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A Celebration of the Life and Mission of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Avon Park

By Pastor Carlos Ham

On Sunday, April 27, the congregation of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church in Avon Park met for the last time, to thank God and to celebrate its life and mission for more than 66 years in that location. It was a very special opportunity to give thanks for the ministry that has happened in its building, and for the people who have been fed and nurtured in the Christian faith there. Even as they marked the end of an era in one place, they acknowledged how they all are participants in God’s mission that continues beyond that day and those walls.

After Rev. David Thoresen delivered the sermon, the congregation gave thanks for the mission work they have supported and for the many lives touched by God's work through them. They expressed gratitude for the building that has long sheltered the people of Resurrection, praying that its memory would continue to inspire devotion to the God who makes all things possible. The moment also honored all who hold special attachments to this congregation—those who were baptized, nurtured in faith, confirmed, or married within its walls—asking that the Holy Spirit’s gifts continue to sustain them, even as the congregation's outward expression draws to a close.

The Lake Conference was represented in this Rite of Holy Closure by Pr. Lois Sorensen, dean, and by Mary Flekke, the lay chairperson. Pastor Carlos Ham, Director of Evangelical Mission (South) and Assistant to the Bishop, attended in representation of the Florida-Bahamas Synod and conducted the thanksgiving and the return of the means or symbols of God’s grace (the word, the baptism and the meal).

On April 18, 1959, both Resurrection, Avon Park and Atonement, Sebring were organized. In October of this same year, the property was purchased for the building of the church in Avon Park. Groundbreaking was held and the building was completed and dedicated in January 1961, when the congregations split and functioned separately.