PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
HEART & INNOVATION ON DISPLAY … Left to right, Syler Goebel, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, and A’laya Reed at the Bishop’s GO! Awards, where Edgerton United Methodist Church was recognized for its youth-driven Digital Ministry that ensures no one is left out.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
Edgerton United Methodist Church is ushering in a new season of accessibility and inclusion on Sunday, February 15, with the launch of its Digital Ministry, a shift to a more family-friendly worship time, and a community breakfast celebration.
Beginning that day, the church’s in-person Sunday worship service will move to 9:30 a.m.
The earlier time is intended to better serve families, shift workers, and others who find traditional schedules difficult due to early mornings or other commitments.
To mark the changes and the debut of the Digital Ministry, the church will host a hot breakfast immediately following the service.
The meal is open to the entire community, with all invited to join in fellowship and celebration.
The Digital Ministry—funded through a recently awarded Bishop’s GO Grant from the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church—aims to remove barriers for those unable to attend in person.
Instead of live-streaming, services and other content will be pre-recorded and posted on the church’s Facebook page, allowing viewers to engage at their own convenience and pace.
“For many people, the barrier isn’t faith—it’s logistics, health, anxiety, or exhaustion,” said Pastor Jennifer Miller. “Pre-recorded worship gives people the freedom to participate when they’re able, without pressure.”
The initiative carries special meaning for the church’s youth. When the digital vision was shared, 11-year-old A’laya Reed and 12-year-old Syler Goebel eagerly volunteered to help record services and create content.
Their drive stems from their close friendship with 12-year-old Sophie Patrick, who joined the church last May.
Sophie faces significant health challenges, including kidney disease. Her condition worsened in October, leading to a week in the ICU, and by December she required dialysis.
Due to her size, she travels several hours to Detroit multiple times a week for treatment, leaving her often too exhausted to attend in-person worship. The wait for a kidney transplant remains uncertain.
“These kids understand that church isn’t just about showing up in a building at a certain time,” Pastor Miller said.
“They’re making sure their friend still feels included, whether she’s at home, recovering, or in a hospital bed.”
The Bishop’s GO Grant will support the purchase of equipment, volunteer training, and the development of sustainable digital practices, ensuring worship and encouragement reach people wherever they are.
Church leaders hope the ministry will not only strengthen connections with current members but will also welcome community residents who have felt disconnected from traditional church formats.
The February 15 worship service at 9:30 a.m., followed by breakfast, is open to the public at Edgerton United Methodist Church, located at 307 N. Michigan Ave. All are warmly welcome.