Last night, (June 26, 2013) Rev. Ray Smith, Iowa District West LCMS Executive Assistant for Rural Ministry, preached for a joint Vespers Mission Festival at First Lutheran Church, Mount Ayr. The service was attended by members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Creston and First Lutheran Church, Mount Ayr.  Pastor Smith preached on our partnership in the Gospel and our oneness in Christ and the implications these gifts of God have for our communities (Phil 1:3-6).  There were about 50 members from both churches in attendance.  A catered meal was served prior to the service.  Pastor Jonathan C. Watt began the meeting with a devotion.  The primary purpose, as defined by the joint churches committee, was for the two congregations to begin the process of becoming more acquainted with each other as they look toward ways that they might together bring the Gospel to both communities.