by Canon Martha K. Estes
Province VIII Representative, NECW
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
April 11, 2021, marks the special Sunday two community churches, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church and the Spirit of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, in the town of Big Bear City, California, in the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Pacifica Synod, began worship together. St. Columba’s was approached by the ELCA Spirit of Peace church council, with members and Synod approval, as a potential new location when their pastor retired, with a need to keep within their budget. This is a perfect partnership within The Call to Mission Agreement between The Episcopal Church and ELCA following God’s Christian Faith. Bishop John Taylor for the Diocese of Los Angeles and Bishop Andy Taylor for the Pacifica Lutheran Synod had proposed the joining of the two churches.
The Rev. Stuart Swann, Vicar of St. Columba’s, is enthusiastic about this partnership, stating, “It wasn’t a huge stretch to come together with the Lutherans. I will need to understand many of the nuances of the Lutheran policies. There will be some adaptations for both churches, but a real compatible merger.”
Founding member of Spirit of Peace, Nancy Hilliard, said this cost-saving measure will help funding go toward other Christian missions instead of rent and employing two pastors. “We have a long tradition of joining with other congregations for special services, project and outreach. Sharing or partnering can have a synergistic effect. Together we can accomplish more in the Big Bear Valley as a TEAM,” said Nancy with a smile.
A Partnership Work Project Team started on July 17 with participants from both churches as a joint venture as the two congregations meet together under one roof. This journey will be a time of transition and a deepening and enhancing of a long-standing relationship between St. Columba’s and Spirit of Peace. Meeting every other Saturday, these committed team members are addressing all potential considerations and challenges. As Nancy Hilliard stated, “There isn’t a handbook out there for church partnerships. You have to write your own long-term arrangements.”
Canon Clare Zabala-Bangao, Canon of Missions for the Diocese of Los Angeles, visited the team on August 14 with an emphasis on finance and budget. Having the help of the Diocese was very beneficial.
St. Columba’s started the steps to upgrade the sanctuary many years ago, creating a building fund in 2009. Canon Zabala-Bangao was connected with the construction, which finally began in 2020. Then COVID hit. Strong prayers from Rev. Stuart Swann and members were constant as construction commenced and COVID prevented in-person meetings. Expanding opportunities for worship and mission had been on Rev. Stuart Swann’s mind and in his prayers. “Then came the Lutherans!” Rev. Swann said. This is a “God’s wink!”
As a tangible sign of the collaboration, it was announced during Sunday service on September 12 that Spirit of Peace had quietly paid off the $45,000 mortgage, the only remaining debt for the building. So many prayers have been answered in persuasive fashion! The two congregations will be going forward as St. Columba’s Spirit of Peace Church.
The last five months have been an exciting time as the members of St. Columba’s have welcomed Spirit of Peace members on Sundays for services in the beautiful new sanctuary! All the major liturgical prayers are the same and communion looks very similar. “They would not have embraced this if they were not ready,” Rev. Swann said. “I think they say this is divine timing.”
Rev. Swann and others believe it was in God’s timing and plan. AMEN.
For further information about this Call to Mission visit the Episcopal Church’s website (episcopalchurch.org) and follow the ‘ministries’ then ‘ecumenical interreligious’ links.
The purpose of this Concordat of Agreement is to achieve full communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church. Our churches have set this goal in response to our Lord’s prayer that all may be one. Our growing unity is urgently required so that our churches will be empowered to engage more fully and more faithfully the mission of God in the world.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17