Bellbrook UMC is a church that has grown as the population of the community has grown. Nearly two centuries ago early settlers began Methodist class meetings and were serviced by a circuit rider – a pastor who traveled between meetings to serve the people. Eventually, the Bellbrook meeting became a small congregation, moved to a log cabin and finally built a church with the help of a wealthy church member. Through the years, various additions and improvements have been made to the building to meet the continuing needs of the community and to support the increasing ministries of the congregation. (For more information about the church’s history, Milestone Events is a historical overview describing the creation of the

In 2009 a new addition was constructed creating the Rev. Terry Heck community room, office space and restrooms. This new wing has allowed Bellbrook to open its doors even wider to the community and now hosts various community meetings as well as serves as a polling location.

In 1985 we launched the Happy Child Pre School which provides quality care for pre-K children. It is now become a separate, non-profit serving the Bellbrook community.

200th Anniversary of Our Church

Sunday, March 11, 2012, was a very special celebration of our 200 years as a congregation. Bishop Bruce Ough and District Superintendent Chris Heckaman were our special guests in worship. In addition to hosting special guests and members of the congregation, we also celebrated through music and shared a common meal. The food was delicious as was the fellowship. We had items on display representing our history which provided education about and an expanded understanding of the life of Bellbrook UMC. Our prayer is to continue 200 more years of service and witness to the Bellbrook Sugarcreek community.

Our Work in the World

The mission and ministry of Bellbrook UMC has been carried out through working committees and task forces over the years. A focus on outreach into the community has been a priority with partners such as the Family Violence Prevention Center in Xenia, the Family Resource Center in Bellbrook and the Open Arms Clinic which is an ongoing health initiative of BUMC.

Bellbrook UMC has had a strong commitment to social justice and believes all people are welcome as a part of our worshipping community. We support ministries such as the Tandana Foundation which provides empowerment and sustainable living tools for people in Ecuador and Mali. We also support the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund which is assisting people living with HIV or AIDS as well as education to prevent the spread of the virus.