Welcome to Baldwin Wallace University, to Berea, and to our church. Some of you have been here before, and others have not. Either way, you are invited to join us. Our church has a long history with Baldwin-Wallace College. We would love for you to come be a part of our church family.  Please browse through the site and let us know if you have any questions. You can use either of two simple methods: send us an email, or stop by in person and ask.

We invite you to join us for worship.  Please click here to see our worship schedule and additional worship resources.

We are all searching for something that’s bigger than ourselves–for what connects us to the universe.  For many of us, this pursuit is about finding or strengthening a relationship with God. 

Yet this search requires time, reflection, and fellowship.  We may lose our way because we are busy with classes, projects, papers, exams, activities, jobs, family, and friends.  All of these activities are important to our lives, yet perhaps we still feel that something is missing. 

We believe what is missing is God in our lives.

Porches are places for us to pause our busy schedules to sit together and to talk about things that matter to us. We all need some porch time in our lives.

At the Porch, our conversation is about seeking to know God’s love.

Learn more at https://theporchcommunity.org/. 

If you have questions, contact Judy Hammer, Campus Minister, at theporch@umcb.org or 216-832-8817.

About Our Staff

Judy Hammer, Campus Minister

Judy Hammer is a life-long learner and teacher, who strives daily to live as Jesus commands us to “Love one another” (John 13;34). While she spent her career in higher education as a teacher and administrator, later in life, she felt called to redirect her life to serving God by earning a degree in pastoral counseling and then working as the campus liaison for the CWRU Interreligious Council and as a coordinator of youth ministry at a local church.  She feels completely blessed to be here as part of The Porch team. Favorite Things to Do:  teaching college English courses for those newly arrived to the USA, riding on a motorcycle down country roads, taking art courses to explore a new found love of painting, and tending to the garden and backyard pond–home to a bale of turtles, including Henry, Charlotte, Leonard, and Thomas!

Mia Basit

Mia is the current president/student minister for the porch. She is a junior first-generation college student studying pre-law at Baldwin Wallace University. Mia is a passionate student leader and highly involved in the community. She is a founding member and student director of the first generation council, an honors scholar, and social innovation award recipient. In 2022, Mia gave her life to Christ, and since has become interested in sharing with fellow peers how it has shifted her life tremendously. The aspect she loves most about the ministry is our unique and welcoming approach that allows young people room to experience every stage of introduction to Christ from curious and questioning to reaching salvation. When the doors are open to every person without exclusion, the community is united in love. Mia hopes to spread this message and help make an impact on campus for peers who experience rejection and hatred because of their identity.

Austin Nye

Hello, my name is Austin and I am from Strongsville, Ohio.  I am a freshman commuting student at Baldwin Wallace University, and I am majoring in education and integrated social studies.  I am 18 years old and enjoy working out and playing basketball with friends.  I am so thankful to be welcomed to this wonderful church community and I am looking forward to the people I’ll meet here.

Eric Wang

Eric Wang is the volunteer of the Porch Ministry. He and his family moved to the US a year ago from China. He currently is a graduate student at Baldwin Wallace University and studying Leadership in Higher Education. He is in his second year at BW and has been involved with a few different administrations and student affair such as the Center for Global Exploration, Alternative Break trip and the Center for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. Eric has had numerous professional experiences in the faith-based and educational organizations like the CRU, ACE ministry, YoungLife, Triple-Tree Kids Library, Family Life, Red Cross and many others. Eric has also been a part of the underground house churches in China for more than decade. He has been a part of various mission trips as well as service opportunities throughout Southern China, Tibetan area and Southeast Asia. Eric has learned so much from each experience. This will be Eric’s fist year with The Porch Community and as a graduate assistant in the Spiritual Life office at BW.  Eric is super excited to help grow the group and create a welcoming and supportive environment for students