About Elm Street Church

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 other local congregations, Wednesday evening Bible studies, a monthly men and boys breakfast, a Kids Club, and regular activities for Wisdom Seekers (age 50 and up). 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, and a Monthly Calendar (March), (April). 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.

    

Schedule

Sunday 9:30 a.m., Learn & Grow 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Monday 7:00 p.m., Youth meeting Tuesday 5:00 p.m., Agape-Satyagraha Wednesday 7:00 p.m., Bible Study and Prayer 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 Thursday of the month, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Free Community Meal (begins September 30)

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