As Larry stated in December, the Elders at Lakeside and we, your Elders, have agreed to use this year to pursue the feasibility of our two churches becoming one. Please understand that NO final decision has been made by either church in this regard. We are simply ready to embark upon a focused journey of discovery to examine the value of such a step.

Realizing that this is such a big task to consider, we have brought in Dr. Charles Siburt of ACU to assist us. Dr. Siburt is well known as somewhat of a "Church Doctor", counseling churches in various areas of church life and growth. He has helped churches go through the merging process. Just as important, at times, he has encouraged some churches to explore other areas of cooperation that did not include merger. Simply because he is working with us does not mean that he has an agenda to see a merger occur. Dr. Siburt's entire ministry is focused around helping churches determine what is in the best interest of the church and the community.

Last weekend Dr. Siburt spent time with the elders and ministers of both congregations to help us all approach a potential merger in the healthiest manner possible. It was time well spent, and we were very blessed by the meetings that were held. At the conclusion of those meetings, it was determined that our next step would be to select Feasibility Study Groups from each congregation. Representatives from each core flock will be named to serve on this task force. For example, our children's education, youth ministry, young families, middle age families, senior families, ladies ministry, and men's ministry will all be represented. Once this team has been established, we will publish their names so that you can provide them with your excellent feedback, which will enhance the process. The purpose of these teams is to work through issues that naturally come with the "blending" of families.

Once again, the emphasis this year is upon the process, and all interested members will be able to have a voice during this process. With that being our focus, we feel as though an appropriate decision will be a natural result.

We aslo realize that any time there are new things occurring, rumors tend to start. Therefore, both churches have established official communicators. For Mansfield it will be Lewis Stephenson and Al Crouch. For Lakeside this will be Richard Calhoun and another elder to be named later. If you do not hear it from them, you cannot assume validity to anything you "may have heard". Both churches are committed to giving statements often to let you know what is going on in the process.

Please be prayerful for the process. Also, please be prayerful for Dr. Siburt as he is currently battling a serious form of cancer and will undergo some crucial procedures in coming months.

WE, your elders, love this church and we want nothing but the best for you who worship here. Please keep us in your prayers as well.