August 6, 2011 --When Two Congregations Became One

Thanks to All Who Made our “Two Becoming One” Service a Success.  On Sunday, August 6, 2011, the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking congregations joined together as one.  Our celebration included an infant baptism, four adult baptisms, and the joining of 23 new members into our combined church.  Afterwards, a wonderful potluck dinner was served to celebrate our new merger.

Thanks to Betty Pace (and others) for providing the pictures below.





























Below is the complete list of baptisms and new members—please welcome these new members when you see them in the future:

Infant Baptism
Josiah Manuel Cruz

Adult Baptisms
Hector Garcia
Maria Garcia
Maria Soledad Garcia
Jeffrey Saldana

New Members
Lyn T. Encarnacion
Norma R. Encarnacion
Rey F. Encarnacion
Rey F. Encarnacion, Jr.
Elizabeth Garcia
Hector Garcia
Ismael Garcia
Maria Garcia
Maria Soledad Garcia

Special thanks to the United Methodist Women, the Fellowship Committee, and the other people who contributed to make last Sunday such a huge success.  And good luck to our pastor, Merritt Waters, and our assistant pastor, Rev. Elizabeth Vega Santiago, as they continue to work through what it means to provide worship services and other programs in two different languages.
Maribel Gonzalez
Jose Hernandez
Marilyn F. Kriewald
William H. Kriewald
Abner Olmeda
Elizalet Olmeda
Jessica Rivera
Lyanne Rivera
Caroline Salana
Jeffrey Salana
Nivea Maribel Santiago
Geormy Torres
Juan Carlos Torres
Pastor Elizabeth Vega Santiago
The Praise Band included members from both congregations.Rick Phillips attende the service--his last prior to his pastoral assignment at Grace UMC in Plant City.Both infant and adult baptisms were conducted.Twenty-three new members were added--21 new Hispanic members as well as 2 new members to the English-speaking congregation.The Hispanic congregation's flags added to the general enthusiasm and joy of the service.The Hispanic congregation presented a religious dance.The cake presented at the after-service potluck.Special table centerpieces provided by the United Methodist Women.