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Closure of

Deerness West Church:

16 October 1994

REV. JOAN CRAIG

At the closure of the former Deerness West Church in Orkney, the status and use of buildings were and are contentious and painful issues in this part of the world. The service of closure acknowledged the pain but also the creativity and faith of the members in moving on with grace and thanksgiving – and to be a stimulus to other ministers and members trying to make meaning and note of a painful moment in their church’s history.

Flower festival and thanksgiving service

Opening

Who is able to build a house for God when heaven itself, the highest heaven, cannot contain him?

Prayer

God of love and power, you hold all souls in life. You bind together all your people in heaven and earth in one holy fellowship. We praise you for those who in their generation have been lights in the world, in this church and parish. We thank you for their courage and commitment, for their vision and generosity in establishing this place of worship. Help us to keep faith with them and their vision, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.