Merger plan drafted, voting dates set

/in , /by

The proposed merger of Falcon Heights Church UCC and New Life Presbyterian Church has moved into a new phase. The churches’ joint Merger Steering Committee has drafted a Plan of Union that will be brought forward to the governing bodies of both churches for approval, with congregational votes on July 13.

Read the final draft Plan of Union adopted by both governing bodies.

Three rounds of approval will be needed for each church and denomination:

  • Approval by the Executive Board (FHC) and Session (NLPC)
  • Congregational approval
  • Denominational affirmation (UCC)/approval (Presbyterian)

Once approved by all levels for each church, we will then be free to conduct all the remaining execution activities for our merger and begin operating together as a new church in January 2026.

Timeline of key merger activities

May – Preparing our governing boards/congregations for the upcoming decisions.

–The Plan of Union document is shared with NLPC’s Session and FHC’s Executive Board at their respective board meetings (May 20 for FHC, May 27 for NLPC). Each respective governing body then has one month to review this document.

–Both congregations are also informed of the Plan of Union, the timeline, and of the timing of the Special Congregational Meetings on July 13 (see below).

June 17/24 – The Plan of Union is voted on by NLPC’s Session and FHC’s Executive Board at their respective board meetings (June 17 for FHC, June 24 for NLPC).

July 13 – Each congregation holds a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 13, to approve it as a congregation.

Aug. 9 – After the July 13 vote, FHC informs the UCC Conference. The merger is then affirmed by the UCC Conference Board of Directors at their regular meeting on Aug. 9. (Note: the UCC Conference does not need to vote to “approve” the merger like the Presbytery does; rather, they simply formally “affirm” the approved motion we share with them, and record it into their minutes.)

Sept. 11 – NLPC gains approval from the Presbytery for the merger in their official Presbytery meeting on Sept. 11.

September – December – The two congregations continue to execute the detailed plans described in the Plan of Union (e.g., governance, financials, creation of a new legal entity, merging of committees).

January 2026 – The birth of a new church!