SHORELINE — Two churches recently merged, and if strength in numbers is any indication, they have commenced a variety of projects aimed at reaching out to the community.
The effort may even meet the requirements of praiseworthy.
“By doing these things, we want to meet practical needs, but also demonstrate the love of Jesus in tangible ways,” said associate pastor Sam Harsin. “By doing so, we hope those in our community will know that we are open to dialogue and association.”
The two churches — Shoreline Christian Church and Northwest Church of Christ— combined to form Northwest Church. They officially merged Sept. 12 and now have more than 500 members in the congregation.
Once united, church members began discussing projects in conjunction with a 40 days of Community Program. The purpose is to create a greater sense of community in the church and around the church, according to Harsin.
Peter Wilson, who began attending Northwest Church of Christ seven years ago, has been involved in the merging of the two churches, and has also participated in the outreach programs. He said the 40 days of Community Program coincides with the merging of the churches.
“The 40 days of Community activities are not necessarily part of the joining of the churches,” Wilson said. “But it perfectly coincides with the churches coming together.”
On Nov. 13, more than 15 church members cleaned up the grounds at Shorecrest High School, removing dead materials, weeding and cleaning. Members also formed teams to collect food and household items from grocery stores.
Wilson said although this project would have still taken place, there would not have been as much involvement had the churches not merged.
“There would not have been the same amount of attendance,” Wilson said. “The neat thing is, I don’t really identify the members of the other congregation, they are just new members.”
Other projects include a collection for troops, a coat drive and providing food to local families through the holidays.
“Part of the focus on 40 days is not just to make a one-time event,” Wilson said. “But to try to see what lasting impact we can have.”
The Northwest Church of Christ was founded in 1902, and the Shoreline Christian Church began serving Seattle in 1962. The combined congregation meets at the Northwest Church of Christ, located at 15555 15th Ave. NE, in Shoreline.
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