Join us on Sunday, December 29, for a single worship service at 9:30 am. This is an opportunity for our community to gather in gratitude and reflection as we conclude the year together. We look forward to seeing you there to share in fellowship and worship.
Confirmation is the time when students in grades 7-12 can learn more about our faith, the Bible, and what it means to be a part of the church. We review our baptismal vows and students will become members of the church when they complete the confirmation class. Classes will begin the first week of January and go through Confirmation Sunday on April 27. Register your student here or email Jason.sheldon@stonybrook.church for more information.
Free Community Lunch Volunteers are needed on Sunday, January 12 to deliver food to Peace Lutheran Church by 11:00 am. Sign up by clicking here. If you have any questions please contact Becky Marusek at bmarusek@live.com or Barb Dodson at dodsonb40@gmail.com.
Moms Group is a place for Moms of all ages and stages to come together and enjoy meaningful conversation, laughter, friendship, and support. Join our group for a relaxing time of sharing and encouragement while growing personally and spiritually. Come as you and when you can. We meet in the Family Lounge Downstairs on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 9:30 - 11:00 am during the school year. Childcare is provided. For any questions, please contact Lori Motzer jlmotzer@gmail.com
Mission Fair, Sunday, January 19, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. The Mission Task Force is hosting an extravaganza of mission opportunities. We will have information on most areas of Stonybrook mission involvement, a wide variety of ways you can participate, and a celebration of the many ways Stonybrook has touched the community through mission. There will be table displays from local and regional organizations as well as Stonybrook’s mission. And lots of surprises!
Prime Timers Lunch and Learn: You are invited to join us on Wednesday, January 22, as we gaze into a crystal ball to learn about the future of Columbus. Most people are aware that with Amazon, data centers, and the Intel factory, Columbus is becoming something of a boomtown. How will that impact our roads, our housing, and our schools? Darrell Holmes and Jennifer Chamberlain are members of the Far East Area Commission of Columbus and they will share with us the projections of population growth and the proposals for rapid transit systems, changes to zoning laws, and other possible impacts. We will have a light lunch at 11:30 AM and the presentation will begin at 12 noon in Wesley Hall. Contact Bill Bartter with questions (wbartter@att.net)
New Member Class In this class, we will explore what it means to be a United Methodist and what it means to be a member of Stonybrook Church. Attending the class does not commit you to join Stonybrook; it is simply an opportunity to learn more about the church, meet new people, and consider whether membership is the right next step for you. This is a one-day class scheduled for Sunday, February 2, from 12:30–2:30 pm. A light lunch will be provided, and childcare is available. If you decide to join Stonybrook Church, you will be commissioned during one of the worship services on February 9. You can sign up on the back of the connection card or by clicking here.
It’s time to plan Vacation Bible School !! Parents and Volunteers, SAVE THE DATE, June 9-13, 2025; we will be seeking our True North. It will be amazing!!
Christmas Eve Worship At 9:30 am, Stonybrook has the incredible opportunity to take worship out into the community at StoryPoint (an independent, assisted care, and memory care living community) located at 5435 Morse Road in Gahanna. Stonybrook friends and members are invited to attend. Then join us for our Christmas Eve tradition, which continues with our 5:00 pm Family Worship Service with leadership from our children and youth, our 7:00 pm Contemporary Service, and our 9:00 pm Traditional Worship Service. We look forward to celebrating together!
Blue Christmas Worship Service For many, memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences and situations can become overwhelming. Christmas can be very difficult and a reminder of the challenges in our lives. Our Blue Christmas worship service, held on the longest night of the year, Saturday, December 21, offers a space to acknowledge our pain and anguish. Together, we will listen, pray, and sing as we seek healing, hope, and comfort, reminding ourselves that we are not alone. Please join us on Saturday, December 21, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel off the Narthex.
Moms Group is a place for Moms of all ages and stages to come together and enjoy meaningful conversation, laughter, friendship, and support. Join our group for a relaxing time of sharing and encouragement while growing personally and spiritually. Come as you and when you can. We meet in the Family Lounge Downstairs on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 9:30 - 11:00 am during the school year. Childcare is provided. For any questions, please contact Lori Motzer jlmotzer@gmail.com
Hope is born, Emmanuel!!! Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 14, from 6:00-8:00 pm, and join us at Stonybrook for a walking journey to Bethlehem. Enjoy the warmth of being INSIDE as we retell the story of Christ’s birth at six different stations throughout the church's main floor. This is a family-friendly event, and the entire walking route is handicap accessible. The experience will take about twenty minutes, with tours beginning regularly throughout the two hours. Hope you will join us.
Hope is born, Emmanuel!!! Mark your calendars for Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14, from 6:00-8:00 pm, and join us at Stonybrook for a walking journey to Bethlehem. Enjoy the warmth of being INSIDE as we retell the story of Christ’s birth at six different stations throughout the church's main floor. This is a family-friendly event, and the entire walking route is handicap accessible. The experience will take about twenty minutes, with tours beginning regularly throughout the two hours. Hope you will join us.
Jazz Brunch at the Brook On Monday, December 9, the Gahanna Lincoln jazz band will share jazz and holiday favorites at 10:00 am in Wesley Hall. You are invited to enjoy this Prime Timer-sponsored event with music, fruit, pastries, juice, and coffee. We are also hosting a pizza lunch for the student musicians. A free-will offering will be taken to cover food expenses and support the instrumental music boosters. If you would like to attend, please sign up using the Connection Card or click here. This fun event is open to the Gahanna community so feel free to invite neighbors and friends. If you have questions, contact Bill Bartter (wbartter@att.net
Do not miss the opportunity to witness the Stonybrook Church Cantata Choir's presentation of "The Glory of Christmas" by Lloyd Larson on Sunday, December 8, at 9:30 and 11:00 am. This captivating cantata brings together the talents of over 60 singers and instrumentalists, with each movement conveying the hope, promise, wonder, majesty, mystery, brilliance, and glory of the season."
Moms Group is a place for Moms of all ages and stages to come together and enjoy meaningful conversation, laughter, friendship, and support. Join our group for a relaxing time of sharing and encouragement while growing personally and spiritually. Come as you and when you can. We meet in the Family Lounge Downstairs on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 9:30 - 11:00 am during the school year. Childcare is provided. For any questions, please contact Lori Motzer jlmotzer@gmail.com
Gahanna Community Chorus and The Choraliers will present their full program of sacred and secular repertoire in the beautiful sanctuary of Stonybrook Methodist Church. Instrumentalists Dr. Nancy Gamso, Laura Koh, and Nate Terry will be featured. A free-will offering will be collected.
As we head into the holiday season for food, fun, and festivities, let us remember that the holidays are not the same for all. And as we look back on all we’ve experienced the past year, individually and as a community, there have been some moments that have left deep wounds on us all. We invite you to join us for a service of healing and restoration on Wednesday, November 27, at 7:00 pm. We will gather together to pray and worship the God whose steadfast love never ceases.
Advent is almost here, which means it is Holiday Lights time! Stonybrook is a part of Gahanna’s Holiday Lights Celebration again this year with an activity booth. The event is on Sunday, November 24 from 3:00-6:00 pm. We need individuals to serve at the booth passing out our Holiday worship services cards or assisting kids with activities (all materials provided). What better way to share Jesus with our Community this Holiday Season than to tell the story of His birth. If interested, please sign up HERE to participate in this event. Contact Pastor David Hoffman with questions.
Join us for Hanging of the Greens on Sunday, November 24, from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm. Help us prepare the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons. We will start in MPR A/B with lunch to be provided by the Fellowship Committee. Then, you will be assigned to different areas of the church to decorate. We will have activities for all ages so join us as kick off the season and deck the halls!
Free Community Lunch Volunteers are needed on Sunday, November 24 (the weekend before Thanksgiving) to deliver food to Peace Lutheran Church by 11:00 am. Sign up by clicking here. If you have any questions, please contact Becky Marusek at bmarusek@live.com or Barb Dodson at dodsonb40@gmail.com.
Moms Group is a place for Moms of all ages and stages to come together and enjoy meaningful conversation, laughter, friendship, and support. Join our group for a relaxing time of sharing and encouragement while growing personally and spiritually. Come as you and when you can. We meet in the Family Lounge Downstairs on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 9:30 - 11:00 am during the school year. Childcare is provided. For any questions, please contact Lori Motzer jlmotzer@gmail.com
Children’s Christmas Musical Parent Meeting Sunday, November 17, 4:00 pm. For parents of children 3 yrs – high school. If your child would like to be in the Christmas Musical, offered on Christmas eve at 5:00 pm, please attend this meeting. We will introduce the musical, The Grumpy Shepherd, have a list of parts, and give out the practice schedule. There are non-speaking parts available, and your child does not have to be in the choir to participate. This year preschoolers will also take part. Christina and I look forward to working with you and your children on this fun musical! To sign up click here.
We will hold our Annual Church Conference on Sunday, November 17, starting at 2:00 pm at Stonybrook. All church members are invited to attend this meeting. During the meeting, we will be voting on the New Leadership for 2025.
The Prison Ministry Team will hold an informational meeting on Sunday, November 10th, at 1:00 pm in Wesley Café. The various ministries will be reviewed by members of the team. Your attendance is not a commitment but an opportunity to learn more about this growing ministry.
If you plan to attend or have questions, please email Tom Hofmann at hofmann6456@gmail.com . The session will be one hour or less.
Moms Group is a place for Moms of all ages and stages to come together and enjoy meaningful conversation, laughter, friendship, and support. Join our group for a relaxing time of sharing and encouragement while growing personally and spiritually. Come as you and when you can. We meet in the Family Lounge Downstairs on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 9:30 - 11:00 am during the school year. Childcare is provided. For any questions, please contact Lori Motzer jlmotzer@gmail.com
United Women in Faith Election Day Bake Sale
Ready - Set – Go Grab your apron and your favorite recipes for United Women in Faith's Election Day Bake Sale on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 6:30 am until the baked goods run out. Please package your goodies with a half dozen or dozen items in each sealed bag. An ingredient list needs to be attached to each bag. Please deliver items to the church kitchen by Monday, November 4, 4:00 PM. All proceeds will go toward local, national and global missions. Credit Cards will be accepted this year (with a small fee) but cash or checks are welcome.
Stonybrook Monthly Movie: In November the monthly movie group will look into a very secret but also very public event - the selection of a new Pope. The movie "Conclave" takes us inside the drama and politics involved in this process. Ralph Fiennes leads a group of A-list actors (Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini) in a movie that's described as a "dramatic thriller." There are many secrets and plot twists and turns. The movie has received many positive reviews, not only for the acting but also the pageantry and splendor of the Vatican. We will attend the first showing on Monday, Nov 4, at Stoneridge Plaza. Please check online over the weekend to find the showtime. After the movie we will walk to a local spot for food and fellowship. If you have questions, please contact Bill Bartter (614-403-8272 or wbartter@att.net)
Fantastic Friday, November 1, 6:00-8:00 pm, for children that are four years old through grade three..A fun night of story, art, and games. We are celebrating Fan Day! Not the contraption that produces a breeze, but you all who wear jerseys showing your allegiance to your team! Wear the colors or jersey of your favorite team! (No trash talk here, only celebration!) Childcare will be available for children that are three years old and under. If you would like to attend, pleasehere.
The SBY Fall Retreat to Marmon Valley is November 8-10! Students in grade 6-12 can join us for a weekend of horseback riding, team building, and square dancing. Cost is $50 per student, please let Jason know if you need a scholarship. Register your student here or email jason.sheldon@stonybrook.church by October 28.
Join Us for a Fun-Filled Trunk 'n' Treat Event! Get ready for a delightful afternoon of laughter, games, and sweet surprises! Bring your little ones (and bigger ones too) in their favorite costumes for a safe and joyful way to celebrate with friends and neighbors. 🗓 Date: Sunday, October 27 🕒 Time: 3:00 -5:00 pm 📍 Location: Stonybrook’s back parking lot ✨ What to Expect: Creative Trunk Displays: Enjoy beautifully decorated cars and fun themes! Treats Galore: Collect tasty goodies and fun surprises! Games & Activities: Join in on festive games and crafts! Community Fun: Meet friends, make new ones, and celebrate together! 🍭 Bring a Friend and Join the Fun! This event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a cheerful evening in a friendly atmosphere. Don't forget to bring a bag for all the treats! For questions, contact Pastor Lauren, lauren.clawson@stonybrook,church, 614-471-0252 We can't wait to see you there!
Advent Adventure Kits. Advent is the season of waiting and preparing for the Christ Child to be born. As the nights grow longer, we wait in anticipation for the wonderful advent of God coming to earth, filling us with joy and hope, love and peace. The Advent Adventure Kit includes hands-on activities and discussion starters for the whole family that coordinate with both All Creation Waits and the adult study book, An Unlikely Advent, by Rachel Billups. Billups is a pastor and author from our District! This is a gift from Stonybrook Church to your family. Use it as it best fits your family's rhythm.
The Children’s Kit (PreK through 5th grade) includes the book All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss, illustrated by Sharon Spitz and the Youth Kit grade 6-12) includes a teen devotional. Please sign up for the Advent Adventure Kit by signing up on the connection card or click here, no later than November 17. The kits will be ready for pick up the week of November 24, to be started on December 1, the first day of Advent.
All Kids in Worship will take place on Sunday, October 20, at 9:30 am. There will be childcare for children 6wks up to 3 yrs. There is a song in The Faith We Sing songbook that says, This, this is where children belong, welcomed as part of the worshipping throng. Water, God’s word, bread and cup, prayer and song, this is where children belong. Although children may not intellectually understand all the words or meaning of the sermon, ears are listening as hands are engaged in coloring or shaping pipe cleaners. By sitting next to and observing their parents, children learn this is their place, too. For children, belonging is the first step to believing. Movement is expected and so are whispered directions or explanations. This is their place. God welcomes children into the Holy Presence, and they are blessed by it.
Fall Clean Up We need volunteers to help clean up our church property on Saturday, October 19, from 9:00-11:00 am. We hope you can come and help us with some flower removal, raking, weeding, pruning, and brush removal. Bring gloves and gardening tools if you have them (put your name on them). Members of the Planter's Guild will be present to direct you to help clean up their planting areas.
