In 2025, in honor of Brook Hill UMC’s 175th anniversary and the Weekday Preschool’s 50th anniversary, we have launched a weekly series on our Facebook page looking back at all the church has accomplished. Enjoy the memories! #BHUMC175years #ThrowbackThursday
December 25, 2025
For 175 years, Brook Hill has gathered to celebrate the birth of our Savior. This Christmas is extra special as we close out an anniversary year filled with gratitude, celebration, and connection with our community.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story in 2025. We are grateful for our church family, neighbors, and friends near and far. As we celebrate Emmanuel—God with us—today, we’re reminded that the best is yet to come.
Here’s to more memories, more faith, and more of God’s presence in the years ahead. Merry Christmas to all! 🎄
December 18, 2025
For years, our Christmas Eve celebration has included something truly special, our live nativity scene. Right here in front of our outdoor manger, members of our church family bring the story of that holy night to life.
This throwback photo from 2004 captures just one of the many years we’ve gathered to remember the humble beginnings of our Savior. Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and wise men stand together, reminding all who pass by of the greatest gift ever given.
Year after year, this tradition continues to point our community back to the heart of Christmas: a baby born in Bethlehem who changed the world forever.
Join us this Christmas Eve to experience the nativity and celebrate the birth of Jesus together. We can’t wait to see you! ✨
December 11, 2025
As you walk the halls of Brook Hill during Advent, you’ll notice beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the church, including several Christmas trees. But one tree stands apart with a special purpose: our Chrismon tree.
Unlike traditional Christmas trees, the Chrismon tree is adorned only with handcrafted white and gold ornaments. Each one is a “Chrismon”—meaning “Christ monogram”—featuring Christian symbols that point us back to Jesus. Stars, crosses, fish, crowns, and the alpha and omega remind us of Christ’s identity, his story, and the Holy Trinity.
This beloved tradition began in 1957 when Frances Spencer and the women of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, created the first Chrismons. Today, churches around the world continue this practice, using handmade ornaments to keep Christ at the center of Christmas.
Here’s a picture of our Chrismon tree from the 1970s. Next time you’re at Brook Hill this season, take a moment to pause at the Chrismon tree. Let each symbol draw your heart toward the One we celebrate—Emmanuel, God with us. ![]()
December 4, 2025
This precious photo captures four generations of women who have found their spiritual home at Brook Hill.
Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters united not just by blood, but by their shared love for Jesus.
So many of our Brook Hill families span generations, creating a tapestry of faith that strengthens our entire church community.
When children see their parents and grandparents worshipping together, they learn that faith isn’t just for Sundays, it’s a way of life that guides us through every season. We’re links in a chain of faith that stretches both backward to those who came before us and forward to those who will follow.
What a blessing to witness faith taking root and growing deeper with each passing generation. ![]()
November 27, 2025
At Brook Hill, we are especially thankful for a space set apart for this purpose: our Prayer Room.
In 2011, Pastor Linda Warehime and the Healing Team dreamed of turning a multipurpose room with old furniture into a true place of prayer. With the support of Pastor Ken Walker, Trustees committee, and many loving hands, the vision became reality.
Members of the church family painted, stitched, built, and prayed the room into being. On May 27, 2012, the Prayer Room was dedicated as a tranquil refuge for all.
This Thanksgiving, as we celebrate food, family, and fellowship, we also give thanks for the open invitation to draw near to God in prayer.
The Prayer Room is always open for personal prayer. All are welcome.
November 20, 2025
One of Brook Hill’s largest outreach programs is gearing up for another incredible season! Upward Basketball is more than just dribbles and layups. It’s where kids learn respect, leadership, teamwork, and character while having a blast on the court.
What makes Upward special? Every child gets equal playing time, regardless of skill level. Whether a child is a budding athlete or just learning the game, they’ll grow in confidence and ability. Plus, devotional time during practices and games helps kids connect their faith to everyday life.
This is the 12th year for the Upward program at Brook Hill! Practices start this month. Games are on Saturdays in January and February.
Ready to sign up to volunteer as a coach or referee? Contact us at upward@bhumc.org.
Let’s play ball!
November 13, 2025
We know that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the holidays can bring both beautiful memories and deep pain.
This service creates a gentle space where parents, grandparents, siblings, and loved ones can honor the lives of children who left us too soon.
Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, whether you are part of our church family or not, you are welcome here.
Come as you are; to grieve, to remember, to find comfort in community, or simply to sit in a place where your child’s name and life are honored.
Each ornament on our Christmas tree adorns the name of a child who has passed too soon. We remember and honor the more than 500 names on the tree during this service.
Your little ones mattered. Their lives had meaning. And you are not alone in your journey.
Service details: December 11 at 7 p.m.
With love and prayers for all who mourn. 🕊️
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes…” – Revelation 21:4
November 6, 2025
There’s something magical about the Christmas season, especially when experienced through the eyes (and voices!) of children. ![]()
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For 27 years, the children of Brook Hill filled our sanctuary with music, laughter, and the true spirit of Christmas as they presented an annual Christmas musical under the loving leadership of Jilby Cheston, a devoted Brook Hill member, local music teacher, and gifted musician.
These cherished productions became a highlight of the holiday season for our church family, weaving together faith, joy, and community. These musicals created lasting memories for generations of children and their families.
As we look back on these heartwarming moments, we celebrate the legacy of Jilby’s ministry and the joy of seeing children grow in faith through the gift of music.
Check out these photos from ‘All I Want For Christmas’ in 2001. Do you have a favorite Brook Hill Christmas musical? Share it in the comments!
October 30, 2025
Just down the road from our current church building rests a sacred piece of our history, the Brook Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, established in 1851 on the original site of our church.
As we enjoy the fun of Halloween this week, we also pause to remember this as All Hallows’ Eve and the faithful believers who came before us. These are the saints who worshiped, served, and helped plant the seeds of faith that still grow at Brook Hill today.
On Saturday, All Saints’ Day, we give thanks for this “great cloud of witnesses” who now rest in God’s eternal care and continue to inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love.
May we carry their light forward.
October 23, 2025
“I’ve been involved with the Brook Hill Weekday Preschool for over 40 years, first as a parent, and then for many years as the treasurer. It’s such a wonderful program, and it’s been an incredible blessing to see so many children starting their years of school with the strong and loving foundation they get here.” ~Carolyn Manning
When someone dedicates four decades to a ministry, you know it’s something special. Our Weekday Preschool isn’t just about ABCs and 123s—it’s about giving our youngest learners a foundation built on love, faith, and community.
For 50 years, this program has been preparing children not just for kindergarten, but for life. Watching generations of children walk through these doors, grow in confidence, and develop a love for learning is a testament to the incredible teachers, staff, and volunteers who pour their hearts into this ministry.
Thank you to everyone who has made Brook Hill Weekday Preschool a place where children thrive and families feel at home. 🌟
October 16, 2025
In 1984, as Brook Hill prepared to break ground on the new sanctuary, leaders gathered to place special mementos in the cornerstone, including a wooden cross and a panoramic photo of the congregation.
Cornerstones have long held special meaning in church history. More than just a marker in a building, they symbolize the foundation on which the church is built. Jesus Christ, our true cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
Every time we look back at moments like this, we’re reminded that Brook Hill is not just made of bricks and mortar, but of faith, people, and stories that continue to shape our ministry today.
🙏 What a joy to celebrate 175 years of building on the firm foundation of Christ!
October 9, 2025
These treasured photos show the very first class of the Brook Hill Weekday Preschool, a ministry that has now touched generations of children and families.
From the very start, our vision has been clear: the first school experience matters. These formative years help shape a child’s self-image, how they view others, and how they see the world around them. At Brook Hill, we believe this foundation is best built in an environment filled with love, care, and faith.
Part of that foundation includes Christian education woven throughout each day; from chapel time with the director and pastors, to singing songs, praying together, and learning the true meaning of Christmas and Easter.
Looking back at this first class reminds us of our mission: to nurture children not only academically and socially, but spiritually, so they grow confident in who they are and know that they are deeply loved by God.
💬 Do you have a child or grandchild who attended Brook Hill Preschool? Share your memories in the comments. We’d love to celebrate this legacy together!
October 2, 2025
Every holiday season, Brook Hill UMC joins the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. A simple act of ringing a bell that makes a big difference for those in need.
For us, it’s more than a tradition. It’s about living out our faith, serving others, and reminding our community that the love of Christ shows up in both big and small ways. In fact, back in 1997, Brook Hill was recognized for our passionate service with this campaign!
This year, you’ll find Brook Hill volunteers once again standing joyfully outside select stores, ringing the bell, and greeting shoppers with smiles. Every donation helps provide food, shelter, and hope for families right here in our community.
If you see us out there, please stop by, say hello, and help us spread Christmas cheer while making a difference.
September 25, 2025
While Sunday sermons are often what people see, an associate pastor’s role goes far beyond the pulpit.
They:
- Walk alongside families in times of joy and sorrow
- Support youth and children’s ministries
- Teach and lead small groups and Bible studies
- Visit the sick, pray with those in need, and offer pastoral care
- Partner with the lead pastor in shepherding the church community
We give thanks for the faithful leadership of associate pastors over the years who have shared the work of ministry, built relationships, and strengthened the life of our church.
Do you remember Brook Hill’s first associate pastor, Rev. Byron R. Brought, or one who made a lasting impact on your life? Share your memories in the comments below!
September 18, 2025
A year ago, the Brook Hill Weekday Preschool was gifted with new handrails for the indoor stairwell. For our littlest friends—ages 2 to 4—going up and down the stairs has always been a challenge. Now, with the addition of lower handrails, it’s much safer (and a lot less scary!) to get from one floor to the other. 🙌
And what perfect timing to celebrate our milestones:
🎉 50 years of Brook Hill Weekday Preschool
🎉 10 years since we welcomed our very first 2-year-old class
We’re grateful for all the families we’ve served for half a century and counting.
September 11, 2025
Before we could dream of building our Life Activity Center, Brook Hill first took an important step of faith: paying off the church mortgage.
This picture from the Frederick News-Post captures the burning ceremony on Sunday, December 27, 1998, for our second mortgage, which was for the new sanctuary, narthex, church offices, classrooms, and bathrooms that were built in 1984. (The first mortgage for the building built in 1962 was paid off in 1982.) This was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the dedication of our church family.
With the debt behind us, we began saving toward what would become the Life Activity Center, a space that continues to bless our congregation and community today. (And for the record, we paid off that third mortgage of $1.8M in April 2013, and have been operating debt-free ever since!)
As we celebrate 175 years, we give thanks for the vision and commitment of those who paved the way!
September 4, 2025
Did you know Brook Hill once hosted an aerobics class in the Fellowship Hall? From upbeat music to lots of laughs, it was a joyful way to gather in community and stay active together.
It’s a great reminder that Scripture calls us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Whether it’s through exercise, rest, or healthy rhythms of life, moving our bodies is one way we honor God with the gifts He’s given us.
Here’s to faith, fellowship, and fitness.
August 28, 2025
Reading the Bible isn’t just about learning stories from long ago, it’s about discovering God’s love letter to each of us. Through Scripture, our children learn that they are deeply loved, wonderfully made, and have a purpose in God’s great plan.
We encourage families to make Bible reading a joyful part of daily life. Whether it’s bedtime stories from the Children’s Bible, family devotions around the dinner table, or quiet moments of prayer, these small steps help nurture a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
Each year, we continue our beloved tradition of presenting Bibles to our third graders! There’s something truly special about watching young hearts receive God’s Word for the very first time.
Check out these third graders from 2000 receiving their Bibles. Do you recognize any of these smiling faces?
August 21, 2025
From the 1970s to the 1990s, our Sunday bulletins have been so much more than just paper. They’ve been our weekly guide during worship, connection, and community life.
These bulletins help us follow along with the service, join together in responsive readings, and sing the same hymns as one voice. In the past, they’ve been our window into what’s happening in our church family such as upcoming events, prayer requests, celebrations, and ways to get involved.
While the design and content have been simplified over the years, the heart and main purpose remains the same: bringing our congregation together in worship.
Take a look at these bulletins from decades past and see how we’ve grown!
August 14, 2025
Confirmation has long been a meaningful milestone in a believer’s faith journey and at Brook Hill, it’s a tradition we cherish.
Through confirmation, young people explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, deepen their understanding of faith, and make a public commitment to continue growing in Christ. It’s a time of questions, discovery, community, and grace.
🕊️ Why does confirmation matter?
- It helps youth claim their faith as their own, not just something inherited.
- It connects them to the larger body of Christ through worship, study, and service.
- It creates space for mentors, friendships, and spiritual growth.
As we celebrate the 1982 class (recognize anyone in the photo?), we’re also looking ahead:
📅 Our next Confirmation Class begins in October 2025! If you or your family has a rising 6th grader or older youth who hasn’t yet been confirmed, please contact the church front office for details.
🙏 Let’s continue to pray for and support the next generation as they say “yes” to faith in their own powerful way.
August 7, 2025
If you’ve ever shared a meal, a laugh, or a prayer under the pavilion on our church grounds, you’ve experienced a part of Brook Hill’s legacy of love and community.
Built in 1980 under the supervision of Ray Wahl, a devoted member of Brook Hill, this picnic pavilion was a labor of love and a gift to the church family.
Just one year later, in 1981, it was named the Midge and Ray Wahl Pavilion—in memory of Mildred (“Midge”) Wahl, Ray’s beloved wife, and in honor of Ray’s incredible service and commitment to our church.
For decades now, this pavilion has been the backdrop for outdoor worship, church picnics, youth gatherings, and quiet moments in nature. It continues to be a cherished space where friendships grow and community thrives.
💬 Do you have a favorite memory at the pavilion? We’d love to hear it in the comments below.
July 31, 2025
This year marks 50 years of nurturing young hearts and minds at Brook Hill Weekday Preschool. A place where faith, learning, and play come together in beautiful ways.
We’re also thrilled to share that our preschool has recently been elevated to Level 5 in Maryland EXCELS, the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs.
Reaching Level 5 reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and the trust families have placed in us for five decades. We’re incredibly proud of our staff and community who make this milestone possible.
Registration for the upcoming school year is now open!
If you’re looking for a warm, accredited preschool experience rooted in Christian values, we’d love to welcome your family.
Were you, or your child, part of our preschool in years past? Here are some photos of former students in 2017.
Share your memories in the comments as we celebrate 50 years of growth, giggles, and God’s goodness!
July 24, 2025
As we celebrate 175 years of ministry at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, we’re also reflecting with gratitude on the pastors who have faithfully shepherded our congregation through the decades.
From early circuit riders to long-standing leaders, each pastor has left a meaningful mark on our church’s story.
We have had 36 appointed pastors at Brook Hill since 1928.
Some of the names you may recognize:
📖 Rev. C.W. Lockhard – First appointed pastor (1928–1932)
📖 F. Bailey Phelps – First student pastor (1940–1943)
📖 Rev. Dr. Carl B. Rife – First full-time pastor (1971–1981)
📖 Rev. Dr. Conrad Link – Longest serving pastor (1992–2010)
📖 Rev. Byron Brought – First associate pastor (1995–1998)
📖 Rev. Janet Deitiker – First female associate pastor (1998–2001)
Today, we are led by Rev. Dr. Dana Werts, the first female lead pastor in Brook Hill’s history!
🙌 Whether you were baptized, confirmed, married, or comforted in a time of loss under one of these pastors, we invite you to share your memories in the comments.
Whose sermons do you still remember? Whose presence impacted your faith?
July 17, 2025
Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been a cherished tradition at Brook Hill UMC for generations. For some children, it’s the first—and sometimes only—time they hear about God’s love. That’s why this ministry is so special.
This throwback photo captures two dedicated moms, Sherry Deitrick, and Carolyn Manning, with their children beside the VBS banner on the front lawn—sharing their joy, faith, and commitment to making Christ known to the next generation.
This year, we’re diving deep with a scuba-themed adventure to discover what living water is really all about!
July 21–25 from 6–8 p.m.
Brook Hill UMC
Registration is open now! Invite your friends, neighbors, and grandkids—it’s going to be a week full of faith, fun, and unforgettable moments.
Register for Scuba VBS 2025: https://vbspro.events/p/516e8d
July 10, 2025
Have you seen the donation box in the narthex labeled Pennies for Potatoes? It’s more than just a jar—it represents decades of commitment, compassion, and community outreach at Brook Hill.
The Potato Project, part of the Society of St. Andrew, began as a way for church groups—like our United Methodist Men—to help transport gleaned produce to people in need. In the 1980s, one penny could provide a potato and a meal. Today, the cost is about three cents per potato, and the mission continues.
At Brook Hill, the Pennies for Potatoes project began around 1983 and was passionately championed by Ray Wahl, a devoted church and United Methodist Men member.
Ray raised funds by:
- Crafting and selling wooden United Methodist crosses
- Making penny lapel pins to spread awareness
- Placing donation boxes in churches across the conference—and collecting them himself!
After Ray’s passing in 2004, the United Methodist Men continued his mission by hosting an annual Pennies for Potatoes Brunch—serving loaded baked potatoes and chili until 2015. While the brunches have ended, the donation box in our narthex still stands, a quiet but powerful reminder of how small gifts can feed many.
🙏 Drop your pennies in the jar and share your memories in the comments below. Let’s keep this legacy alive.
July 3, 2025
This joyful photo of children climbing on the church bell in our courtyard was taken on July 4, 1976—America’s Bicentennial! ![]()
As families across the country celebrated 200 years of liberty, our Brook Hill children were celebrating something just as timeless: the freedom to play, to worship, and to grow in faith surrounded by a loving church community.
The church bell itself is a powerful symbol—calling us to gather, to remember, and to rejoice. And what better reminder on Independence Day than the liberty we have, not only as citizens, but as children of God.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” —2 Corinthians 3:17
Do you remember this day or another moment like it at Brook Hill? We’d love to hear your memories below!
June 26, 2025
If you’ve ever walked through the Sunday School hallway at Brook Hill, you’ve likely noticed the colorful mural of children from around the world—each standing with animals native to their countries.
But did you know it was created by our own Ashley Delaney-Caudle? She was invited by Margaret Hogsett, who led Children’s Music and Christian Education at the time, to bring the idea to life based on a set of multicultural stickers. Ashley was involved in Brook Hill’s children’s choir and VBS programs as a youth and spent the summer after her first year of college painting the hallway.
Looking back years later, here’s what Ashley shared about her inspiration:
“I loved the idea of having child-sized figures right at eye level in the Sunday School and Preschool space—especially showing children from different backgrounds, with one of the most important things our little ones can take away from their time in church: that Jesus loves them ALL, no matter what. And that having that in common is more important than any of the differences between us.”
She also remembers how her own time at the Brook Hill Weekday Preschool inspired her creative spirit:
“When I was four, there was a mural in my classroom—a mountain scene with blue sky and sunshine. It was painted over years ago, but I always remembered how it made the space feel really special… like a world just for us.”
That mural experience planted seeds that grew into a mural-painting business in college and a lifelong career in the creative arts—proof that what children experience in our spaces today shapes who they become tomorrow. 💙
Do you remember watching the mural be painted or walking by it with your kids? Drop a memory or photo in the comments!
June 19, 2025
We are Methodists… and we appreciate food! 😄
Back in 2000, Brook Hill held a pie bake-off contest, and oh, the sweet aroma that filled the air! The flaky crusts, the warm spices, the sticky fruit fillings—it was a feast for the senses.
Can you still remember the smorgasbord of options and how delicious they all were?
Cathy Inman took home the red ribbon that day, but every pie was a labor of love—and maybe a touch of friendly competition! 🏆
👉 Did you submit a pie that year? Or do you remember tasting one that made your mouth water? Share your memories—or your favorite pie recipe—in the comments!
June 12, 2025
“Breaking bread together seems so natural…Eating is better as a shared experience with friends or family, surrounded by the warmth of special moments and memories…a kind of communion.”
In 2016, Brook Hill’s Chancel Choir compiled a cookbook filled with recipes from the hearts of our congregation—“A Taste of Brook Hill.” Within its pages are the names, stories, and dishes of those who have shaped our church family over the years.
From appetizers to desserts, these recipes are distinctly Brook Hill—full of care, kindness, and community.
👉 Do you have a favorite recipe from the cookbook? Share it below! Or better yet, share a photo if you’ve made it recently. We’d love to see which dishes still bring people together today.
June 5, 2025
Have you seen the GaGa Pit on our back lawn and wondered what it’s all about?
Here’s a little backstory: GaGa Ball is a fast-paced game similar to dodgeball, played in an octagonal pit. The game originated in Israel—“Ga” means “hit” or “touch,” so “Ga-Ga” literally means “hit-hit.”
Our youth group discovered the fun of GaGa Ball during a retreat at Skycroft Conference Center back in 2019 and came back inspired. Thanks to the generosity of Brook Hill member Kirk Jordan, who designated a memorial donation, we were able to build our very own GaGa Pit for the youth here at Brook Hill.
It’s more than just a game—it’s a space for fun, connection, and community!
May 29, 2025
Did you know the stained glass windows in our sanctuary have a special story?
In the late 1980s, Bonnie Provo celebrated her daughter Lisa’s confirmation by creating seven beautiful stained glass windows for Brook Hill’s sanctuary. At the same time, she wanted to honor the memory of her dear friend Gloria Ridenour, who had recently passed away from skin cancer.
Mrs. Provo shared that stained glass windows were once used to teach the Word of God to those who couldn’t read. With that inspiration, she crafted these vibrant windows to help children at Brook Hill gaze upward, spark their imagination, and wonder about God’s love.
Take a moment the next time you’re in the sanctuary to look up and reflect—what do these windows help you see?
May 22, 2025
For years, church rec sports like softball brought people together for more than just the game. They were about laughter, teamwork, and connecting with others in a relaxed, joy-filled way.
Whether you played, cheered from the sidelines, or just came for the snacks, these moments helped shape the life of our church community.
We’d love to hear your memories—did you or someone you know play on the “Brookhill United Methodist” (aka B.U.M.) softball team? Do you have a favorite game-day moment?
Take a walk down memory lane with us!
May 15, 2025
Did you know each hymnal at Brook Hill tells a story?
Throughout our church campus, you’ll find names of people who helped shape Brook Hill’s history—and our hymnals are no exception.
In the early 1990s, our congregation held a special fundraiser where members could “sponsor a hymnal” in honor or memory of a loved one. Each book includes a dedication inside the front cover—a quiet tribute to someone who made an impact.
The next time you’re in the sanctuary, take a moment to open a hymnal and see whose name is inside. You might recognize someone who left a lasting legacy here at Brook Hill.
May 8, 2025
At Brook Hill, we are committed to families. God put the wiggle in children and we enjoy their energy and voices echoing throughout the church.
Check out this picture from 1986 and all the Brookhill United Methodist (B.U.M.) babies who were born that year.
Maybe you recognize some faces?
May 1, 2025
This past Sunday, we had a special worship service celebrating Brook Hill’s 175th anniversary. We also had an opportunity to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Brook Hill Weekday Preschool!
Two plaques were dedicated and will be on display in the preschool in memory of two very special women.One plaque honors Wyndy Brake, the first director of the preschool and a teacher for many years.
The second plaque honors Linda Harbaugh who was a teacher for 30 years and helped shape the school into what it is today. A scholarship fund was also set up in Linda’s honor.
We are grateful for the many past and present teachers and families who have supported the preschool over the years and look to many more.
April 24, 2025
Brook Hill UMC is turning 175 this year! 🎉
Whether you’ve been here a few months or many decades, we’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite memory at Brook Hill?
A special service, a mission trip, a funny moment, or a life-changing one? Share it below and help us celebrate all the ways God has moved through this community over the years.
We look forward to seeing many of you in person for our 10 am anniversary worship service. We will have some blasts from the past joining us. 😉 See you there!
April 17, 2025
Did you know Brook Hill has a preschool that is also celebrating a milestone year?
This school year marks the 50th anniversary for the Brook Hill Weekday Preschool. The school provides a loving, Christian environment where children thrive as they learn.
We believe the beginning formative years are significant in a child’s development of a positive self image and how they view people and their world.
Registration is now open for the next school year. We have openings for children ages 3 and 4. We look forward to seeing new children join us in the fall and participate in our hands on learning program.
In 2015, the students enjoyed learning about growing food.
April 10, 2025
April showers bring flowers! For Easter, many churches, including Brook Hill, are adorned with flowers—especially lilies, which symbolize purity, rebirth, and new beginnings.
The flowers at Easter remind us of Jesus’s victory over death on the cross and express our faith in the eternal life He offers us.
In addition to the flowers in the sanctuary, it’s a long-standing tradition at Brook Hill to decorate a cross outdoors with flowers and take family photos around the cross after the worship service.
Join us for worship in the fragrant sanctuary and enjoy your outdoor photo opportunity!
April 3, 2025
This week our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) team is in the Asheville, NC area helping residents recover from Hurricane Helene.
VIM is a grassroots effort in the United Methodist Church to deploy volunteers to offer their time and talent on short-term assignments. Brook Hill’s VIM team deploys to disaster areas twice a year in the U.S.
In 2009, our VIM team went to Columbus, IN to help with the flood relief. The work comes in all shapes and sizes from carpentry, painting, and roofing, to emotional support and prayer time.
Please keep our VIM team in your prayers as they help with the hurricane recovery relief. Please continue to pray for the Asheville residents working to put their lives back together.
Anyone is welcome to participate in VIM. If you’re interested in participating in our fall service project, please comment below or call the church office at 301-662-1727.
March 27, 2025
There’s something so powerful about the energy and passion of praise bands. The way music is blended with worship creates an atmosphere where you can feel God’s presence in every note.
Whether you’re singing along or just soaking in the sound, it’s a reminder that worship isn’t just in words, it’s also in the melody and rhythm that bring us closer to Him.
We sing contemporary songs you most likely have heard on the local Christian radio station @WGTS919. Our informal worship used to be held in the Life Activity Center as seen in this picture from 2015.
Today, both the informal and traditional worship services are held in the sanctuary.
March 20, 2025
Music is amazing. It can help us relax, improve memory when studying, and motivate us for a workout.
Music during worship has been a tradition for centuries in the Christian faith. Worship music is one way we praise God and connect with Him on a deeper level.
The Brook Hill Chancel Choir is one of our music ministries who lead us in song during Sunday worship.
Our current choir has about 30 members. This group sure has grown since the 1960s and 1970s, which is when these photos were taken.
March 13, 2025
Photo directories are a great way for the church family to connect with other people in the church. In our digital age, our directory is now online.
Many of us have kept the older directories and reminisce about our younger days.
Check out these beauties we found from the 1970s!
March 6, 2025
This week we celebrated Ash Wednesday.
Fun Fact: The ashes that are used to mark crosses on foreheads are palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service that have been burned and blessed. This ritual reminds us of our humanity and need for God.
This is a long-standing ritual in the Christian church dating back hundreds of years yet the use of ashes was first recognized in the United Methodist Church Book of Worship in 1992.
Today’s photo is from the 1960s!
February 27, 2025
Did you know the word “kinkling” is unique to Frederick?
Kinklings are a German doughnut tradition for Shrove Tuesday that was intended to use up ingredients before Lent. The traditional German name for them is fastnachts. Kinklings are deep fried doughnuts sprinkled with confectioner sugar and best enjoyed warm. They are so yummy!
The kinklings we used to make at Brook Hill were so popular, they made the local news. Check out this 1967 newspaper article and read all about it.
February 20, 2025
The oldest church membership record we could find in our archives is from 1914. Over the years, we’ve had hundreds of new members call Brook Hill their home church.
Today, we are blessed with 456 Brook Hill members ranging from ages 0 to 99. Each Sunday we are excited to welcome first time visitors and regular guests at worship.
On average, 182 people attend in-person worship and 100 people join on our livestream from all over the world.
It’s amazing how technology has opened doors for us to continue to serve the Frederick community, including those who are home-bound, and reach people in different states and continents.
God is good!
February 13, 2025
Do you remember when the Fellowship Hall was the sanctuary?
Today, the Fellowship Hall serves as a place of many gatherings in the life of our church, including God Talk on Sunday mornings, Upward basketball team huddles, committee meetings, prayer stations, Wise Owl luncheons, and more.
We are grateful for the memories of many worship services in the Fellowship Hall and how it continues to be a place for large group gatherings today.
February 6, 2025
Have you ever thought about the story behind a name? Well, there is a story behind Brook Hill’s name.
The story begins in the 1800s with George Brooke who was a circuit rider, aka a clergyman who traveled by horseback, sharing the Good News of Jesus to multiple churches. The ‘Brook’ part of our name is in honor of our founding pastor, George Brooke.
In 1990, Rev. Tom Connor reenacted George Brooke’s vital role in our church history, mounted a horse, and rode around!
We are grateful for our small beginning.
January 30, 2025
Bells are an iconic sound for churches. When the bell rings, everyone knows worship, a wedding, or other special event is about to begin.
Our bell can still ring yet it no longer resides in the steeple. This is the oldest picture we could find of our bell housed in the steeple in the early 1900s.
January 23, 2025
Fun Fact: In June 1851, Brook Hill UMC began “Sabbath School,” what we call today as Sunday School.
Sunday School has certainly evolved over the years with different activities (and we’d like to think we’ve gotten better with our graphic abilities too 😉).
The Bible stories and lessons discussed in our children and adult Sunday Schools are still just as important today as they were more than a century ago.
January 16, 2025
The Brook Hill Weekday Preschool is celebrating 50 years this academic year (2024–2025)!
We believe the first years of life are significant in a child’s development of a positive self image and how they view other people and their world. It’s been exciting to see the school grow over the years.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary for the 2-year-old’s program! This is one of the longest serving ministries at Brook Hill and we are proud of how this ministry serves the Frederick community and its youngest members.
A recent BHUMC podcast featured Weekday Preschool leaders, including Director Bambi Blackwell, Committee Chair Beth White, Treasurer Carolyn Manning. Take a listen!
January 9, 2025
From baptisms, marriages, and memorial services to Vacation Bible School, Easter and Christmas festivities, and basketball games. So much has happened over the years at Brook Hill church. Countless smiles, laughs and some tears…wow if these walls could talk!
The people are the church. As the church grows, so does the building. Our current facility was built in 1962 and has undergone two major expansions since then. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us and the community over the next 175 years.



















































