For over 100 years the congregation of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has faithfully proclaimed the gospel in word and deed, served those in need, and officiated marriages, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals for hundreds of its members in Collingswood and surrounding communities. The Collingswood Food Pantry at St. Paul’s had been a beacon of hope for the food insecure of the community before the aging out of its volunteers necessitated its ministry being transferred to the Collingswood United Methodist Church last year. For the last two years Pastor Wayne Zschech has served as their Vice Pastor and worked with the leadership to stem the tide of member attrition and stir up the spirit of being a missional congregation. However, with the availability of calling even a part-time pastor slim at best the reality of continuing ministry beyond a few more years became an unavoidable reality and on December 3 the congregation voted to discontinue its ministry and dissolve the congregation.
On Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 in the afternoon St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Collingswood will hold its Closing Worship with Bishop Tracie Bartholomew in attendance. Local pastors and former members of the congregation are invited to attend to celebrate the ministry this congregation has faithfully provided for over a century. Additionally, at their Legacy Workshop the members voted to have The Lutheran Church of Our Savior serve as their Shepherding Congregation and Pastor Wayne Zschech as their Shepherding Pastor. At the Closing Worship St. Paul’s parish register will be presented to our congregation as the remaining members would then become members of Our Savior. The Fellowship Together Ministry Team is already preparing a welcome luncheon on May 9 for those who choose to continue their membership at Our Savior and get to know some new faces as well as old friends. Stay tuned to the May Messenger for details on the luncheon and pray for the congregation as they prepare for their Closing Worship on April 27.
