Open house to thank community for support

New Sweden United Methodist Church is holding an open house from 2-4 p.m. May 6.

The open house is for everyone, and especially to thank the community in helping the congregation rebuild after a June 18, 2010, fire that destroyed the 1871 wooden beam church.

New Sweden United Methodists were in the new, one-level, handicapped accessible church on Nov. 6, 2011.

Last fall, in anticipation of moving back to their own church, the Rev. Dianne Brokken, pastor had said, ?This is not the full open house. We?re planning an all open house for the community, probably in the spring. We want to be in the building a while and get to know it. We?re coming up now on Advent and the holiday season. It?s better to plan it later.?

Brokken also said how grateful she and her congregation were to neighboring churches. The Methodists were invited to use New Sweden Lutheran Church and the Augustana Lutheran Church for services during the 16 months of displacement.

An ecumenical effort in August 2010 provided more support and options for Brokken?s congregation. Nine Fairfield area churches worked together, hosting a benefit and auction, which raised $10,800 for New Sweden United Methodist Church.

?The benefit allowed us to purchase additional land,? said Brokken, ?That way, we could rebuild a one-story building and eliminate stairs.?