Our Mission
The current priorities of the church are to follow Christ in the ways of love (a life of compassion and integrity), cultivate a community of belonging (in the congregation and in the broader Hiram community), and to do our part of restorative justice in the world.
If you have a heart for the community - whether you consider yourself a person of faith or not - you are always more than welcome to participate in this good work.
Following Christ in the Ways of Love
Perhaps more than asking us to believe in him, Jesus invites us to follow in the way that Christ has lived in the world: loving courageously, forgiving mercifully, creating joy, trusting in the abundance of the world, sharing, serving, and offering our lives to what is good and worthy. This is more than a 10-step or 10-week program; this is the work of a lifetime. The church seeks to nurture such a life through study, relationship, worship, service, and more.
Some of the ways we nurture this include:
Sunday Schools:
Adult Sunday School @ 9:45am: Currently reading Miracles and Wonders by Elaine Pagels
Children’s Church @ 10:15am: Following the Joyful Path curriculum.
Youth Groups:
Chi-Rho is for our middle school-aged young adults and meets twice a month.
CYF is for our high school-aged young adults and meets twice a month.
Contact the church office to learn more.
Bible Study:
Tuesday Mornings @ 9:00am in the minister’s office. This is an opportunity to gather with others and share the questions, interpretations, and learn more of the contexts of scripture.
Cultivating a Community of Belonging
The church affirms that God is a creative God and that the image of God is within each and every person. Therefore, the congregation has committed itself to be an Open and Affirming church to ensure that each and every person knows from the very beginning that they are welcome and will be honored and loved for who they are - as they are. We cultivate community in small conversations before or after worship and in more intentional ways through shared studies and hosting events to bring neighbors together such as:
Monthly Potlucks:
After worship (12-ish) on the 1st Sunday of each month.
The table will be set. You’re welcome to bring a dish, but it’s not required. There’s always enough. This is a great chance to connect with neighbors.
Community Breakfasts:
The morning of the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Our volunteer chefs will set the table, brew the coffee, and prepare a plate of your choice of eggs, sausage, and hash browns. It’s a free meal and open to the community.
Quarterly Story-telling Events:
Stories are the way that we communicate what is most meaningful and powerful in our lives, and connect with one another. It is a gift to be able to share the stories that have shaped your life. And, it’s a powerful act of kindness and community to listen and honor what we hear.
Maintaining Facilities for Community Use:
The church has gathering places within the administration building and fellowship hall that are available to rent for private parties and public events.
Doing Our Part of Restorative Justice
God’s vision of justice is as large as the cosmos and as small as the relationship between you and your household, you and your neighbor. Every act of kindness, mercy, and restoration is a gift. The church strives to nurture a commitment to justice within the friends and members, and to come together to work collectively where we can make a difference. Whether the invitation to act comes from within the church or from a partner outside of the church, the congregation is willing to do its part to serve.
These are some of the ways that we participate in good work during a year:
The Common Good:
This is a gathering that occurs every other Monday @ 2pm in the fellowship hall.
This is an open group seeking to foster justice in a troubled world through discernment, connection, and action. All are welcome.
Monthly Food Collection for the 4 C’s and Garrettsville/Nelson Pantries
Facilitating Space for Healing Groups
Restoring Church Lawn to Native Grassland
Partnering with Hiram College, Goodell Family Farms, and Growing Hope Globally in the Sap Project
Joining the Thanksgiving Plunge for Kids Weekend Mealz
Annual Chili Cookoff for Hiram College’s H.A.P.P.I. Place
Giving to Special Offerings through the Year