Title
TO HONOR AND COMMEND STONYBROOK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Version
dj/ils
Body
WHEREAS, individuals had a dream and goal to start a church in the community of Gahanna, Ohio, and they began to meet in the gymnasium of Lincoln Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Stonybrook United Methodist Church was chartered on May 21, 1961; and
WHEREAS, the Methodist Union purchased property at 485 Cherry Bottom Road and presented it to the new congregation for construction of a church building; and
WHEREAS, groundbreaking ceremonies were held September 29, 1963 and Service of Entry into the new building was held August 16, 1964; and
WHEREAS, the Stonybrook family through its first half century has created and enriched a wide spectrum of ministries through worship and prayer, music, Christian Education, fellowship, outreach and service; and
WHEREAS, examples of ministries currently serving Gahanna and neighboring communities are a church-based Free Store for families in need of clothing and other items; providing volunteers as tutors for Cassady Alternative Elementary School and Goshen Lane Elementary School; assistance with free community meals at Peace Lutheran Church and the summer lunch program; supporting GRIN in numerous projects and special needs; and
WHEREAS, the church also has sponsored a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Brownies and Girl Scout Troops; have participated in the Appalachia Service Project since 1973; hosts a Grief Share ministry, Financial Peace University classes, Global Missionaries, and has provided meeting places for a number of community organizations; and
WHEREAS, a highlight project for the 50 year celebration was held on June 12, 2011 with more than 300 members completing various community service projects, including landscape clean up in the City's parks; provided entertainment at a senior care center, performed car repairs and other services for those in need and assembled sack lunches for the summer school students; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2011 Stonybrook will hold its 50th Gala Anniversary Celebration; and
WHEREAS, Stonybrook Methodist Church has been a vital presence in the Gahanna community and helped make Gahanna the City it is now;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council congratulates and commends STONYBROOK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on its 50th Anniversary and wishes the church many years of excellence and service to the Gahanna community.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest date possible.