The Elm Street Church of the Brethren has maintained a presence in this downtown community location since 1902. In addition to a regular weekly of educational and worship experiences, the congregation offers unique opportunities for ministries: a summer VBS program in cooperation with a local congregation Future Church of Tomorrow, Wednesday evening Bible study at an apartment complex, Thursday evening sports for youth and adults in summer, a monthly men's breakfast, a Kids Club and regular activities for Middlers (middle-aged folk) and parents with children. In the nineties, the church became the birthplace for the Midway East Neighborhood Association of Lima and still hosts several of its events throughout the year.

    The pastors share pulpit, teaching, and counseling ministries. They also maintain a database census of the neighborhood which is used to distribute doorknob bags and flyers at regular intervals. The church publishes a bi-monthly newsletter The Elm Leaf as well as monthly e-devotionals. Visitors and newcomers are always welcome.

About the Pastors

Wesley and Sue Richard

    Wes and Sue Richard have been co-pastors since 1985. Originally from southeast Iowa, they served for 15 years as self-supporting, English-teaching, lay missionaries in Japan with Mennonite Board of Missions between 1963 and 1982. In addition to pastoring, Sue has served on the Church of the Brethren Northern Ohio District board and Wes is professor emeritus of the Communication and Theatre Department at Bluffton University. Both are trained in conflict resolution and have served on the Northern Ohio District conciliation team. In their spare time they enjoy hiking and biking.

          Monthly Devotional

Schedule

Sunday 9:30 a.m. Learn & Grow 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Sunday 7:00 p.m. Youth meeting Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study Second Saturday of the month 8:30 a.m. Men's breakfast Second Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. Wisdom Seekers Gathering Last Saturday of the month 1:00 p.m. Grandparents Support Group

Location

The church is located six blocks east of downtown Lima on Route 309.
From I-75, exit 309 West and follow Route 309 to 619 E. Elm Street.

Our Mission & Purpose

The Five Purposes of Elm Street Church of the Brethren: We nurture God's people through teaching We live out God's Word through discipleship and spiritual maturity. We communicate God's word through evangelism. We encourage membership in God's family through fellowship and worship. We demonstrate God's love through ministry beyond our church family.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid;
that foundation is Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 3:11


For more information or to contact the Pastors, write: wrichard@arabellaol.net