A Disciples Family on Sharon Copley Road
First Christian Church Medina sits along Sharon Copley Road on the edge of Medina, Ohio, where its property stretches across acres of open ground. The congregation belongs to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a movement whose rallying cry is "wholeness in a fragmented world," and it is part of the regional Christian Church in Ohio. The church's tagline, "You Belong Here," sets the tone for a community that welcomes anyone who walks through the doors - including newcomers who have not yet figured out what they believe.
Sunday Morning at Ten
The congregation gathers for worship every Sunday at 10 AM, both in person in the sanctuary and through a livestream on Facebook and YouTube. The service is described as a gathering in which members come "as one Body to worship our Lord Jesus Christ, build fellowship with one another, and partake of His Table together." That last phrase is the heart of the service: communion is shared every Sunday, and the Lord's Table is open to everyone, because, as the FAQ puts it, "Christ welcomes all."
Music is a long-standing part of the Sunday gathering. Pianist and Choir Director Patrick Fields leads the singing, and Romy Groves directs the Bell Choir. Visitors regularly hear guest groups too, including a recent visit from The Gospel Disciples. The atmosphere aims to be "joyful" and Christ-centered without being stiff. Among the values the church names for itself: "a welcoming and fun environment that makes people excited to attend church."
What the Disciples Believe
First Christian Church Medina frames its identity around grace, unity, and compassionate service. Members see Scripture as "a living, guiding word" that calls for thoughtful and prayerful study, and they honor that people may interpret passages differently. Communion, celebrated every Sunday, is the clearest expression of that unity - the table belongs to Christ, and no one is turned away. The congregation also describes itself as "a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world," and lists its values as joyful worship, Christ-centered mission, spiritual growth, freedom in Christ, cultural impact, purposeful living, and generous hearts.
A Green Chalice Church
The congregation is a recognized Green Chalice church within the Disciples of Christ, formally committing to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and creation care as an act of faith. Elder Bev Kreiner serves as Green Chalice Coordinator. Members put that commitment into practice through seasonal projects: in winter they build pinecone bird feeders to feed local wildlife, and in spring they plant flowers on the church grounds to support pollinators like bees and butterflies. These small, intentional acts are meant to model faithful creation care for the wider community.
Around the Sun Montessori
The same Sharon Copley Road address houses Around the Sun Montessori, a preschool and elementary program that operates "among acres of secluded natural beauty" on the church's grounds. The school shares the property with the church and gives families a daily presence on the campus, weaving the building into the rhythms of the surrounding area throughout the week, not just on Sundays.
Small Groups Around the Week
Beyond Sunday worship, members gather in a steady rhythm of small groups. WEDG - the Wednesday Evening Discussion Group, now called Exploring Scriptures - meets on Wednesdays at 5 PM to talk about the Bible and what it means to be a Christian today. LIFT (Ladies In Faith Together) brings women together for friendship, laughter, and encouragement. The Men's Low Tea gives the men of the church a regular Monday-evening space at 4:30 PM to talk about life, faith, and fellowship. A monthly Book Club meets on Thursdays at 3 PM, with members choosing titles together and gathering to discuss.
Clothing Shed and Outreach
Just outside the main building sits the church's Clothing Shed, where gently used clothes can be dropped off in sealed plastic bags. Donations are distributed both locally and globally. The congregation also serves as a permanent drop-off location for Feeding Medina County, channeling food to neighbors facing hunger. Members regularly support Love INC of Medina County, participate in Week of Compassion (the Disciples' disaster relief and global development ministry), and engage with other partners including Church World Service, Disciples Home Missions, Kidz Connected, and M25M. Families with young children can take part in seasonal events like Blessing of the Backpacks, and the church keeps its grounds in conversation with the wider Disciples family through Camp Christian in Ohio.
Leadership and Pastoral Care
Pastor Howard Harris Jr. leads the congregation. He is supported by a board of elders that includes Bev Kreiner (who also chairs the board and coordinates creation care), Nicole Steigerwald (Christian Education Chair), Ron Foster, Susan Chaplin, Tim Mosely, and Karen Harrington (who chairs the elders and the Worship Committee). Elders frequently preach when the pastor is away. The church is governed in the Disciples of Christ way, where elders carry spiritual leadership alongside the pastor. A prayer request form on the contact page invites anyone in the community to share concerns, with the whole congregation committing to lift those prayers.
Getting Connected and Giving
Visitors who want to attend in person can find the church at 4797 Sharon Copley Road, Medina, Ohio. Those who prefer to join online can find the livestream at 10 AM on Facebook and YouTube, and past messages are archived on the church's YouTube channel. Giving can be done in person through the offering plates by the sanctuary doors or online through the church's giving page. The office can be reached at (330) 723-7021 or fccmedinasec@gmail.com. Whether someone is exploring faith for the first time, looking for a church home, or simply curious about a small, welcoming congregation rooted in the Disciples tradition, First Christian Church Medina invites them to come as they are.