Saying goodbye to fellow worshipers, pastors and guests at churches is a common occurrence, but this Sunday it will be the people who say farewell to their church.

Local Christians will officially say goodbye to Fellowship United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m. this Sunday during a short remembrance and moving-forward service at that church, 1811 Seventh Ave. SE, Austin.

Fellowship United closed in September 2010, and the Austin Public School District purchased the property in December for the new fifth- and sixth-grade school.

Pastor Marilee Benson of the First United Methodist Church and former Fellowship Pastor Dennis Tamke will lead the service.