Press Release - New Church Name

Most of you have seen this in the paper, but I'll post a copy here as well.

Carlisle United Methodist Churches Select Name

Carlisle, PA – December 14, 2012 – The three downtown churches in Carlisle – Allison, First and Grace – voted to unify on March 4, 2012.  Following balloting in all three congregations on November 18 and December 9, the name of the new unified church will be Carlisle United Methodist Church.

In early November, all members were encouraged to submit names for the new church.  By the week before the November 18 vote, over 180 names had been suggested.  The tally of those votes indicated two clear favorites but neither approached a majority of those who participated in the voting.

The new name was announced by the lead pastor, Rev. Jim VanZandt, at the joint church conferences conducted on Sunday evening, December 9.  Earlier at each church’s services, members voted on the final selection.

The three congregations will continue to worship separately through the first half of 2013 with periodic services – such as the combined services at Allison on December 30.  The target date for the first unified service is July 7, 2013.  Grace will serve as the transitional site for Carlisle United Methodist Church. 

A newly organized and elected Leadership Council shall end the transitional status of the new church by determining and recommending the permanent worship site as soon as a qualified recommendation is proposed by the site selection focus group.  This will be no later than July 2016.  A congregational vote shall follow to affirm or reject the recommendation of the Leadership Council.

Applause greeted the announcement of the new name which had garnered sixty-three percent of the votes cast.

Contact:

Jim VanZandt

jvanzandt@susumc.org