It has been a few years since the members of the Evangelical United Methodist Church (EUMC) and the members of the New Holland United Methodist Church (NHUM) began joining together for activities. "We started doing more events together probably in 2019," said Ray Voran of the two congregations, both located along Main Street in New Holland. Voran is now pastor of Friendship Church, a United Methodist Congregation, formed when NHUM and EUMC officially merged on April 3.

Voran recalled that COVID-19 restrictions may have slowed down the union of the two congregations, but by 2022, a discussion about joining together as one church was underway. "In July of 2023, the two congregations began worshiping together on Sunday mornings," Voran stated. The congregants initially alternated between meeting at EUMC's building at 276 W. Main St. - where EUMC's congregation had met since about 1900 - for two weeks and gathering at NHUM, located at 120 W. Main St., for two weeks. That pattern continued until January, when the group began holding church at the 120 W. Main St. location at 9 a.m. each Sunday.

Church administrative council member Sandi Rapp said that the merger occurred when both churches held special charge conferences at the same time. During the conferences, the two congregations voted unanimously to merge, change the name, and accept a new mission statement. "There were subcommittees set up for the merger, and one of them was the name change committee," explained Rapp, who noted that the committee followed a process and narrowed down the name choices prior to the conferences.

"We wanted to make it clear we were starting a new church," said Voran of the new moniker. "We liked the message of the name." "Friendship" embodies some of the ideals of the mission statement, which reads, "Welcoming All to Know Jesus, Through Love and Service. A Place to Belong."

Friendship Church offers a free community meal in the church fellowship hall on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and a summer vacation Bible school that attracts up to 40 area children. The church traditionally holds a New Year's pork and sauerkraut fundraiser meal.

Rapp pointed out that the church holds several book sales a year. The next book sale will take place during the 2024 Christmas on Main event on Saturday, Nov. 30. Rapp added that all funds currently being raised will help to cover the cost of a new organ that was recently purchased.

Music is a focus of the newly formed congregation. "There's a lot of musical talent," noted Voran. Rapp added that one member loves playing the organ, while another prefers guitar, and others play drums and electric keyboards. She pointed out that the church has a bell choir, and Voran said that the adult choir plans to present a Christmas cantata.

Joining forces means the new church has double the number of members of either of the former churches. "When we combined, there was a lot of energy," said Rapp. "Everyone is getting along and loves what we're doing."

Voran stated that having more children join in the weekly service before they attend Sunday school has added excitement as well. "We don't have a ton of kids, but Sunday, we had 10 for children's sermon," Voran said.

In addition to church functions, the church is used by a number of local organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Groups, and the Lancaster County Office of Aging, which holds exercise classes at the church.

Readers who would like more information about the church may search for "Friendship Church" on Facebook. Individuals with specific questions may call 717-354-0226.