AUBURN - First United Methodist Church in Auburn includes the word “united” in its title for a good reason.

Last year, Trinity United Methodist Church on East Genesee Street was forced to vacate its building due to the poor shape of its facilities.

In the months since, First Methodist has welcomed Trinity's congregation with open arms, sharing its sanctuary and having its new members join in for various programs and events.

One such event took place New Year's Eve, when members of both churches participated in Watch Night, an “alternative” family celebration that was held at the church from 6 to 9 p.m.

The affair featured a pot-luck supper, board games and movies, and was attended by numerous members of the now-united congregation.

“There are really two things going on here tonight,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Childs, First Methodist pastor, from the church fellowship hall Monday night.

“Since it's the end of the year, we look back at the past year, and give thanks to God for the blessings He has given us,” he continued. “We also look to the year ahead and ask for God's guidance in that.”

Since First Methodist has welcomed members of Trinity Methodist, he added, Monday's event allowed people from both congregations to get to know each other better.

“The idea of Watch Night is also to provide a safe place for people to come celebrate the new year,” he said. “We'll finish up early, so people can go home and get off the roads before it gets too dangerous.”

The activities began with a pot-luck dinner, the food provided by those attending. As the guests enjoyed coffee and dessert, Childs spoke to the group about how to receive 2008 in a spiritual manner, including a prayer first given by Methodist church founder John Wesley.

“I am no longer my own but Thine,” he recited. “Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt. I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal.”

After Childs finished speaking, some guests enjoyed a viewing of the Will Smith movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” which was projected on a large screen at the front of the room, while others retired to the adjacent foyer to play board games like Scattergories and Trivial Pursuit.

In the future, Childs explained, the churches plan to combine the worship services even more than they have thus far.

“We're talking about starting an 11 o'clock service that will be contemporary rather than traditional,” he said, noting that the 9 a.m. worship will still be held in the traditional fashion.

“The main difference in a ‘contemporary' worship is in the music styles. Traditional worships use an organ, and the congregation sings more sacred hymns, while a contemporary one uses keyboards, maybe guitars, and the music has been written in the last 50 years,” he said.

“Contemporary services are a little less formal. ... They allow the (congregation) to participate more than in traditional services.”