Shawano, Wisconsin UCC and Presbyterian churches are merging

“This is a huge leap of faith for both churches, but God has a plan, and we are taking it as it unfolds,” said Bob Smits, council president of Peace United Church of Christ Shawano, Wisconsin. He was speaking of the merger with Shawano First Presbyterian. “Change does not come easy, but we feel this will make both of our congregations stronger. Smits was voted as the new Board Chair of the new church.

The two churches recently met and decided on a new name for the new church, now called Fellowship Church of Shawano. “We have been in talks for about six months,” said Elaine Krohn, a member of First Presybyterian, and board vice chair of the new congregation. “Like a lot of churches, we have aging members, but we are hoping that combining our two will bring new people in and bolster both.”

Rather than choose one building or the other for the home for the newly formed church, both physical buildings have been put up for sale, with the idea of buying a new space that both can call their new home. “It will be a new location, a fresh start,” said Krohn. “We are excited.”

“The physical building issue is the biggest thing we are facing right now,” said Smits. “We are both excited, and nervous.”

They are looking at new locations now, and from now through November, church members will attend services alternating between the congregations. Peace UCC has had an interim pastor, who will be running all the services for now.

“Our goal is to be in our new combined home in the new year,” said Krohn.

“It’s a process,” agreed Smits. “But we are very hopeful for what the future will bring for us.”

---

Content on ucc.org is copyrighted by the National Setting of the United Church of Christ and may be only shared according to the guidelines outlined here.