Joint Committee Meets.

• (Creston, IA) On January 27 a joint committee of members from Trinity Lutheran Church, Creston and First Lutheran Church, Mount Ayr met to discuss the possible merger of the two congregations. The meeting began with a Bible study on the unity and necessity of the church and the pastoral office. Rev. Jonathan C Watt, pastor at Trinity, then addressed the committee suggesting the following guidelines: The committee should proceed with the assumption that there will be a merger.
  • The decision to merge will be up to both congregations. The major question before the committee is how best to accomplish the possible merger.
• The committee should proceed with the assumption that there will be objections in both congregations.
  • There will be valid objections and concerns in both congregations regarding a possible merger. The committee should attempt to answer as many of those concerns and objections as possible.
• The committee should proceed with the assumption that there will be a division between the congregations.
  • The committee should identify ways to remove the natural "us" and "them" outlook in both congregations. So that, the two congregations can serve both communities as one unified congregation.

Pastor Watt also instructed each of the congregations to bring to the next meeting a list of their assets and strengths for discussion. The committee elected Mike Lang from Trinity as chair. The next meeting will be held February 24 at 2:30 PM in the First Lutheran Church, Mount Ayr Fellowship Hall.