A couple of times recently I've been asked by people what we did when we closed our church building, and today am posting off a copy to someone not on email. Maybe there's a need for something people can access 'ready made' so I'm offering it here. Some of it is from other (acknowledged) sources, but most is my own work. Please feel free to adapt or use it but not either to pretend you invented it or to publish it for profit. It was my offering to God, I hope it helps you with yours...
Thanksgiving for Building
A couple of other ideas, with candles...
- At the start of the service a large candle is lit, at the end, each person lights a small candle and carries it out symbolising taking the Light of Christ out into the world or to a new place (courtesy of Stuart Jenkins)
- A candle is lit before the service, as the servcie prgresses, the story of the congregation is told and smaller candles are lit or extinguished as groups are born or die. At the end of the service the central candle remains, surrounded by candles that represent what is still 'live' and illuminated by the central Christ light; even if this congregation closes, the light burns on. (courtesy of Katie Baker).
I guess these last two could be combined if desired.
In my opinion, the most important thing was to make a clear, positive ending which centred on thanksgiving to God for past blessings rather than indulging in self pity. I think it succeeded - and two years later we are still here to talk about it!