From Three to Four: A New Chapter for the Community of Saints
Twenty-three years ago, three small independent ELCA churches in central Wisconsin entered into a partnership agreement to share a Pastor and other services but still maintain their individual identities. These churches were St. John’s Lutheran Church of Harrisville, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Crystal Lake, and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Richford. The combined three-point Parish was called the Community of Saints (COS) Parish.
After a period of trial and error, the COS Parish Board developed an annual budget to share expenses, based on baptized memberships, but continue to maintain their individual treasuries for the daily expenses of each individual church and congregation. The COS Board consisted of three representatives from each congregation, at least two of which were on the individual church councils.
Early in 2025, one of the congregations asked for a meeting of the COS Board and the Synod and informed them that their finances were being exhausted and would have to close their doors within a year. What followed was a series of planning meetings where all possible alternatives were discussed, and it was decided that the best option was to reach out to other area ELCA churches, especially those that were without a Pastor.
The COS Board and the Synod met with two area churches that might possibly benefit from such a partnership, and it was decided to pursue a possible 4 point Parish agreement with Prince of Peace of Coloma, who had been without a full time pastor for a number of years, and had been relying on supply pastors and lay people.
What followed was approximately six months of planning, involving numerous meetings, emails and phone conversations resulting in all four congregations approving a short term agreement for a four-month trial period, which could be extended on a month by month basis, if needed. A combined worship schedule was drafted that eventually ended up with two Saturday services, two Sunday Services (rotated monthly) with a once-a-month combined service rotated between the four churches. Those months that had five weekends, the 5th weekend would be a lay service.
After this trial period, with much publicity shared through newsletters and weekly reports at the individual congregations’ worship services, a long-term agreement was unanimously approved by all four congregations at their annual meetings in January and February of 2026 by modifying the three-point agreement from 23 years ago. This new four-point agreement has been sent to the Bishop for her signature.
A new combined worship schedule and budget was drafted and approved by the COS Board, and we have already been discussing, and in some cases implementing, joint four-point activities, such as an outdoor polka service, worship on the farm, formation of a choir and participation in local parades. Combined newsletters, Facebook pages, web sites, and other activities are also being considered.
Although this long term four-point agreement is new, it’s foundation was built upon an agreement that has withstood the test of time, and all of us are hopeful that this new relationship will strengthen our Christian values and commitments. We are also currently in the process of seeking out pastoral assistance through exploration of SAM (Synod Authorized Ministry) to help Pastor Blaine, as needed.
While we all put much work, time and prayer into becoming a four-point parish, we could not have done this without God guiding us along each step through the process. God led us through the long meetings and sleepless nights, and we are forever thankful!
