LISA HELFERT
Patchwork congregations E
LCA congregations nationwide have transformed their ministries by partnering ecumenically. “God is certainly working a patch- work in the church, bringing together various parts to work together ecumenically; not only to start new congregations, but also to renew and lead toward the health and vitality of our existing congregations,” said Neil Harrison, ELCA program director for congregational renewal. For example: As Salem English Lutheran
Church, Minneapolis, struggled with declining membership and the rising costs of maintaining its large facility, members wondered if “the glory years of ministry may be over,” recalled Jennifer Nagel, pastor. “Live or die was the question and a real place for discernment. We could fin- ish our ministry and celebrate many years of dedicated service, or we could intentionally choose to live
24 The Lutheran •
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differently, not quite knowing where God was leading.”
In 2006 the congregation shuttered its facility so it could divert resources that normally went toward the cost of upkeep to invest more in mission and outreach. It also freed the congrega- tion to partner with nearby congre- gations: Lyndale United Church of Christ and First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The partnership culminated in the formation of SpringHouse Ministry Center, a hub with three worship areas, and shared Sunday school, youth ministry programs, justice activities and staff. Today the shell of Salem’s sanc- tuary houses the center, with the remaining building demolished for a mixed-use development, including 63 units of affordable housing, under- ground parking and retail.
When Marshfield [Mass.] United Methodist Church closed its doors in
In Pennsylvania, Caring Cupboard vol- unteers Rachel Crum (left) and Lamya Qulad El Fakir prepare food bags for hungry schoolchildren. Once packed these bags are then delivered to local schools.
2009, the New England Synod called Mark Huber to develop a congrega- tion in town. As the mission devel- oper began networking with resi- dents, he befriended Rick McKinley, a local UMC pastor.
Little did the two know their friendship would eventually lay the foundation for what McKinley now calls “a model for other churches to partner as one body of Christ.” Sanc- tuary—a congregation that melds Lutheran and Methodist traditions— is “living into a new shared vision to create sacred spaces, connect people to God, and respond to all that God is already doing in Marshfield and the world,” Huber said.
The congregation has revitalized with growth in membership and mis- sion activities, like packaging more
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