One merged congregation and two church buildings.  How will that work?

The real estate question in the decision by First United Methodist Church and Union Presbyterian Church to formally join their Powell congregations in a federated church was clarified this week by the sale of the Methodist Church.

“We are happy to announce that the Garland Community Church has agreed to purchase the United Methodist building and parking lot at Second and Bernard St.,” said Patty Wurzel, UMC council chairperson.

The Garland Community Church will house the Powell Christian School at that location. The buyers plan to take full possession of the facilities on July 1, 2024.

The Methodist and Presbyterian congregations are presently worshipping together at the Union Presbyterian Church building at Third and Bent streets.

“We are excited by the cooperative federation which will allow us to each remain associated with our founding religions while combining our congregations and resources to better serve and welcome others,” Wurzel said.

The merged congregation will be worshipping at 10:45 a.m. in the Presbyterian building through May 12. Worship will return to the Methodist building for farewell services on May 19 and May 26.

“We will have a deconsecrating service for closure of the Methodist presence at Second and Bernard streets at a date to be announced later,” she said. “We welcome one and all to join us. Our future is looking bright.”

Meanwhile members of the combined congregation are participating in “name the church” discussions, soliciting suggestions from the Presbyterian and Methodist membership for a formal name for the federated church. In separate written balloting in the two Protestant churches in December, the vote was nearly unanimous in each to come together as one federated congregation.