GENOA, Neb. -- 139 years. That is how long Genoa United Methodist Church has been serving the people of Genoa an on Sunday, June 25, they will host service for the final time. 

It was a church of only six members… and now the services have finally ceased. 

“We saw the congregation,” Pastor Connie Kramer said. “We've had a lot of people pass away, a lot of people moved to the nursing home, we've had a couple move out of town and that left us with about six active members and they are just burned out.”  

The Genoa Council met with the District Superintendent to draw an outline of what direction the church needed to take; which ultimately led to them being shut down. 

“It’s sad,” Kramer said. “It really is because it was such a tradition and a lot of these people have gone to this church starting from baptism until elderly. It is just a sad occasion. It's happy, but sad.”

There is no current plan to start up a new congregation, but that doesn’t keep Kramer from being able to provide suggestions for new churches to members. 

“Well the congregation can basically decide what they want to do individually from here,” Kramer said. “A lot of elderly don’t really want to go out of town for church so some will seek membership in area churches here in Genoa. Otherwise we are more than happy to help them find another church to attend.”

With the church being around for over nearly three generations, the congregations may be small, but to them, it is like a family. 

“This church is really family-oriented and we have all grown together,” Kramer said. “I mean, with such a small congregation, you get to know everybody. You know their children, you know their families, you meet for coffee and fellowship and it’s just a strong tie and it has meant a lot to me to be here."

The final service will be held this Sunday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m.