Behold I am about to do a new thing! Now it springs forth!
-Isaiah 43:19
A Shared Ministry with
Western Presbyterian and Church of the Pilgrims
Western Presbyterian Church and the Church of the Pilgrims
are exploring joining our congregations to create a new thing.
On this page, you can read about what we’re doing, what we’ve done, and what is coming next
as we try out this new thing we feel God is calling us to try together for a season such as this.
Here’s how it has been happening:
In January of 2025 the Sessions of Western Presbyterian Church and Church of the Pilgrims agreed to a Season of Discernment, a time to intentionally discuss and dream about a possible shared ministry together. We started worshiping together occasionally, we shared in a Lenten series of study and supper, and we gathered just for fun sometimes.
In the Summer of 2025, we did a series of one-on-one conversations. Members from both churches agreed to do one one-on-one conversation per month, having intentional conversations about their faith journeys, their experiences, and their passions. We noticed points of connection and explored how God might be calling us to a new ministry together.
In the Fall of 2025, we began worshiping together every Sunday. The first and second Sundays of the month, we meet at Western. The third and fourth Sundays of the month, we meet at Pilgrims. Our Sessions also began meeting together every month. We had a Town Hall meeting to share updates in the process. We joined the Presbytery’s Missional Incubator for the 2025-2026 class. We kicked off a new shared ministry newsletter and formed a Director of Music Ministry search team. And, the sessions of Western and Pilgrims agreed to share Rev. Erin Counihan as pastor of both congregations.
In January of 2026, Erin began serving officially as pastor of both Western and Pilgrims.
In February of 2026, the sessions of Western and Pilgrims created a list of priorities for next steps in our Shared Ministry Discernment. We are looking at some of the logistics - bylaws, budgets, and buildings, oh my! - and also creating some new traditions and ministry moments together. We hope to really dig into this at our Spring 2026 Session Retreat.
Starting in March 2026, we’ll begin our Session Sessions - an opportunity to have coffee and chat with two session members on Sundays after worship. If you have ideas, questions, concerns, or comments about this shared ministry adventure, the session members would love to hear your thoughts! Find them at a marked table after worship beginning Sunday 3/22.
We are planning to host another Town Hall meeting later in the Spring, to keep everyone updated on our ministry together.
In-person and remote options
Our office is conveniently located in Manhattan. A place to gather, grow, and reconnect.
Our Services
Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Monet Goode
FOUNDER
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
They set the tone for everything we do. -
![]()
Emmett Marsh
SALES MANAGER
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care. -
![]()
Eleanor Parks
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience. -
![]()
Karl Holland
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.
