Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa and the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church met for a service celebrating the “Called to Common Mission” agreement Sunday at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave.”Effective Jan. 1, ‘Called to Common Mission’ establishes full communion between the Evangelical Church of America and the Episcopal Lutheran Church,” said Dave Nerdig, pastor at Bethesda Lutheran.The churches celebrated the event with a special service, Nerdig said.”The two church bodies gathered together,” he said, “and we had joint choirs from congregations throughout the synod and diocese.”The agreement comes after a long process spanning many decades. Nerdig said issues addressed included the belief systems of both churches and stances on a number of issues.”The agreement includes sharing communion and clergy,” said Al Aiton, director of St. John’s By The Campus Episcopal Church and Student Center, 2338 Lincoln Way. “The document points out what we have in common instead of focusing on our differences.”Nerdig said the agreement will help the churches work together in a positive way.”We’re gathering together for the sake of mission,” he said. “I hope it’s the beginning of a long ministry together.”Bishop Philip Hougen of the Southeast ELCA Synod and Bishop Christopher Egton of the Episcopal Diocese presented the sermon. Clergy from Ames and surrounding communities also participated in the service, Nerdig said.In anticipation of the agreement, Aiton said members of St. John’s began working with members of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 913 Carroll Ave., several years ago.”We entered into a covenant relationship six or seven years ago that involved sharing educational programs and services on holidays, kind of in preparation for this agreement,” he said.Nerdig said he believes partnerships such as the one between St. John’s and Lord of Life are a step in the right direction, and he believes “Called to Common Mission” will encourage similar relationships in the future.”The hope is to help the social as well as the spiritual needs of both churches,” he said.Other clergy members also said the arrangement will present new opportunities for growth.”It’s a good thing,” Aiton said. “The more people of faith can get acquainted, the better off we are.”