BREMEN — Two long-standing Bremen churches have agreed that they really are better together, as a combined church conference Sunday, Feb. 22 voted unanimously to join Grace and Salem United Methodist churches as one. Warsaw District Superintendent Cindy Reynolds presided over the conference of about 120 church members that began with Isaac Watt’s eternal hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” and ended with the combined church singing in proclamation, “Holy Is The Lord.”

Three resolutions were introduced and affirmed during the meeting: That Grace and Salem discontinue as independent church entities effective June 30 for the purpose of creating one new United Methodist Church in Bremen; that the two churches unite all tangible and intangible assets and resources to create a new United Methodist Church effective July 1; establishes eight transitional leadership teams to fully develop and implement the recommendations and plans presented in the “Reports & Recommendations for One United Methodist Church in Bremen,” dated Nov. 16 and the associated Addendum dated Jan. 18.  These teams will serve through Dec. 3.
These teams are: Transition oversight team, trustees, staff-parish relations team, finance team, lay leadership and development, education, facilities and worship.
The process began in October 2007, when both churches agreed to consider joining together. After several months of prayer and self-examination, they voted on a joint mission and vision statement and a plan for merging. The new, as-yet unnamed United Methodist Church will be located at the current Salem site at 302 W. Plymouth St. A full assessment of both church facilities will be completed over the next few months.
The two churches have a history of engaging and helping transform the Bremen community. The Holy Walk, now in its 27th year, originated at Grace Church and Salem joined in almost from the start.
The two pastors, Rev. Bill Garver of Grace and Rev. Kevin Miller of Salem released a statement: “This is an exciting day for the two churches and the Bremen community.   Our history will live on and the ‘new’ church will fulfill greater needs and offer more options for everyone in Bremen.”