Willis UMC to merge with Floyd UMC this summer

The congregations of Willis United Methodist Church and Floyd United Methodist Church have approved a resolution to merge the two congregations effective July 1. The resolution was approved at a conference held on Oct. 19, 2025.

Members of the Willis church are invited to join the congregation in Floyd following the merger.

The approved resolution states that the members of Willis UMC will join the members of Floyd UMC at the building in town (417 E. Main St.), and the merged congregation will keep the name "Floyd United Methodist Church."

Rev. Dr. Timothy Hale, pastor of Floyd United Methodist, wrote in a letter to his congregation, “It will be our congregation’s responsibility to preserve the legacy of Willis UMC, incorporating their history into our story. …During our Sunday services in 2026, we will take a moment every now and then to learn about the congregation of Willis UMC. I’m looking forward to learning more about their ministry and history, as well as envisioning what we can accomplish together as one congregation in the future.”

The congregations have also planned several events to remember the ministry and history of the Willis congregation throughout the coming months. On Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m., there will be a special worship service at Willis UMC to celebrate the church’s ministry. Former pastor Rev. Dr. Josh Kilbourne will preach during the service.

The final service at Willis UMC will be held on Sunday, June 28, at 11:15 a.m., and there will be a special service to welcome the members from Willis into the Floyd congregation on Sunday, July 12, at their regular worship time of 10 a.m. with a lunch to follow.

“In the scriptures, we see that Jesus prayed for unity among his followers,” shares Pastor Hale. “This is a moment of Christ-like unity as we come together so that we can make a bigger impact on our community and better share the grace of Jesus Christ together.”