The merger vote is approved.

​It is official. On Sunday, June 8, 2025, both Encounter Church and Central Wesleyan Church of Jackson voted to merge our two congregations. We will be known as Encounter Church, and everyone will worship together in their building starting July 13th. The vote was very favorable at both Local Church Conferences (annual business meetings for those who are not familiar with the term). Out of a combined 116 member votes and 60 non-member votes, there were a total of 8 no votes. That is an approval percentage overall of 93% of members and 95% overall. 
 
Our final service at 119 North Webster will be June 29, 2025 with a meal served after church. On July 6th, everyone is invited to Winding Creek Camp in Hastings for a picnic together after the morning service at camp. 
 
I know this is an emotional time for many, as we will not be worshipping any longer at our building at Central. But, it is a move we are praying will bring huge benefits to our kingdom work here in Jackson. Central’s building will offer food and clothing more often for those in need, with the goal of offering it daily throughout the week. EC Counseling will move to 119 North Webster Street to better minister to the people living in the city of Jackson, and other recovery ministries will also meet inside the city at Central’s building. The future is bright! And our prayer is this building ministers as a community center for many years to come.
 
Please pray for this transition. It truly has been a process I believe God has led by the Holy Spirit and had His hand on the whole time. We want to continue to see this merger and partnership develop and bring greater good to Jackson. Encounter is a church striving to love God and love people, and that has been Central’s motto and goals for years. We can be and should be better together. 
 
My prayer is we quickly realize these strengths and get to work!
 
Pastor Bart