CENTERBURG – Grace Lutheran Church of Centerburg has announced that after 75 years of witness and service, it will soon bring its ministry to a close.
Grace started in 1946 at a chapel in Rich Hill. The church relocated to its present location at 182 West Houck St. in Centerburg in 1951. Over its history, it has been not just a house of worship for its members but has also been a home to two pre-schools, HeadStart, local scout troops, after-school youth programs, AA, Moundbuilders and the CenterPointe Church. The church has actively supported local agencies like Interchurch Social Services, Centerburg Senior Services, the Salvation Army and Serve the Burg. It has also provided music worship outreach to local nursing homes and had served fresh sweet corn at the Old Time Farming Festival as a fundraiser for many years.
The church building and associated land have been donated to become the new home to the Centerburg Senior Services (CSS) agency, currently operating out of the old Centerburg High School building on Preston Street. It provides a wealth of services like Meals on Wheels, house cleaning, wellness programs and transportation to doctor appointments for seniors living in Centerburg Village, Hilliar, Liberty and Milford townships.
Lisa Wilson, director of CSS, said she is thrilled with the opportunity of having a new location.
"I cannot express my gratitude enough to the congregation of Grace Lutheran Church for thinking of Centerburg Senior Services when it came time to sell their church," Wilson said. "It is bittersweet to me, though. On one hand, I'm ecstatic for all the opportunities this will give CSS, but on the other hand, my heart breaks for Grace Lutheran Church members. Grace Lutheran has been so kind to CSS over the last few years, and I have come to know some of them very well."
The church’s remaining monetary funds will be distributed among local ministries, social agencies and community service projects as selected by the congregation. The church furnishings and religious items are being offered to other churches expressing a need. All remaining household items will be offered to the public at an indoor sale to be held at the church on Nov. 13 for a goodwill donation.
Once a thriving congregation, Grace’s membership has slowly but steadily dropped. The Rev. Christena Lutz of Gahanna has served as Grace’s part-time pastor since November 2015.
"Despite our small numbers, the desire our people have to serve God and serve our neighbors remains strong," Lutz said. "They will take that heart for ministry to various congregations in Central Ohio. It's my hope that they will be a light in their new church homes, bringing new perspectives and new ideas for ministry wherever they go."
The last regular Sunday morning worship is scheduled for Nov. 14. A final church-closing worship service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m., led by Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt. It is to give thanks for the many years that Grace has existed, to recognize the service Grace has done in the community and to send the members to continue their service in other faith communities.
Grace Lutheran Church is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
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