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About Us

A congregation rooted in 200 years of faith, open to all.

Who We Are

Brecksville United Church of Christ is a congregation of friendly, open, and honest people representing a wide range of backgrounds — Congregational, Methodist, Baptist, and many others. Parents, singles, teens, children, and seniors make up our community, united by a shared faith and a commitment to welcoming everyone.

We are a member of the United Church of Christ, Heartland Conference, Living Waters Association. Our guiding conviction — "God is Still Speaking" — reflects our openness to evolving faith, ongoing dialogue, and the belief that the church's work is never finished.

We became an Open and Affirming congregation in 1991, welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions into the full life and leadership of the church.

"To be loving, serving, and accepting of all people with God's life-changing power and grace."

Our Mission

Our Vision

We are called to be a vital and faithful Christian community in ministry and mission — open, earnest, and intentional in all we do.

Open & Responsive

We welcome people at every stage of their faith journey. With warmth and inclusivity at our core, we are committed to meeting all people with respect and care.

Earnest in Worship

Our worship blends traditional and contemporary approaches — gathering in the sanctuary, in small groups, and online — to celebrate faith and live by Gospel principles.

Intentional in Witness

With a long legacy of social justice, we feed the hungry, respond to disasters, celebrate diversity, and work toward a more just and peaceful world.

Our History

Brecksville UCC has called the Public Square home for over 200 years, growing from a small frontier congregation into the community it is today.

  1. 1816 Rev. William Hanford organizes the First Congregational Church of Brecksville with thirteen founding members at Esquire Bradford's residence.
  2. 1831 The congregation builds its first frame structure as a dedicated place of worship.
  3. 1843 The frame structure burns. A new church is built at the present site on Public Square — the raising-day celebration included dinner and ceremonial cannon fire.
  4. 1945 Pilgrim Hall and kitchen facilities are added, expanding the church's capacity for fellowship and community gatherings.
  5. 1953 A Christian Education wing is constructed to support growing children's and youth programs.
  6. 1962 The congregation affiliates with the United Church of Christ.
  7. 1965 A devastating arson fire damages the sanctuary. The congregation rebuilds, preserving its historic location on the Public Square.
  8. 1971 Recognized as a Just Peace Church, affirming the congregation's long commitment to social justice and nonviolence.
  9. 1991 Becomes an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming LGBTQ+ people into the full life and leadership of the church.
  10. 2016 Celebrates the congregation's bicentennial — 200 years of faith, community, and service in Brecksville.
  11. 2026 The journey continues. Rooted in over 200 years of history, Brecksville UCC remains a living, welcoming community — still speaking, still growing, still serving.

Community & Outreach

Faith without action is incomplete. Brecksville UCC is actively engaged in the wider community through partnerships and direct service:

  • Supporting homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network
  • Contributing to local food pantries and volunteering at hunger centers
  • Celebrating cultural diversity through events like the annual World Diversity Potluck
  • Participating in disaster response through UCC national networks

Our Ministries

Brecksville UCC is organized around ministry teams that carry out our shared mission. Each team is led by lay volunteers and supported by staff.

Pastor's Ministry

Rev. Jeff Jackson — buccpastor23@gmail.com

The Pastor’s Ministry encompasses preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and congregational leadership. Rev. Jeff Jackson provides spiritual guidance for individuals and families through life’s milestones — from baptisms and weddings to illness and bereavement — and leads the congregation in discerning its mission and direction.

Music Ministry

Music is central to worship at Brecksville UCC. Our Music Ministry includes the chancel choir, seasonal choir, and special instrumental performances throughout the year. All are welcome to participate — no audition required. The choir rehearses weekly and leads the congregation in song each Sunday.

Christian Education

The Christian Education Ministry nurtures faith at every age — from children’s Sunday school and youth programs to adult study groups and seasonal learning series. We believe lifelong learning is central to a living faith, and offer opportunities to explore scripture, theology, and social issues together.

Membership

The Membership Ministry welcomes newcomers and helps them find their place in the life of the congregation. Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or transferring from another church, we walk alongside you through the process of joining and getting connected to the community.

Outreach

The Outreach Ministry connects our congregation to the broader community through direct service and partnership. We support local food pantries, collect donations for organizations like Edna House, participate in disaster relief through UCC networks, and host community events that bring neighbors together.

Social Justice Ministry

The Social Justice Ministry (SJM) acts on our congregation’s long-standing commitment to a more just and peaceful world. We engage issues of racial equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, immigration, environmental care, and civic participation — through education, advocacy, and direct action alongside community partners.

Spiritual Life

The Spiritual Life Ministry creates space for deepening personal faith through prayer, reflection, and contemplative practice. We offer small group gatherings, retreat days, book discussions, and seasonal devotional resources to support members in their individual journeys of faith.

Leadership Development

The Leadership Development Ministry identifies, equips, and supports the lay leaders who serve on committees, boards, and ministry teams throughout the congregation. We provide training, resources, and encouragement so that members can serve effectively and find meaning in their roles.

Staff & Congregation Relations

The Staff & Congregation Relations Ministry fosters a healthy, communicative relationship between church staff and the broader congregation. We address concerns, support staff wellbeing, and work to ensure that our shared life together reflects our values of respect, transparency, and mutual care.

Finance

The Finance Ministry is responsible for the stewardship of our congregation’s financial resources. We oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and accountability — working to ensure that the church’s funds are managed faithfully and transparently in service of our mission.

Stewardship

The Stewardship Ministry cultivates a spirit of generous giving within the congregation — not just of money, but of time, talent, and care. We lead the annual stewardship campaign, provide resources on faithful giving, and celebrate the ways members contribute to the life and mission of the church.

Facilities

The Facilities Ministry oversees the care and maintenance of our church building and grounds at 23 Public Square. Volunteers coordinate repairs, seasonal upkeep, and improvements to keep our shared spaces welcoming and functional for worship, education, and community events.