IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers BRIGHT FUTURE—Worshipers cheer last Sunday morning as staff members pull a tarp off the new sign at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, releasing white doves into the sky signifying the unification of two churches into one. Two doves flew into the sky followed by a single dove, symbolizing the merging of two congregations into one.

Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Cochran Street welcomed Our Redeemer Lutheran Church members during last Sunday's service.

The united church is now called Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

"The two congregations have been worshiping together since February," said Gary Stevenson, pastor of Our Saviour for seven years, who will continue as pastor of the newly formed church. "Our union is official now."

More than 300 people attended the celebration service on All Saints' Day in the church's banquet hall.

"There's a great group coming together," said Shari Swanson, a teacher at the church's Good Shepherd School. "I'm very excited."

At the service, both congregations signed a charter marking the official union. The Rejoice Band and students from Good Shepherd entertained with song and dance.

"In my sermon I used an analogy of a couple coming together for marriage," Stevenson said. "It's not just any couple. They have been on their own. They've had their own way of doing things."

Stevenson assured his new members their voices will be heard.

"We don't want to assume the way we have always done things is the only way," he said. "We can learn something from the other person. With our two histories, we bring together new and creative ways."

With more than 250 members, Our Saviour has the larger congregation. The church has active community outreach programs in addition to its Christian school.

At one time Our Redeemer Church had more than 60 members, but numbers declined to 30 over the years. The church's former property on Bonita Avenue is now the new home of Congregation B'nai Emet.

Last summer Lynn Enloe served as interim pastor of Our Redeemer.

Both churches were started by ministers in 1962.

"The ministers came out here within just months of each other and each started his own church," said Candice Denning, secretary at the former Our Saviour. "The two churches have always been close. The membership fell off at Our Redeemer because it was so far removed up in the hills on Bonita."

The church staff had planned an outside ceremony for Sunday but moved inside due to the inclement weather.

"We've been looking forward to this, to be together," said Joanne Jue, a local resident and member of the former Our Redeemer. "It's a wonderful day, even with the rain."

By the end of the service, the clouds parted and the sun shone.

The united congregation gathered in front of the church for the unveiling of a sign displaying its new name and for the releasing of the doves.

Sunday services at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church are at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m.

The church is at 4191 Cochran St. The phone number is (805) 526-7577.