Missions

Mission Ministries

We believe that all baptized Christians are called to be in ministry; each of us has been given a unique set of gifts and talents. We are created in God’s image and we are called to use those gifts for service to others.

Mission Team

Mission is a part of the DNA of this congregation. As we are in service to others, we find ourselves growing spiritually and experiencing a deeper sense of joy and purpose. The Mission Team coordinates the mission projects of the congregation. 


In addition to our Spring and Fall Food Drives, our Giving Tree at Christmas and various collections to support those in need, we are closely affiliated with several mission organizations and offer financial support and hands on volunteering to several partner agencies in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, including but not limited to:

The Good Neighbor Thrift Shop is a mission and ministry of this congregation. It is a ministry to those who find there a friendly environment and affordable clothing and household items. All of the profits support the mission giving of the church and we work closely with several partner agencies in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. The shop is in it’s third location, all in the same neighborhood, and first opened in April 1979.


Volunteers are always needed at the thrift shop; please consider us first when donating your gently-used clothing and other items!


The Good Neighbor Thrift Shop is at 158 Lear Road in Avon Lake.

440-933-8627



Watch the Good Neighbor Thrift Shop video HERE.

Parish Nurse

Our parish nurse, Cheryl Updegraff, helps our congregation focus on wellness and wholeness. Cheryl does not do hands-on nursing in this role, but she can help answer some of your general questions about health - parishioners often go to Cheryl for resources for themselves and their loved ones. Cheryl can be reached at parishnurse@avonlakeucc.org


The parish nurse coordinates and is a liaison with:

  • Stephen Ministry
  • Doorstep Dinners (meals during times of emergency or special need)
  • Mission Team, especially the Giving Tree at Christmas Time
  • Mental Health caregivers’ support group (for friends and family members who want to be better allies with their loved ones who have a mental illness diagnosis)
  • Caregivers Support Group

Stephen Ministry is an international, ecumenical program; our church has been a Stephen Ministry congregation for over 40 years. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training and then are paired with a care receiver. They are not professional counselors, but focus on listening, confidentiality, and helping a care receiver in times of change or loss. Care receivers may be experiencing the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, empty nest, or the illness of a loved one. Stephen Leaders receive advance training and help teach Stephen Ministry classes and lead ongoing supervision and continuing education.


For more information on Stephen Ministry, please contact Cheryl Updegraff or Kelly Brill.

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