The goal is Christian formation, i.e. the gracious transformation of our lives into the image and likeness of Christ. – Ephesians 4.13


Soul Care retreats are for people of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures who desire spiritual renewal.  By seeking wellness for our whole selves, we can deepen our understanding of self and the divine. This new approach to enrichment is a welcoming event focused on giving care to the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

Saturday, April 13, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, The  UMCB Parlor

Facilitator: Deaconess Sherri Buehl

Has this cold snap gotten to you ? Think ahead to April, when we will be offering a one day Retreat with Sherri Buehl and talking about Soul Care.

You’re invited! Let us gather for a time of fellowship and spiritual renewal.  Take this opportunity to leave your to-do list behind with your dirty clothes in the hamper and dirty dishes in the sink.  Make time for YOU as we experience a Soul Care Retreat with learning, sharing, laughing, and relaxing.

Contact the Church office at info@umcb.org for a registration form. Registration deadline is April 6.

 Volunteers make VBS PAWsible!

Registration opens April 1!

Join us for a memorable VBS where kids will get to know Jesus and Church community!

Register as a volunteer here: https://forms.gle/Ebjgig2HqnyoFfCGA

Training will be May 16 at 6 pm. 


Let’s explore the Beatitudes and stories of Jesus with our favorite pup family. We’ll have games, activities, and story time all inspired by your favorite Australian family. Come join us as we learn about being Healers of God’s Creation.

Click here to learn about Child and Youth registration.


Hosted by United Methodist Church of Berea, Christ United Church, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.


Small Group Experiences for Adults


Our faith formation year is off to a great start! If you have not dived in yet, we welcome you to splash in the waters of your baptism and grow in your faith in Christ. Folks of all ages are exploring their faith in various ways. 

There are quite a few on Sunday mornings at 10 am:

  • If you’re just dipping your toes in the water, we welcome you to join us for Coffee with the Pastor in the Gathering Place. Get to know us, and we’d love to get to know you!
  • If you’re wading out in your faith, paddle on over to FaithLink in Room 13, or down to Fellowship Hall to explore United Methodist Social Principles. 
  • If you’re feeling nudged to go deeper in your faith journey, we encourage you to participate in any of our weekday groups. I’d love to help you find the right fit. 
  • College Students also meet on Sunday mornings in the Library and are growing in their faith together. 

Wherever you are on your discipleship path, we welcome you to grow with us this year! 

Blessings, Pastor Carrie (cantczak@umcb.org, 440-234-3525 x105)

Group NameLeader/ContactContact InformationDays/TimesLocation
Coffee with the PastorPastor Stevesknisely@umcb.orgSunday, 10 AMGathering Place
College Bible StudyJudy Hammerjhammer@umcb.orgSunday, 10 AMLibrary
FaithLinkAndy McMillinaxmcmillin@gmail.comSunday, 10 AMRoom 13 & Zoom
Seasonal StudiesRev. Linda McCowenlsmccowen@gmail.comSunday, 10 AMParlor
Social Principles/
Sunday Scriptures
(See below for info)
Greg Rentschgregrentsch@gmail.comSunday, 10 AMFellowship Hall
Sunday FellowshipEveryone! Sunday, 10 AMGathering Place
Daily PrayerBarb Dawsonbdawson8531@sbcglobal.netMonday – Friday, 9 AMZoom
Survivor’s FellowshipPhil Gheringpgehrings@att.netMondays, 11 AMParlor
Read & Grow Book Discussion Group (See below for info)Betsy Mieklemeiklebetsyj@gmail.com2nd Monday, 6:30 PMRoom 13 & Zoom
Women’s Bible StudyKatie Flinnkathryn.flinn@gmail.comA Weeknight TBDKatie’s Home
Tuesday Morning Bible StudyPastorssknisely@umcb.org, cantczak@umcb.orgTuesday, 10 AMRoom 13
Prayer Shawl Ministry
(See below for info)
Rev. Linda McCowenlsmcowen@gmail.com1st & 3rd Wednesday,
10 AM
Room 13
Parking Lot FellowshipCarol Anne McClearymcmanistee7250@gmail.comWednesday, 11 AMChurch Parking Lot
GriefShare
(See below for info)
MaryLynn Swartzmarylynn482@gmail.comWednesday, 6:30 PMZoom
Sisters Embracing OnenessRev. Linda Short9short28@gmail.comWednesday, 7-8:30 PMLinda’s Home
Thursday Bible Study
(See below for info)
MaryLynn Swartzmarylynn482@gmail.comThursday, 6:30 PMZoom
GriefShare
(See below for info)
MaryLynn Swartzmarylynn482@gmail.comFriday, 1:30 PMRoom 13

Social Principles/Sunday Scriptures

All are welcome to join a hope filled group who strive to build God’s beloved community through active learning.  We are exploring the UMC Social Principles to understand what the Bible says, what the UMC says, what the facts are, and how we can take action.  We celebrate our faith in action.


Prayer Shawl Ministry

Do you knit or crochet?  Are you interested in using your gift to bless others?  Would you like to combine your gift with prayer?  If yes to any of the above questions, consider joining our new prayer shawl ministry!

We’d love widen our circle! We start with prayer and close with prayer so that the shawls are covered in prayer.  The shawls are created from easy patterns and are about the size of a lap quilt.  We are still working on our first prayer shawls and once we have created some, Pastor Steve and our group will be distributing them to persons who need to feel those prayers and need to feel the love of their church family and our loving God. 

If you’d like to join us  (either in person or at home) or have questions, please contact Linda McCowen at lsmccowen@gmail.com or see Linda at church on Sunday morning, or join us on the first or third Wednesday of the month! 

Read & Grow Book Discussion Group

The Second Monday of Each month,  6:30-8 pm, Room 13 or via Zoom, (Meeting ID: 815-5894-6774, passcode: 942297)

** Due to the Solar Eclipse, April’s Read & Grow will be delayed one week and meet on Monday, April 15. **

  For more information, please contact Betsy Meikle at meiklebetsyj@gmail.com or 440-243-5767.


Griefshare

Have you ever wondered about self care, or grief and your friendships, being stuck in grief? Join our GriefShare sessions as we explore these topics and learn tools to help us. All are welcome!

For more information and to request the materials, please contact Mary Lynn Swartz at marylynn482@gmail.com or 440-409-5931.


Thursday Night Bible Study

Thursdays, 6:30 pm, via Zoom

This study is open to everyone. We would love to have new members join us. Some people can only make one or two sessions in a month. That is fine .. just come and enjoy! Anyone can join us and we love to hear others opinions on these subjects!

For more information and Zoom details, please contact Mary Lynn Swartz at marylynn482@gmail.com or 440-409-5931.


Contact Pastor Carrie at cantczak@umcb.org or 440-234-3525 x105 for more information about current formation opportunities, small groups, or with interest in forming a new group.