Reflections by Rev. Dan Bogre

Dear Friends and Family of Rocky River United Methodist Church and Story Church,

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

As I sat at my computer to write this month’s Circuit Rider article, I found myself drawn to this Scripture.

“Why?” you might ask.

Sitting on my desk right now is the 2025 Story Church Year-End Report. Looking at it made me think all the way back to 2013, when a group of us journeyed to the "Church for All People" in Columbus. That Methodist church was a true pioneer in operating free stores for neighbors in need, and they were changing lives for Jesus Christ.

It was then and there that our team from RRUMC knew God was calling us to action. We weren't just called to open a free store in Cleveland; we were called to watch an entire church emerge from that single ministry.

The Twice Blessed Free Store opened its doors on the first Saturday of January, 2014, and we never looked back. Today, we host regular worship services, run a thriving free store, lead Bible studies, and host new membership classes. Together, we celebrate baptisms and monthly communion. We also launched "Meals on Madison," a program that serves hot community meals at no cost to our neighbors.

There is so much more to celebrate, and this very first year-end report captures it beautifully.

The most exciting update right now is that we welcomed four interpreters to the staff at Story Church. Story Church has become a beautifully diverse congregation with people from all over the world. On any given Saturday, you can hear six to ten different languages. Our neighbors are now requesting interpreters not just for their shopping experience, but also to translate the sermons. They are truly hungry for the Word of God.

That hunger is the exact reason we opened the Twice Blessed Free Store 12 years ago. We wanted to help people meet Jesus Christ in the midst of their story. God called us to meet physical needs first, ensuring our neighbors are open, ready, and excited to have their spiritual needs met as well.

As Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” This year-end report is living proof of how God, who began a good work at Story Church, is actively carrying it on to completion.

Well done, Church!

Peace and blessings,
Rev. Dan