Emphasis Preaching Journal

A struggling congregation, unable to find a new pastor who would accept their Letter of Call, slowly saw attendance and interest in the parish wane. In an attempt to get the attention of fellow members, a young adult wrote for the newsletter an article titled: "St. John Votes To Close." In the story the glorious 125-year history of the congregation was reviewed. The opportunity for ministry within its membership and the community was laid out in a vision of what might have been. The response was immediate! People rose up in anger, attacking the author of the phantom closing.