The Dream Big Town Hall was held Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 11:45 am in Fellowship Hall
Dreaming Big: A Vision for Connection and Belonging
At Brecksville United Methodist Church, we believe that God is calling us to a bold new chapter. During our recent “Big Dream Town Hall,” we gathered to look at where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we are going.
Our vision is simple yet profound: To saturate our community with connection and belonging… on the Square and everywhere.
Why this dream? Why now?
We are currently living through what health experts call a “loneliness epidemic.” Did you know that social isolation can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? This crisis affects all of us—from Gen Z students feeling overwhelmed to seniors seeking meaningful engagement.
As a church, we are shifting our focus from being “program-driven” to “people-driven.” We want to be the relational heart of Brecksville, ensuring that no one has to navigate life’s journey alone.
The Path Forward
To make this dream a reality, we are prioritizing three key areas:
- Investing in People: We are proposing new staff roles, including a Care Pastor and a Children & Family Ministries Director, to provide deeper support for our families and those in crisis.
- A Digital Front Door: A new part-time AV Director will help us reach people “everywhere” through a high-quality online worship experience.
- A Hospitable Home: We are tackling essential building repairs—like a new roof and elevator—to ensure our physical space is safe and welcoming for all.
Join the Journey
This is a “Big Dream,” and it requires all of us. We invite you to join us on the journey. Here’s how:
- PRAY: The 6:50 Prayer daily, setting an alarm for 6:50 (AM or PM) to pray for our church’s vision..
- LISTEN: Where is your heart stirred?
- TALK: Discuss this with family and friends.
- STAY ENGAGED: We return in April to share what we heard. Join us for our next Listening Post on April 26.
Together, let’s see what God can do when we dream big!
Learn more:
- Since the Town Hall, what has stuck with you? Where have you felt excitement, curiosity, or resistance? What questions do you have?
- What would “on the Square and everywhere” actually look like? Imagine this vision is fully alive 3-5 years from now. What are people doing together? Where are they gathering? What feels different about our church and our community?
- Imagine someone new walking into our building for the first time– maybe feeling unsure or alone. Where might they experience barriers to connection, accessibility, or belonging? What changes—big or small—would help them feel more comfortable, welcomed, and able to truly belong?
- If BUMC truly became a “living room” for the community… What would be happening here during the week? What kinds of spaces would we need to make that possible?