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Bridging a River Creates New Congregation
MENOMINEE, MI (June 13, 2001) - About 100 years ago, two Covenant churches located in adjoining states, but less than two miles apart, were divided by a river - no bridges existed to connect the congregations.
Now, many years after cars and bridges have closed the river's divide, the two congregations are preparing to become one. The Evangelical Covenant Church of Menominee, Michigan, and First Covenant Church of Marinette, Wisconsin, voted at the end of April (on the same day and at the same time) to merge their congregations. The congregations anticipate an October 7 chartering service to mark the beginning of their expanded church family.
"There are a lot of things happening," said Dr. Mark Johnson, the Menominee pastor. "We started a (combined youth) group in January and have been successful in doing it together. We've also
gotten a couples Bible study going. And when the vote (to merge) came, there was about a 10-to-1 positive ratio (combined).
"I'm enjoying it - we're finding out how compatible we are," Johnson continued. "We have a ways to go, but it's been very good. It's exciting. I think we have a strong ministry going and we're hoping that one plus one equals a lot more than two."
The congregations have been examining this possibility for a year. A congregational survey taken at the Menominee church showed significant interest in a merger. The churches have engaged in prayer vigils and a study of the matter.
The two churches have been worshipping together the first Sunday of each month for the past
year, alternating locations. This summer, the congregations will worship together every Sunday, alternating buildings monthly.
Irma Malcolm, a 50-year member of the Menominee church, views the merger as a great opportunity for the congregations. "I think more things will be available for us," she said. "We'll
have a bigger choir, a larger children's program and more opportunities for outreach. We had talked about it (a merger) about 15 years ago. There's a younger group coming into the church and they're more willing to work things out. I know both sides are willing to work things out and the fellowship has been great."
A New Church Task Force has been established to oversee the merger with five committees evaluating various areas of a joint ministry. Facility needs for the future are also being studied.
The Evangelical Covenant Church in Menominee was founded in 1900 and has an average worship attendance of 60 people. First Covenant Church, founded in 1888, has a similar worship attendance average.
(Editor's note: Information for this story was provided by Beth Fredrickson, editor of the Central Conference Covenanter. For more information about the merger, contact pastor Johnson at 906-863-2753.
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