How Two Churches Became One.

In the Spring of 2011, Shepherd of the Hills adopted a Covenant for Cooperative Ministry with Santa Margarita UMC, outlining the relationship between SMUMC and Shepherd of the Hills during the 2011-2012 fiscal year. During this time, the two churches remained separate entities, but began the process of sharing some ministry, staff and structures. The Covenant spelled out the business plan of how the two churches would begin working together rather than in isolation.

In July of 2012, the two churches merged. The new merged church is called Shepherd of the Hills UMC and retains its status as a California corporation. Budgets and staffing are unified.

By taking these steps, our two churches have become more effective in ministry together than apart. That is what this is all about–being effective in reaching our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us all continue in prayer toward that end.