Traverse Bay and Central UMC Merger Update & Community Discussions

WHAT: Traverse Bay UMC (TBUMC) is seeking to merge with Central UMC to form a new, combined body in Christ.  A team of leaders and lay persons from both congregations have been prayerfully discussing this possibility, and recommend moving forward. Traverse Bay and Central UMC members will vote on this proposal on April 27, 2025. A majority vote at both is necessary to proceed. 

WHY: Both Central UMC and TBUMC have rich legacies of United Methodist values and serving the Grand Traverse region and beyond. TBUMC lacks operating revenue necessary for ongoing ministry as a solo entity, yet has significant capital assets and wants to see these used strategically for local United Methodist ministry. By merging with Central UMC, Traverse Bay will cease operations as an independent congregation, and will be resurrected as a part of the combined Central UMC.  

The purpose of this merger is to allocate God’s resources for strategic ministry and missions today and beyond. 

WHY NOW: TBUMC is unable to operate on its own after July 1, 2025.  If approved, TBUMC’s capital assets will be transferred to Central UMC, enabling the continuation of United Methodist ministry locally in the Grand Traverse region and beyond.  

HOW DID WE GET HERE: Following endorsement from the councils of both churches to begin formal talks, a joint Engage to Merge team was tasked with the process of drafting a formal merger plan. Consisting of six members from each of the two congregations, the group has gathered prayerfully, seeking discernment and wisdom, and drafted merger documents. It recommends moving forward with the combination. 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: 

April 6: Announcement at all services with Q&A sessions directly following

April 27: Both congregations vote (TBUMC at 10 am and Central UMC at 12 pm)

FAQs, HISTORY, & MERGER DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW:

In gratitude,

The Engage to Merge Team: