by Rev Dustin Burrow, Trinity UMC-Clovis

It all began on Ash Wednesday, when I visited Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (TELCA) in Clovis to receive ashes from another pastor. That’s where I met Rev. Eric Saed, who had faithfully served TELCA for eight years. We connected quickly, and by the end of our conversation, he said, “I think you’re what I’ve been praying for.” When I asked what he meant, he explained that Church Mutual would no longer insure their property after May due to the condition of their roof, and with no funds to make repairs, the congregation would likely run out of money by summer’s end. “I’m looking for someone who will take care of my people,” he said.

From that moment, a spirit of collaboration and care began to emerge. TUMC-Clovis, TELCA, and FUMC Portales shared in a joint Maundy Thursday service, with Rev. Saed bringing several TELCA members. They deeply appreciated the spirit of our United Methodist community, and soon after, Eric and I arranged for our respective leadership teams to meet. Although initial lunch plans fell through, we moved forward with the idea of a joint Pentecost worship service at TUMC, and I informed our congregation that TELCA would be joining us.

On Pentecost Sunday, we had 67 people in worship—about 12 from TELCA. The energy was joyful, and several leaders from both congregations gathered for lunch afterward and found immediate connection. That very afternoon, TELCA’s council thought to begin worshipping with us the following Sunday to give Rev. Saed some much-needed rest in anticipation to his next call (ELCA language for Appointment). In time, TELCA decided that their final worship service would be the last Sunday of July. On the first Sunday in August, eight TELCA members joined our service at TUMC. Throughout August we’ve had as many as 11 from TELCA join us.

To help foster a sense of belonging, we invited TELCA members into our weekly Summer Activity Nights, which included bowling, tacos and trivia, a homemade ice cream social and contest, karaoke, and mini golf. One TELCA family, the Kellys, shared that these events made their transition into our community easier and more joyful. I also sent a letter to TELCA encouraging their members to find a spiritual home and assuring them that they would be welcome at TUMC. (I’ve attached a copy of that letter.)

Many in my congregation had once identified as “refugees” from what is now First Global Methodist Church-Clovis, so they resonated deeply with TELCA’s situation. In solidarity and welcome, we brought over several sacred items from TELCA’s space into ours—banners, communion ware, altar pieces, the Paschal candle, hymnals, and artwork.

For their first Sunday with us, I wrote a special communion liturgy that acknowledged the grief of losing a worshiping community while affirming the hope of new beginnings. In our first hymn sing as a newly expanded congregation, we included hymns from both traditions—including one or two from the Lutheran hymnal. I’ve also invited TELCA’s Parish Lay Minister (their equivalent of our Certified Lay Minister) to help lead our “Prayers of the People” alongside TUMC lay leaders.

This past Sunday, I encouraged our congregation to attend TELCA’s Service of Holy Closure. Several key leaders came with me to honor TELCA’s faithful legacy. (I’ve attached a photo of me with nearby ELCA clergy.)

This journey has been both exciting and deeply meaningful. One of my parishioners has already mentioned another nearby church that may be nearing closure, and how we might once again offer a welcoming church community. If anything develops, I’ll be sure to keep Ross and Bishop Carlo informed.

We’re sharing stories of our churches and people leaning into the Conference Missional Priorities. Collaboration for Connection in Community is one of those priorities. If you have stories of crossing “permeable boundaries,” please email them to: alli@nmconfum.com.