In a wide second-floor room at John Jay High School in Brooklyn, images of a cross, broken bread and a chalice overflowing with red wine decorated a large banner hanging between two columns. In front of it, a foldable table with a white cloth and a green runner bore a wooden cross and three silver chalices.

Sunday services were about to begin, but for many there, it would be a prelude to an unwelcome end: It was moving day for Park Slope Presbyterian Church.

About three hours after services ended, the room was practically empty. The remnants of the Sunday ritual were moved to the sidewalk in front of the building, a five-story red brick edifice on Seventh Avenue in Brooklyn. Plastic bins were stacked on wooden dollies, along with fans, chairs, speakers and drums.

The issue of using public schools for religious services has been a matter of debate for decades. Because of a recent federal court ruling that upheld a city policy of not allowing religious services in public schools, dozens of congregations throughout New York have been told that they must move; next Sunday will be the last time they will be allowed to rent space in schools for services.