May 2025 Leadership Board Report
Each month in our leadership board meeting we start by spending the first 20 minutes going over a devotional. We do this to help prepare our hearts and minds to be in the right zone to discuss the business of the church. This past meeting we discussed the word wellness, or wellbeing. There are 8 dimensions of wellness which are; Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Environmental, Financial, and Occupational. This really helped fuel our conversations this month. How can leadership board foster wellness in our church? What part can we play? I loved this topic. I have served on leadership board over the past year and a half and I truly think this sums up so well the work we have been doing, really trying to keep overall wellness of the church at the forefront of what we do and the decisions we make together.
One thing that stands out to me as I look back over the new(er) structure of the leadership board is that this church is really led by the members of the church and it really does serve us well to ensure it’s always that way. We each love our church so deeply and want to see it thrive.
We have a special gem in Brecksville UMC. I mentioned in the Podcast Sunday school class this past week for every 25 churches there is 1 that is as open and loving as we are here. There are many that tout what Christ called us to do, but I have really found it living out in our congregation. I started coming here in 2021 after a 10-15 year hiatus craving to find somewhere where we could call home, connect, and be able to give back and live out Christ’s love. Thank you for being a sanctuary to those who thought they had no other options. I pray others find their way to our doors and also discover the love of Christ that lives in our walls and permeates throughout our community.
Never stop remembering you make a difference in the small things you do. John 13:35 is one of my favorite scriptures which states, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I see you, your love you show others, it matters!
Let’s continue to be that shining beacon of hope, connection and renewal for all standing on the square in Brecksville showing we have a home for them here. When Christ gave us the great commission, it doesn’t mean it has to be a grand action, it can mean telling your neighbor about all the things you love about your church, sharing a post on social media of an item of impact you did with the church that you felt gave back to others (such as our recent Rise Against Hunger event), or just working to live out the UMC’s social principles. Others will see, they will ask. That is where you can invite them to come and enjoy the special gem we all enjoy.
May God continue to bless you and your family and thank you for loving mine. – Matthew Gabor