Peace United Church of Chirst to vote on future

The congregation at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester will be voting on its future on Aug. 7. The size of the congregation has been declining in recent years. With current pastor Doris Ruben retiring this week, the congregation will be deciding whether to bring in a part time pastor or whether to close the church entirely.

David Gumz who was a former member of the church said his family has had a long history at the church.

“The eight of us [Gumz] children were all baptized and confirmed at the church,” Gumz said. “We all attended Sunday school and the church was a big part of our lives growing up. As children, we would proudly put on our Christmas program in front of a packed congregation on Christmas Eve.”

In a July letter to members of the church, committee members said the average church attendance from the past year has been seven-12 people.

The fate of the church is in the hands of members on Aug. 7. They can either vote to try to find an interim pastor or part-time pastor or they could proceed in closing the church and have records and membership transferred to First United Church of Christ in Colby.

Teri Hanson met with members of the Peace United Church of Christ to assure that records and membership would transfer to First UCC of Colby if they decided to go that route.

The letter states, “The committee has met with two pastors from the UCC Conference of Wisconsin to discuss the options we have as a church. We were informed that it is not likely we would be able to find a new pastor. There are very few pastors in Seminary.”

Gumz said keeping the church alive is not only important to him, but his 83-year-old mother who has supported the church nearly her whole life.

“She very much enjoys hearing about the Church, names that are still familiar to her and that connection is very important to her,” Gumz said.

The vote will take place following the 10:30 a.m. church service. All members are welcome to attend and vote.