Our cooperative parish is a new kind of gathering––a way for us to multiply our strengths,
collaborate as congregations, and to do more ministry than the sum of our parts. We are three,
historic United Methodist congregations in Parma and Middleburg Heights, Ohio, who have
drawn into a closer connection with one another in order to share in ministry and knit together
our communities into an even bigger expression of faith.

Each of our three churches still worship in their buildings, though the whole parish gathers as
one to worship on the first Sunday of the month for our communion Sunday at one of our three
buildings. Our ministries, small groups, and other activities are shared across the parish, with
different gatherings being held at each of our different buildings. Our two parish ministers also
serve at all three churches, helping to knit together the three congregations, so that even if we
are worshipping separately, we are connected.

Part of our parish is the belief that we are stronger, more faithful, and more caring when we are
together. Starting with a premise of mutual care and respect for one another, our diversities
and differences, and everything that we bring with us into our faith lives make for a more
grace-filled community, to which everyone is welcome!