Living Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church closes its doors

LIPTON, Sask. – Living Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church began on January 1, 1997, through the amalgamation of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lutheran Church–Canada and St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The congregation was accepted into membership in LCC in March 1997. On August 10, 1997, a new building was dedicated to the glory of God under the leadership of Rev. R. Zimmerman, followed by Rev. Wood and then Rev. Koch.

The Gospel was proclaimed and the Sacraments administered here for 25 years. However, for several reasons it became obvious that it was no longer viable to continue. At a congregational meeting on March 14, 2021, it was decided, with heavy hearts, that it was necessary to begin working towards disbanding the congregation and selling the building.

In his closing message, Rev. Koch encouraged the congregation to remain faithful to their Lord, and reminded them that even though they are no longer a congregation that worships together, each of them is still a part of the Lord’s church, and can go out into the community and shine, to be a beacon for Him as God enables them.

In view of this decision, all the church records dating back to the early 1900s would need to be sent to the respective synodical offices. The furnishings, Bibles, hymnals, and other items that could be used in the mission field would be sent to the office in Winnipeg.

The closing date was set for January 9, 2022. At that time, attending members received the furnishings and sacramental vessels and took them out of the church. The baptismal articles, the Bible, lectionary, and garments from the lectern and pulpit were removed. Then the missal stand, altar book, candle sticks, communion vessels, altar linens, paraments, and the crucifix were all removed from the building, and the congregation left the church. Rev. Koch then declared that the church building was closed as a place for divine worship services in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the doors were closed.

In his closing message, Rev. Koch encouraged the congregation to remain faithful to their Lord, and reminded them that even though they are no longer a congregation that worships together, each of them is still a part of the Lord’s church, and can go out into the community and shine, to be a beacon for Him as God enables them.                

Anita Reisdorf

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