By Amy Cherry

Daily Press Staff

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of St. Marys and Ridgway have announced a merger between the two congregations in an effort to increase attendance at religious services.

“Our goal is to provide the people of St. Marys and Ridgway the opportunity to come to share a personal faith with Jesus Christ,” according to Tom Bain, outreach pastor. “Parishioners will still have their choice as to what church to attend.”

According to Senior Pastor Don Hunter of the Ridgway church, Joe Toomey, director of church planning and development came up with the merger idea.

Toomey works with 150 Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches throughout the western PA district which encompasses an area just east of State College.

“The St. Marys congregation was declining in attendance and we were trying to figure out how to boost attendance. There was a need for reinforcing and bringing new life and ideas into the church,” Hunter added. “We see the merger as benefiting both congregations. Hopefully we’ll be able to help with the resources available at the Ridgway church.”

Currently the average attendance at Sunday morning services at the  St. Marys church stands at 30, with a total congregation size of 45-50.

In Ridgway approximately 160 parishioners attend Sunday services with a total congregation size of 200.

Each of the churches draws parishioners from different geographical areas. In St. Marys much of the congregation hails from Fox Township with one family traveling from Johnsonburg. Ridgway’s congregation includes parishioners from St. Marys, Johnsonburg, DuBois and Brockway.

The churches plan to merge into one overall congregation with Sunday religious services available at both church locations, a 9 a.m. service in St. Marys with a 10:30 a.m. service taking place in Ridgway.

According to Hunter the churches are currently in the process of working through the transition.

Bain said that planning for several group and individual outreach activities are also in the works within the next year.

Possible outreach events being discussed are a sporting activity and special occasion activities such as a father/son outing and continuing with the mother/daughter banquet. Bain added that the church would like to show it’s appreciation to local volunteer fire and police personnel as well.

“We’re praying to attract new people into both locations,” Bain said.

Hunter added that while sometimes the congregation runs tight with manpower, both churches pitch in by sharing their resources.

Hunter explained that several Ridgway parishioners have assisted at the St. Marys church as part of the worship team and ministry volunteers, particularly with the adult ministry program held every Wednesday afternoon, Sunday School and Bible study. Vacation Bible School for local youngsters takes place in Ridgway and has yet to be determined when it will be held in St. Marys.

“In Ridgway the merger opens the doors to become involved in the St. Marys community. We try to be very active within the Ridgway community and hope to do so in St. Marys,” Hunter said.

At this point Bain said the churches plan to give the merger a one-year trial period. After this time period, church officials will decided whether to continue to make adjustments to the system or allow the merger to become a permanent arrangement.

The  Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of St. Marys is 31 years old and is located on the Old Kersey Rd., adjacent to the Red Fern off the Million Dollar Highway. Bain has been a member of the Alliance Church staff for the past 10 years with 1.5 of those years in St. Marys.

The Ridgway church, located atop Bootjack Rd., is 75 years old and moved into it’s present building in 2003. Hunter has been involved with the Alliance Church for 21 years and has spent the past eight years in Ridgway.

In addition John Tracy has worked in both the St. Marys and Ridgway locations as the youth/worship pastor for the past three years.