Beliefs and Values
We believe in the love of God. That we are all children of God and siblings in Christ. We believe that all people are people of worth. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. And that the Bible is God’s love letter to humankind. We interpret the Word of God through a lens of love.
Our congregation is not perfect. We get mad, scared, say stupid things, and sometimes do not act like Christians. But don’t judge us. Join us in our imperfections as we work on ourselves. Jesus came to heal the sick. And we are all in need of Jesus’ healing love and care.
We are a small faith community where you will NOT get lost. We will know your name and the names of your family members. We will eat with you, sing with you (we don’t care if you sing well or in a monotone), laugh, and worship with you. Have an idea, tell us!
Our Community
Our faith community welcomes people who are mature adults, young adults, children, and teens, conventional and non-conventional families, with or without children. We welcome those who have significant others and those who do not. We don’t care if you have money or don’t, or if you are a ‘churched’ person, or not.
Come and see how this faith community helps one another and improves each of our lives. Find friendship and support as we all travel through this time and place together. Whatever your life situation, you are loved by God and welcomed in this place.
Our History
Copley Township was incorporated on July 15, 1918. The first religious services were led by a Baptist elder in 1822. The first church was organized by a Congregationalist preacher in 1832. Shortly after a Methodist group was formed.
On January 11, 1843 the Congregational Society of Copley Ohio was incorporated, and later that year the Society began building Copley’s first church, now the site of Copley United Methodist Church. In the early days, different congregations shared the building to hold services. In 1874 the amount of $125 was raised to purchase an organ to be used by all the denominations that worshipped in the Church.
In 1902 the Society came under the jurisdiction of the Centralized Methodist Episcopal Church. From that time to 1926, fourteen pastors served the church. In 1926 Rev. F. A. Ashburn was appointed to Copley, and a successful campaign to build a new church was undertaken. The existing white New England style frame structure was sold, removed, and a new red brick building was constructed and dedicated on December 8, 1929. That building stands today with additions completed in 1953, 1957, and 1972. In 1968 The Church underwent a name change, becoming our present Copley United Methodist Church.
Our Pastor
Amy Shipley
I have been married to my husband Sam for 44 years. Where has the time gone? We are the proud parents of 6 adult children, 6 grandchildren, 2 dogs and 10 chickens. I graduated from college with a BA in Music and Theatre. When the children were in school, I decided that there was more to life than creating a cookbook from all the saved recipes cut out of magazines. My church needed a youth leader and I was hired. I loved sharing the love of God with the youth entrusted in my care and found myself called into full time ministry. I attended seminary, graduating in 2015 and became an ordained UMC elder in 2020.
I believe God has a great sense of humor and so I utilize humor, theatre, all kinds of music and creativity in the worship services. I have been appointed to Copley UMC since 2020. I am honored to serve with this group of dedicated Christians who love God, and care for one another, their neighbors and the community.
Additional Staff
Laura Robinson
Administrative Assistant
A caring presence in our church, who serves in many capacities to keep our church running smoothly.
Dave Richard
Musician
A talented organist and pianist, who brings his love of music and skills to enhance our worship experience.
Patrick Hanna
Musician
A worship leader, who plays guitar and is also a composer and enlivens our services with meaningful musical messages.
