Melanie Smith

  • Gifts and Memorials

    Honoring a loved one through a memorial gift to Brecksville United Methodist Church empowers the work of the church today, tomorrow and for generations to come. A memorial gift is a beautiful, tangible choice that allows their spirit to keep on giving. How are these gifts used? Living Memorial gifts are invested by the Gifts…

  • Living Memorials

    Welcome to a page dedicated to those whose generosity has established an enduring legacy of love within our church community through Living Memorials. This page recognizes donors to two key endowments that secure our future: the Living Memorial Fund and the Mustard Seed Fund. Both represent vital commitments to our shared mission, and we are…

  • Joyful Gathering – 2025

    As the holiday season approaches, we have many wonderful opportunities to come together and serve our community with love and joy. Below are some upcoming Joyful Gatherings where your talents and hearts are needed in November and December 2025. Town Hall – Sunday, November 9 (After 10:30 AM Service) What’s Needed:  Why It Matters: This…

  • Seasons of Change

    What is your favorite season? I’ve often had a difficult time answering this question myself, and my response seems to change every time I contemplate it.  While winter is not usually the season that comes to my mind first, I have always found it magical with its longer nights, holiday spirit and scenes of freshly…

  • Gifts and Graces

    November Leadership Board Report by Maria Shurik “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…” – Romans 12:6 What is your superpower? What is your favorite nickname and why? Who or what brings you joy? What have you been recognized by others for? What are you most proud of? How…

  • Ways to Pray: Deepening Awareness of God’s Presence

    Deepen your awareness of God’s Presence with these prayer practices. Four-Week Spiritual Practice Series October 26- November 16. Sundays at 9:30 in the Chapel Join Jenny Gee and friends for a gentle journey into prayer as a way of awareness. Explore how stillness, listening, and gratitude can open our hearts to God’s quiet presence in…

  • 2026 Pledge Campaign

    Dear Siblings in Christ, Ever wonder why Jesus taught through questions and parables, rather than easy, straight-forward answers? Because curiosity and faith are deeply intertwined. Faith isn’t about having all the answers, but a willingness to ask honest, open questions: What new thing is God growing in our midst? Where do we notice God’s Spirit…

  • Jean Vastartis

    (September 4, 1928 – October 3, 2025) – Jean passed away peacefully at home at the age 97. She was the beloved wife of the late Gus Vastartis, Mother of Bonnie, Mark (Catherine), Diane & Dean (deceased). Sister to Bill, Isabell, Lee & Dewy. Grandmother of five, James (Amanda), Dave (Allyson), Steven, Kevin & Alex (Jessica).…

  • Donation Drive for Victims of Domestic Violence

    Our October 2025 Donation Drive benefits Journey Center for Safety and Healing Domestic violence and child abuse affects us all. The statistics are grim. In the United States, 1 in 4 women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by…

  • Creating Engagement Online – Worship Hosts

    Imagine going to a worship service where no one greeted you, or said “hello.” What if the pastor never even looked in your general direction? If you had questions about where to find a bulletin or about the service and there was no one to ask? If you needed just a little help to be…