Melanie Smith
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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).…
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All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2025
Bells Toll in Brecksville. The silence of a Sunday morning is interrupted by the tolling of a church bell. Slowly and repeatedly, the bell sounds with a moment of silence between each toll. The sound of the bell is a reminder to pause and remember. On All Saints Sunday, United Methodists around the world publicly remember…
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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…