Honoring Charter Member
Sonya Harry
Sonya Harry has been a guiding force at Harmony Creek for more than 20 years — serving as Moderator, teacher, leader, and faithful friend. Her legacy of courage, belonging, and hope continues to shape our church community.
For more than twenty years, Sonya Harry has helped shape the heart and spirit of Harmony Creek Church.
Yes, Sonya is currently navigating a terminal illness. Yes, she and her wife Alison have raised two incredible boys in this community. But this story is not about illness. And it is not simply about family. This story is about belonging.
Sonya found at Harmony Creek what so many seek but few fully experience — a church where she fits. A place grounded in progressive theology. A community where challenging sermons were offered with humor and depth. A spirit of openness and acceptance. Fireside chats and lifelong friendships. A congregation connected to national movements and activist edges. A church filled with children — including her own — where her family was not the exception, but beautifully normal.
For eighteen years, Sonya poured herself into the life of this church. She taught Great Adventures every year her boys were involved. She started the service auction. She co-chaired the capital campaign. She served as Moderator. She stepped in as Office Manager and faithfully served until March 11, 2023 — a date she remembers clearly, the day she went on disability.
Through it all, she has loved this church honestly. She speaks openly about the seasons when Harmony Creek struggled financially — what she calls the “always never enough” years. And she speaks with equal honesty about today.
“It feels like the church is shining now,” she says.
She believes transparency about finances this past year was a turning point. Communication matters. Trust matters. Growth matters.
In fact, she offers one very Sonya piece of advice:“Every Sunday we need to have 20% more chairs out than people attending!”
As one spiritual leader once told her, “A fish will only grow as big as the tank.”
Sonya sees a bright future for Harmony Creek. She delights in Pastor Michelle’s enthusiasm, authenticity and energy. She believes in the richness and diversity of this community. And she encourages us to continue expanding — in welcome, in theological imagination, in themes that touch the wide spectrum of people who walk through our doors.
Her hope is simple and profound: That Harmony Creek continues to grow with courage, depth, and joy.
Sonya has given so much to this church. But perhaps her greatest gift is this reminder:When people truly belong, they give their whole hearts.
And Harmony Creek has been blessed by hers.
