Vistula Christian Church Concludes Worship Life
Paul Koepke, right, pastor of Vistula Christian Church for 16 years, talks with a youth of the congregation.
Vistula Christian Church sits right on the border between Indiana and Michigan in Bristol. After 148 years of ministry, the congregation closed its life as a worshipping congregation on Sunday, November 28.
The church was organized at Motville, Michigan in 1862. In June 1873, the congregation relocated to Middlebury Station (now Vistula) in Indiana.
At the end of October, the remaining members of the congregation voted to close and decided that the celebration of their congregation’s life and ministry would take place on Sunday, November 28.
Participating in the service of remembrance, thanksgiving and deconsecration were Paul Koepke (pastor), Carolyn Reed (Associate Regional Minister) and Carl Kline (elder). Members shared memories during the closing circle that concluded the service of worship. Paul Koepke was also thanked for his 16 years of service to the congregation as pastor.
Present for the service was Blanche Kline, who at 101 years of age, is the oldest living member of the congregation. A carry-in lunch was shared by the 30 persons in attendance for this final celebration.
The congregation is in the process of selling the church building and making decisions about the distribution of remaining assets.
The Christian Church in Indiana gives thanks for the years of mission and ministry accomplished by this congregation. Their faithful witness will continue in the many lives touched through the life of this church.
