Food Bank, which Tom Wright directs. A donation was also given to the Brandywine Food Bank. An offering was given towards the Brandywine Heights Community Task Force towards Opioid issues in the community.
Following the service was a buffet dinner at Janelle’s Catering Hall, Mertztown.
