Faith & Spirituality

St. Ladislas to host special Lent production

The cast and crew of "The Answer," a story based on Scripture, would like to invite you to special performances being done at St Ladislas Church on March 8 and 9. The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. On March 8 come enjoy the fish fry at St Lads from 5-7 p.m. being sponsored by the KOC prior to the show. 

The cast and crew members are looking forward to presenting to you the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus set to contemporary music. The production is a wonderful way to devote time and prayer during the time of Lent.

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 9:18 AM, 03.05.2024

Westlake UMC offers Winter Wednesday Worship services

Winter Wednesday Worship is offered to the community as an informal mid-week time to reset and find God’s peace as we sing along to enter into worship songs with guitar and piano accompaniment.

Prayers and communion will round out this 30-minute worship experience at Westlake United Methodist Church, 27650 Center Ridge Road. Wednesday Worship starts at 6:30 p.m., runs through March 27 and all people of all ages are invited to attend.

For more information go to westlakeumc.org or call 440-871-3088.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 10:03 AM, 02.06.2024

Westlake church to host live nativity

The community is invited to attend Westlake United Methodist Church’s highly popular live nativity celebration. Stop by after school for an opportunity to get up close with the live animals, all while enjoying story time, crafts, Christmas cookies and cocoa.

The highlight is a life-size manger scene built by members of the congregation. The volunteer cast members are groups of families that share the holy birth story through live music and, of course, the live animals. If you listen closely, you just might hear donkeys braying, sheep and goats bleating, and lowing steers … just like in the classic Christmas lullaby, "Away in the Manger." The majestic camels tend to be on the quiet side, but they will be happy to pose for a photo.

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Volume 15, Issue 22, Posted 9:44 AM, 12.05.2023

Christmas happenings at Bay Methodist

Bay United Methodist will be celebrating Christmas by offering many opportunities for the community to enjoy this very special and sacred season.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, during the 10 a.m. worship service, the Bay United Methodist Chancel Choir will perform their annual Christmas Cantata. The performance, "Gloria," is Antonio Vivaldi's most famous work, and centers on the traditional, original arrangement from the Latin Mass. The upbeat melodies make this piece incredibly memorable and appealing to audiences.

Believed to have been written around 1725, this rendition was first performed in modern times in Siena, Italy, in September of 1939 and has become one of the most popular Baroque works for orchestra and chorus. Ron Muth directs the choir's mixed choral ensemble in four-part harmony, which will be accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra.

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Volume 15, Issue 22, Posted 9:40 AM, 12.05.2023

St. Ladislas welcomes Father Mark

The St. Ladislas Parish community is thrilled to announce the arrival of our new spiritual leader, Father Mark Latcovich. With warm hearts, open arms and incredible memories, we bid farewell to Father Donald Snyder, who has led us with dedication and love for the past 26 years. We embrace the beginning of a new chapter under the guidance of Father Latcovich.

Father Mark Latcovich comes to us with a wealth of experience, a compassionate spirit, and a deep commitment to serving God and our parishioners. Ordained in 1981, his journey as a priest has taken him to various corners of the world, including the last 11 years as the rector of Borromeo and St. Mary Seminaries where he was also a professor. These experiences have given him a unique perspective that we are excited to integrate into our parish family.

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Volume 15, Issue 16, Posted 9:10 AM, 09.06.2023

Family fun at Bay United Methodist

On Sunday, Sept. 10, Bay United Methodist Church will host its annual Rally Day after the 10 a.m. worship service. Rally Day marks the first day of yearly programming as classes and activities resume at the church after summer vacations.

Rally Day festivities will include lunch under a tent on the front lawn, with the menu consisting of chicken, salads, and watermelon. Families are welcome, as children and adults enjoy intergenerational games and tournaments.

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Volume 15, Issue 15, Posted 9:38 AM, 08.15.2023

Outdoor summer worship offered by Bay United Methodist

Once a month during the summer, Rev. Lisa Kropinak, Senior Pastor of Bay United Methodist Church, is offering an outdoor worship service at Huntington Beach & Reservation. Outdoor worship will take place at 8 a.m. on Sundays, June 11, July 9, and Aug. 13.

Gathering at the top of the ridge at Huntington, just west of the Noshery, participants will enjoy the morning backdrop, adding a special dimension to the worship experience.

“Living on an amazing body of water like Lake Erie allows us to deepen our faith as we seek to see God’s face in the natural world,” states Pastor Lisa. “Our houses of worship give us safe spaces to exercise our faith. The lake broadens our perspective of that faith and calls us to humility and awe.”

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Volume 15, Issue 10, Posted 8:40 AM, 06.06.2023

New pastor is called to Dover UCC

Dover Congressional United Church of Christ in Westlake welcomes Rev. Melinda S. Quellhorst as the senior pastor.  Her first service will be Sunday, April 16.

Mindy graduated from Heidelberg University with a Bachelor of Arts. After working as an elementary school teacher for a few years, she accepted the call to ministry and received her Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary.

Mindy has since served congregations in Illinois and Missouri as a student pastor and teacher. She served in Wisconsin and Ohio as a senior pastor and teacher, helping all to become progressive leaders in their respective communities. She has been the moderator of the Ohio Conference and served in other volunteer leadership positions.

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Volume 15, Issue 6, Posted 9:20 AM, 04.04.2023

Easter Cantata performed on Palm Sunday at Bay Methodist

Leading up to Easter celebrations, the Bay United Methodist Chancel Choir, directed by Ron Muth, will perform their annual Easter Cantata at the 10 a.m. worship service on April 2, Palm Sunday.

The mixed choral ensemble blends voices in four-part harmony to Pepper Choplin’s “The Body of Christ.” Accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra, the performance will inspire with its balanced and unified musical presentation of the Easter story. Ron Muth has been the Director of Music for Bay United Methodist since 1977 and continues to thrill with his ambitious and beautifully arranged holiday cantatas.

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:14 AM, 03.21.2023

Musical about Jesus' life features local performers

The cast and crew of "The Answer," a story based on Scripture, would like to invite you to special performances at St. Joseph Church in Amherst on March 18 and 19, St. Clarence Church in North Olmsted on March 24 and 25 and Crossroads Church in Mansfield on March 31. The shows all begin at 7:30 p.m. The  cast and crew members are looking forward to presenting to you the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus set to contemporary music. The production is a wonderful way to devote time and prayer during the time of Lent.

The Answer takes place in the Holy Land and focuses on the last 3 years of the ministry of Jesus including His death and resurrection. Throughout the musical, questions arise about the ministry of Jesus with the answers being revealed throughout the production.

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:13 AM, 03.21.2023

Lenten Bible study of the Gospel of Mark at Dover UCC

Dover Congregational UCC will be a hosting a Lenten journey through the Gospel of Mark beginning Sunday, Feb. 26. Participants are asked to read Mark’s Gospel and “Meeting God in Mark, Reflections for the Season of Lent” by Anglican Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury.

The book focuses on Mark’s Passion narrative, making it an ideal devotional guide and study resource. Williams has included a reading guide, questions for reflection, and daily scripture readings in Mark throughout Lent.

The study of Mark will begin on Feb. 26 during Coffee Hour after Sunday worship at Dover, and end on Palm Sunday. An alternative study time will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday evenings during Lent, beginning on Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m.

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Volume 15, Issue 3, Posted 8:57 AM, 02.21.2023

Start the new year with a labyrinth walk

Come to West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church on Jan. 1 and start the new year off right with a spiritually moving and invigorating experience! As 2022 gives way to 2023, you are invited to walk West Shore’s new labyrinth, which will be located in Baker Hall at 20401 Hilliard Boulevard in Rocky River. Drop in anytime from 10 a.m.-noon. The Labyrinth Walk is open to all free of charge.

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Volume 14, Issue 24, Posted 11:28 AM, 12.20.2022

Meet the animals of Christmas

Westlake United Methodist Church is bringing back its very popular live nativity and the community is invited to join in the celebration. New this year for the kids, a chance to get up close with the live animals, story time, crafts, and Christmas cookies.

The highlight is a life-size manger scene built by members of the congregation. The volunteer cast members are groups of families that share the holy birth story through live music and, of course, the live animals. If you listen closely, you just might hear donkeys braying, sheep and goats bleating, and lowing steers … just like in the classic Christmas lullaby, "Away in the Manger." The majestic camels tend to be on the quiet side, but they will be happy to pose for a photo.

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Volume 14, Issue 23, Posted 10:53 AM, 12.06.2022

Bay Methodist begins Christmas celebrations

The sanctuary is filled with greenery and candles in anticipation of Christmas as Bay United Methodist plans several programs to celebrate. The various offerings are designed to welcome the entire community, young and old.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, the Bay UMC Chancel Choir presents their annual Christmas Cantata at the 10 a.m. worship service. This year, the choir will sing “A Weary World Rejoices” by Joseph Martin. The presentation materials explain, “In the weary days of winter, the hope of Christmas begins to glow. Like a golden ember of promise burning in the soul, our frozen hearts start to warm.” Ronald H. Muth will direct, with narration by Scott and Marian Harmount.

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Volume 14, Issue 23, Posted 10:53 AM, 12.06.2022

Christ Church Westshore moves to Avon Lake

Christ Church Westshore has moved into its permanent home after purchasing the former Ahern Banquet Center located at 726 Avon Belden Road in Avon Lake. The new location is easily accessible, and the congregation looks forward to serving the Westshore community for many years.

“We can’t imagine a better location to gather as a congregation and be a blessing throughout west shore of Cleveland. Being located on the border of Avon Lake/Avon provides wonderful access to the local population, bolsters our local partnerships such as Community Resource Services (CRS), The Salvation Army, Young Life, and Cornerstone Pregnancy Center,” said The Rev. Gene Sherman, rector.

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Volume 14, Issue 23, Posted 11:28 AM, 12.20.2022

Family Fun Fest promises fall fun!

Bay United Methodist Church presents their annual Family Fun Fest on Sunday, Oct. 23. The fall-themed event takes place after worship service from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the church grounds. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy trunk or treat in the parking lot, a bounce house, a straw maze, and other games. As a bonus, hotdogs will be available for a small fee.

Those who join the activities can also buy pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch, a fundraiser for Bay United Methodist’s youth ministry, the Appalachia Service Project. Each summer, participants of the Appalachia Service Project send youth from the church and the community to areas of Appalachia to help build safer, warmer, and drier homes for those in need.

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Volume 14, Issue 20, Posted 10:47 AM, 10.18.2022

Westlake recognizes Hindu Heritage Month

The City of Westlake has recognized October as Hindu Heritage Month. October is an important period for Hindu culture as it features three significant celebratory festivals: Navratri, Diwali and the Durga Puja.

To commemorate the occasion, Mayor Dennis Clough presented an official Proclamation to Westlake residents Desi and Viji Vijay, who accepted it at Westlake City Hall on behalf of the local Hindu community. The Hindu heritage, culture, traditions and values provide invaluable solutions to many of life’s problems and often serve as a source of inspiration, reflection and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look to the teachings of Hinduism for guidance.

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Volume 14, Issue 19, Posted 11:16 AM, 10.04.2022

New pastor kicks off Bay United Methodist Rally Day

On Sunday, Sept. 11, Bay United Methodist Church will celebrate Rally Day, the day Sunday Small Groups, Chancel Choir, Bible studies, and other groups return from their summer hiatus. This year, Rally Day will be welcomed by Bay UMC’s new pastor, Rev. Lisa Kropinak.

Rev. Lisa was named Bay UMC’s senior pastor on July 1. She and her family moved to Bay from New Concord, Ohio. Raised in a small country church in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where her mother was the organist, Rev. Lisa went to Allegheny College to pursue a biology degree. Her aspirations were to become a family doctor; however a calling to participate in a two-year program in youth ministry evolved into 30 years of serving the church.

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Volume 14, Issue 17, Posted 9:58 AM, 09.07.2022

CrossPointe invites community to Latino Festival

Pastors Josue' and Iris Rodriguez and Pastores Ramona invite residents of the cities of Westlake and Bay Village to our Latino Festival. Our CrossPointe Community Hispana is excited to offer a Saturday event especially for our Latino friends but everyone is more than welcome.

There will be free food, music, games with a focus on children, entertainment and more! We hope we will see you Saturday, Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CrossPointe Community, 1800 Columbia Road, Westlake.

Pastor Josue' and Iris and Pastores Ramona are amazing genuine people. You will be glad to greet them and you would be blessed to connect with them each Sunday at 1 p.m. (Latino time!) for worship (in Spanish).

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Volume 14, Issue 16, Posted 9:55 AM, 08.16.2022

Newly appointed pastor in Westlake

Pastor Mike Martel spent a life running from truth that called at his heart almost four decades ago. In December 2012 Mike finally came to the understanding that only Christ could provide the peace and hope that alluded him as he ran. He surrendered fully to Christ's leadership. God provided him with a hunger and thirst for His Word – the Bible. At the same time "God gave me the desire to demonstrate gratitude for God's mercy in my life."

As a recovering alcoholic and addict, Pastor Mike ministers to the recovery community, Primary Purpose, a drug and alcohol rehab facility twice a week, where he teaches a Bible study introducing God's healing power and teaching for those who seek change.

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Volume 14, Issue 13, Posted 9:37 AM, 07.06.2022

Westlake church reacts to gun violence

The Uvalde, Texas, school shooting on May 24 has prompted the members of a Westlake church to create a visual showing their support for legislation to curb the increasing gun violence in the United States.
 
The display on the front lawn of Dover Congregational United Church of Christ has 21 chairs representing the 19 students and two teachers killed in the attack. 
 
“Our members have been anxious about gun regulation, not control,” said the church’s Minister of Justice, John Rinehart. “I’m a gun owner. A lot of people are gun owners. So it's a matter of control and the wise use of guns that we're concerned about. We have seen too many deaths that are unwise. The anxiety has been high. The anger has been high. And on this particular day, with 19 children and two teachers killed, it was a load to bear.”

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 10:13 AM, 06.07.2022

Bay UMC Chancel Choir performs Easter cantata on Palm Sunday

On April 10, Palm Sunday, Bay United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will perform an Easter Cantata as part of the 10 a.m. worship service. The cantata, “Love Divine,” tells the story of the Passion of Christ and was written and arranged by Joel Raney.

The choral piece weaves together the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his prayers in the garden, his arrest and trial, the crucifixion, and his miraculous resurrection. Within the cantata, you will hear several familiar hymns, including “O Worship the King,” “What Wondrous Love Is This,” and “In the Garden.”

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Volume 14, Issue 7, Posted 10:54 AM, 04.05.2022

'Compassion' comes to St. Ladislas

The cast and crew of "Compassion the Musical," a story based on Scripture, would like to invite you to special performances at St. Ladislas Church in Westlake on March 25 and 26. The shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

The cast and crew members are looking forward to presenting to you the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, set to contemporary music. The production is a wonderful way to devote time and prayer during the time of Lent.

"Compassion" takes place in the Holy Land and during the last days Jesus spent in Jerusalem. It focuses on the last three years of the ministry of Jesus including His death and resurrection and the compassion He shared with the people He encountered. The musical follows the Gospel of John with human elements from the gospel of Luke. The Beatitudes also come into play from St. Matthew. The story is told through the eyes of St. Peter, while in prison in Rome prior to his own execution, and how the compassionate Jesus changed his life.

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 10:33 AM, 03.01.2022

Hundreds celebrate Chanukah at Crocker Park

Hundreds of Westsiders celebrated Chanukah outside the Regal Cinemas at Crocker Park. The annual Chanukah celebration and Giant Menorah lighting hosted by Chabad of the West Side Jewish organization has become a popular tradition for the local Jewish community.

Crowds of children and adults enjoyed an evening of ice skating, Chanukah treats, and entertainment.

The highlight of the night was the kindling of a giant nine-foot-tall Menorah, spreading its warmth and glow all around.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:48 AM, 12.21.2021

St. Barnabas celebrates 10 years of inclusive ministry

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village had a lot to celebrate at a special service on Nov. 21. The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth Jr., bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, visited St. Barnabas to celebrate 10 years of renewed ministry, confirm and receive 21 new members into the Episcopal Church, bless the new pipe organ, dedicate the renovated Parkside Hall, and install the fifth rector of St. Barnabas, the Rev. Alexander D. Martin.

Beginning with beautiful solos from violinist Mary Beth Ions, followed by hymns on the new organ, played expertly by Timothy Robson and accompanied by the St. Barnabas Choir, the entire service was a moving tribute to how far St. Barnabas has come in the last 10 years.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:53 AM, 12.21.2021

Live Nativity family event at Bethesda on the Bay Dec. 19

Bethesda On The Bay Lutheran Church is hosting its second annual Live Nativity for the public Sunday, Dec. 19, from 4-6 p.m. on its spacious grounds at the corner of 28607 Wolf Road and Beach Lane in Bay Village.

This free event and plenty of hot chocolate will be available to everyone. Cash donations are encouraged to benefit Fill This House, a local faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the living conditions of local, needy youth aging out of the foster care system, providing essential household items such as beds and kitchenware. Bethesda on the Bay enthusiastically partners with several local and international organizations dedicated to serving those in need.

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Volume 13, Issue 23, Posted 10:29 AM, 12.07.2021

St. Barnabas announces new rector

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village announced this week that its current Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Alexander D. Martin, has accepted a call to serve as Rector – a tenured position. The church plans a celebration of his new role and the tenth anniversary of the church re-opening on Nov. 21.

“After extensive discernment, the vestry was thrilled to call Fr. Alex to be our Rector. In the last three years, he has led us to significant growth, guided us through the chaos of 2020, and been an excellent spiritual leader for our growing parish,” said Maryann Kuzila, Senior Warden of the St. Barnabas Vestry, an elected leadership team.

Fr. Alex has established the core building blocks to help St. Barnabas move from being a smaller, pastor-led church, to a larger, program-led church. For example, he has created the structure and identified leaders of various committees that provide consistent programming, from Spiritual Formation to Care to Hospitality. He has also expanded the staff to include a Youth and Children Director and a Communications Director. Our Sunday School attendance, in particular, has grown substantially.

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Volume 13, Issue 20, Posted 10:22 AM, 10.19.2021

Catholics Coming Home program is back at St. Raphael

St. Raphael Church in Bay Village will offer a program called Catholics Coming Home on seven consecutive Thursday evenings, Sept. 16 through Oct. 28, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. These sessions are for non-practicing Catholics interested in returning to the Catholic Church. There will be informal sharing and an update of the Catholic faith in a support-group format.

One former participant said of the program, "The sessions provided a sense of community with the other participants as well as with the team leaders, making me realize how much I missed that." Join us and reconnect with our Catholic community.

St. Raphael Church is located at 525 Dover Center Road. For more details and to register, call the parish office at 440-871-1100. Additional information is available at www.saintraphaelparish.com under "Parish Flyers." You may also refer to our Facebook page: Catholics Coming Home at Saint Raphael.

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 10:44 AM, 09.08.2021

Bay United Methodist welcomes minister of education

Rev. Lauren Clawson joined Bay United Methodist Church on July 1 as their Minister of Education for Children and Youth. Previously serving as Minister of Discipleship at Gay Street Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Rev. Lauren is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and holds a master’s degree in Christian Education. Her experience includes 21 years of leading children and youth in churches in North Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado.

Rev. Lauren’s arrival brings new energy to BUMC’s children and youth ministry. She will develop Sunday School programs for children from pre-K to 6th grade, coordinate 7th and 8th grade confirmation curriculum, and serve as director for high school youth programs.

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Volume 13, Issue 15, Posted 9:57 AM, 08.03.2021

Bethesda On The Bay will host 'Homeless Jesus' sculpture

Bethesda On The Bay Lutheran Church & Childcare Center is pleased to announce the hosting of the sculpture "Homeless Jesus" May 24 through June 28.

Homeless Jesus is a life-size sculpture created by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz which depicts Jesus as a homeless person lying on a bench, shrouded in a blanket with wounds on the feet. This symbolic work of art is one of a series of inspiring sculptures crafted by Schmalz.

This very powerful image of homelessness has traveled our community since October of 2018. He has been giving inspiration to congregations and the public at 12 churches and one recovery home and one family shelter to date, and now at Bethesda on the Bay – a vibrant congregation and childcare center and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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Volume 13, Issue 10, Posted 10:14 AM, 05.18.2021

The camels are coming! Westlake UMC to host live Nativity

Westlake United Methodist Church hosted its first live nativity last year and the congregation was overjoyed by the positive feedback from the community. One person commented, “for a moment I felt like I was really in Bethlehem! It was a moment of the divine on earth. Hearing the story and songs really gave me the Christmas spirit!” 

One year later, the live camels and donkeys will be back, but with a twist. “So many things have been cancelled this year because of COVID. We knew we had to find a way to still make this experience possible,” said Christopher Neeley, Westlake UMC’s Director of Music and Youth.

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Volume 12, Issue 24, Posted 9:51 AM, 12.15.2020

Bethesda on the Bay to host outdoor live Nativity

Bethesda on the Bay Lutheran Church & Childcare Center is pleased to announce the hosting of an outdoor live Nativity for the public on Sunday, Dec. 20, from 4:30-6 p.m. on its spacious grounds at 28607 Wolf Road in Bay Village.

"This is a great opportunity to visualize and experience the story of the Holy Family in a tangible and meaningful way during this time when most cannot celebrate together in person," explained Bethesda pastor Angela Freeman-Riley. "We wanted to bring a live Nativity to the community in a safe environment for all to enjoy and experience the spirit of Christmas.”

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Volume 12, Issue 24, Posted 9:52 AM, 12.15.2020

Bay UMC offers pandemic-friendly worship options

Through its “Step In, Drive In, Listen In” campaign, Bay United Methodist Church (29931 Lake Road) is offering multiple worship options for anyone and everyone in the area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Sunday at 10 a.m., Bay UMC, led by Pastor Jonathan McCleery, provides a traditional worship service with Pastor’s message, a music leader (singing is not allowed in the sanctuary due to COVID), Scripture lessons, prayer, and special music, including the Bay UMC Bell Choir.

The 10 a.m. service provides an in-person worship option with social distancing in the sanctuary along with a drive-in option in the parking lot (corner of Lake Road and Bassett Road) for families wishing to worship in their car with a live localized radio feed at 87.9 FM.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 10:03 AM, 12.01.2020

Contribute to Christmas comebacks

Bay Presbyterian Church (BPC) invites all Westshore families and community members to be a part of comeback stories at The City Mission by donating items to make Comeback Kits. BPC will be collecting items for the Mission’s Comeback Kits. These kits are provided to guests of the organization’s shelters and include immediate care, relief, and encouragement products like: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, lotion, razors, shaving cream, new underwear and socks, women's hygiene products, Bibles (New Living Translation), stationary, pens, games.

Shop for any of the items requested and drop off your donation at BPC’s main entrance (25415 Lake Road) anytime from Sunday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 27.

Bus passes are an urgent need also, and they can be purchased at area Marc’s, Giant Eagle, and Discount Drug Mart locations. On Dec. 17, students from the Westshore Young Leaders Network will gather at BPC to sort items collected as of that date.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 10:01 AM, 12.01.2020

'Homeless Jesus' draws attention in Bay Village

Through a collaboration with the Community West Foundation, a statue of “Homeless Jesus” was temporarily installed at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church adjacent to the walking path at Bradley Road Park in Bay Village.

The sculpture, created by Timothy Schmalz, depicts a man wrapped in a blanket and lying on a bench. Feet, protruding from beneath the blanket, bear the wounds of crucifixion. The work is a visual representation of Matthew 25:40, the verse quoted at the base of the sculpture: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Homeless Jesus is currently on loan from the Community West Foundation – the largest provider of homeless services in Cuyahoga County – and will be installed at St. Barnabas until Dec. 1.

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Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:26 AM, 10.20.2020

'Sukkah on wheels' brings holiday joy to Westsiders

With Covid-19 restrictions keeping many people at their homes, Chabad of the West Side found creative solutions to include as many locals as possible during this year's Jewish holiday season.

Sukkot, a sacred, week-long holiday celebrated outdoors inside man-made huts called "sukkahs," was celebrated this year at the beginning of October, with a pickup truck "Sukkah-mobile" trekking across the whole West Side.

This holiday is really all about inclusion; because we’re all created from the same creator, and everyone deserves a chance to celebrate – even in the current circumstances.

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Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:15 AM, 10.20.2020

St. Paul Westlake celebrates Pastor Appreciation Month

Churches across the nation have set aside the month of October to acknowledge the essential work of the pastor in the local congregation.

At St. Paul Westlake, “We Love Our Pastors” is the theme for the celebration that took place at weekend worship Oct. 17-18. While the usual cakes and cookies were not part of the event because of COVID safeguards, the 162-year-old Lutheran congregation on Detroit Road in Westlake showed their gratitude with cards, letters and gifts during the four services and drive-up communion.

Pastor Jeff Smith and his wife, Melissa, have served since 2015 when they arrived fresh from the seminary. They were joined this year by new Pastor Josh Gremminger and wife, Anna.  The enthusiastic ministry of these young men has merged with the experience of veteran Pastor David Buegler and his wife, Sue, to create a vibrant congregation serving 2,500 souls with good Biblical teaching, traditional and contemporary worship options and personal ministry to all generations.

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Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:14 AM, 10.20.2020

Westside children enjoy Jewish COVID-safe camp

Despite the unique challenges posed by COVID-19, Camp Gan Israel – a division of Chabad of the West Side – opened its doors with a special program for local children to enjoy a fun-filled experience ingrained with traditional Jewish values.

In-person meetups for specialty shows took place twice weekly, with ample space between families and some shows being repeated a few times throughout the day in order to accommodate everyone safely. Supporting staff and boxed activities were also sent to children's homes all across the West Side to allow for a full, enriching experience.

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Volume 12, Issue 16, Posted 9:17 AM, 08.18.2020

Bay United Methodist Church finds new ways to connect

In the new COVID-19 normal, connection is important, while at the same time tougher to accomplish. As a church, Bay United Methodist feels the absolute calling to reach further than our own members to find connections within and outside of our community.

Through postcards to our neighbors, pizza delivery each Friday to the fire department, online postings of mid-week meditations and Sunday worship, to personal phone calls and Zoom meetings, they've found opportunities to lift people up during this difficult time.

It is not enough. Leadership in the church is actively pursuing fresh looks at ministry, continually asking the question, "How can we do better?"

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Volume 12, Issue 15, Posted 9:51 AM, 08.04.2020

St. Barnabas launches Good Neighbor Project

When Jesus offered the Summary of the Law – love God and love your neighbor as yourself – a Pharisee asked, “Who is my neighbor?” That’s when Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan, who stepped up to help someone in need when others refused.

Because of social distancing requirements, many of the ways we’d like to serve our neighbors aren’t currently possible.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village recently launched the Good Neighbor Project. Through the great generosity of a handful of parishioners, we mailed $100 to every household in the parish and asked the recipients to use those funds to be good neighbors.

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Volume 12, Issue 12, Posted 9:54 AM, 06.16.2020