“South Whidbey Free Methodist Church will be officially changing its name to Maxwelton Christian Fellowship on Jan. 2, 2000. The church has been known by a number of names over the 92 years of its ministry, but has always been at the same location on the corner of French and Maxwelton Roads. The name is being changed to better identify its location and its ties to the community of Maxwelton, said Rev. Neil Jolin. For almost 100 years the church has been, in effect, a community church and the new name is designed to identify it as such.“Because our church would like to reach out more to our community, we feel that our name should not be a hindrance to anyone who may not easily identify, for whatever reasons, with a denominational name such as ‘Methodist,’” Jolin said. “Our primary desire is to serve the Lord and reach out to people with the love of Christ.” The church will continue to be affiliated with the Free Methodist Church of North America.A special Name Dedication Service is planned for Jan. 2, combining a new year’s celebration with the formal naming of the church. The public is welcome. Call 579-5340 for more information.”