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Central Okanagan United Church is announcing its official re-opening in Kelowna.
Central Okanagan United Church is an amalgamation of the former First United Church, Rutland United Church, and St. Paul’s United Church congregations.
The new congregation recently unveiled the installation of its official name on signage at its three church venues on Bernard Ave, on Fitzpatrick Road and on Gordon Drive.
“We were at a pivotal moment in time,” said Rev. Ivy Thomas, one of the ministry leadership team at Central Okanagan United Church.
“Each of our congregations were in some form of transition and the Spirit was encouraging us to think outside the box of familiarity we were each in. As the three congregations met to discuss how we could best serve the Central Okanagan and the wider world, we discerned that an amalgamation of our gifts, skills and properties would provide us the opportunity for a far reaching and long-term ministry in the Central Okanagan.”
The process itself was about two years in the making, culminating in the formal amalgamation on July 1. 2021.
“I have helped with numerous congregational amalgamations over the years but assisting one that is being undertaken almost entirely on zoom has been unique," said transition consultant Rev. Louise Cummings.
The amalgamation brings together close to 400 households that were part of the three former congregations, making Central Okanagan United Church one of the largest United Churches in the region.
The new church is supported by a complement of 14 full and part-time staff.
“We have a few more hurdles ahead,” said Terry Welsh, co-chair of the church’s board.
“Two members of our ministry team are completing their contracts at the end of April, and we have launched the recruitment process for their replacements. We are on a new journey together to discern the role of our facilities to support our mission, as well as to get to know one another in the midst of a pandemic.”
