The three churches, St. John’s of Taunton, St. John the Evangelist of Mansfield and St. Mark’s of North Easton, have been in a “cluster” relationship since the early 1990s, sharing a priest and often gathering together for services during the summer months.

With small congregations and aging buildings, the churches of the Bristol Cluster voted in September 2013 to begin the merger process. The churches have been worshipping together since October of this year, rotating between the three church buildings for weekly services and other activities. Average Sunday attendance for the combined congregation is around 70.

“At first, this conversation was motivated by finances and resources,” said the Rev. Jan Walden, missioner for the Bristol Cluster. “But we’re going to be able to serve God’s people in new ways, and more ways, and with more energy. For many people, it feels like lifting off a burden — we’re just not going to be stretched so thin.”

None of the existing church buildings were well suited to house the newly merged congregation as its ministry evolves, so all three will be closed and put up for sale. This was not an easy decision to make.

“In some ways, it’s a relief, because now we know where we’re going to be for the foreseeable future,” said Tammi Branco, president of the Bristol Cluster Episcopal Ministry. “And there’s sadness because you know, ‘My kid won’t be baptized here, my kids can’t get married in the church where I was married.’ But we’ll still be here, and we’ll still be part of the church.”

Each church building will be honored with two Sunday services in the weeks leading up to the first service at the Lutheran church.
“It’s a time of great anticipation mixed with sadness,” Walden said.

“Merger processes like the one the Bristol Cluster of parishes is going through are always complicated, both practically and emotionally,” said the Rev. Libby Berman, canon for congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

“They have had to be open with one another about their finances and property, and they have had to act on their belief that the one, merged church will be stronger than the three smaller ones.”
Although leaving the church buildings will be emotional, sharing space with the Lutheran church will offer freedom and flexibility, Walden said.

The church will no longer have to contend with three sets of utility bills or maintain three buildings.

“We’re excited that we can now focus our resources on mission,” Branco said. “(The merger) brings wonderful opportunities to share resources, talents and treasures.”

Although they will be worshipping in North Easton, the merged church will continue to be a presence in all of the Bristol Cluster towns, along with St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Taunton.

Branco noted that cluster churches have been involved with projects, such as providing backpacks to school children, maintaining a food pantry, providing holiday baskets to families in need and sending care packages to U.S. troops. She said she hopes all of this work will continue, with the renewed energy of the merged church.

As they say goodbye to the church buildings and transition to the new space, the members of the Bristol Trinity Church are looking forward to the future in collaboration, care for one another and prayer.

“It’s a journey, and it’s been long, but people are excited and helpful, and it’s been very clear in many ways that Christ has been among us on this journey,” Walden said.

“The process has not been easy, but it has been fruitful. And everyone we meet, though affected by the sacrifices this merging process has required, is ready to move ahead now, to see just what Trinity Bristol will do and be,” Berman said.

In the coming months, Branco said church members will be spending time building relationships with one another, as well as dedicating themselves to the wider community.

“It’s an exciting time to be an Episcopalian in Bristol County, and seeing what is blossoming from this,” Branco said. “There are so many possibilities, and we can’t wait to start.”

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