Church okay pastor sharing'

Two of Coudersport's traditional Protestant churches have agreed to pursue a shared pastorship.

Congregations at the First United Presbyterian Church and the St. Paul's Lutheran Church each approved the proposal by large majorities voting after their worship services last Sunday.

Financial issues, declining membership and changes in church activities in recent years prompted the two churches to begin exploring the plan more than a year ago. Talks continued after the Rev. Joseph Wolf from the Lutheran church and the Rev. Deana Armstrong from the Presbyterian church left Coudersport last year. Congregational votes taken last month authorize leaders from both churches to move forward in the planning process.