Meet Harmony Creek Church Legacy Member LaPearl Logan Winfrey
Legacy Member of Harmony Creek Church
Rooted in Faith, Inspired by Justice, and Hopeful for the Future
For LaPearl Logan Winfrey, finding a church home has never been simply about having a place to worship. It's about discovering a community where faith inspires action, theology challenges us to think deeply, and people are genuinely welcomed for who they are.
Raised in a progressive Baptist church in Richmond, Virginia, LaPearl's spiritual journey has taken her through several cities and faith communities, ultimately bringing her to Harmony Creek Church, where she has found friendship, purpose, and belonging.
Following marriage and college in northern Ohio, LaPearl spent nearly ten years away from organized religion. But as she neared completion of her PhD coursework in Clinical Psychology, she sensed what she believes may have been the Holy Spirit nudging her to reconnect with her faith.
She discovered a predominantly Black United Church of Christ congregation in Chicago that embraced social justice and Christian activism. Drawn to these commitments and the UCC's tradition of congregational covenant and social justice, LaPearl became a covenant member. Her daughter was later baptized and confirmed there.
When her family relocated to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, she joined another historic, predominantly Black UCC congregation. These experiences shaped what she continued to seek in a church home: meaningful worship, thoughtful theology, social justice, and genuine belonging.
Finding a Church Home in Dayton
When her career brought her to Wright State University as a professor of psychology, LaPearl began exploring Dayton-area UCC congregations. She discovered there were no African American UCC churches locally, and not all congregations shared the same commitment to social justice or being Open and Affirming.
Her search eventually led her to Cross Creek UCC.
What she remembers most vividly is the extravagant hospitality she experienced from her first visit. She was equally inspired by the progressive theology, social activism, thought-provoking sermons, and guest clergy featured during special weekend intensive programs.
Cross Creek offered a vibrant faith community where LaPearl could grow spiritually and intellectually while developing meaningful friendships.
Faithful Through Seasons of Change Like many longtime members, LaPearl has experienced the challenges of a congregation navigating significant transitions.
When Cross Creek and Oak Creek UCC merged, blending different worship traditions and theological perspectives wasn't easy. Some members struggled with the changes, and both congregations lost members.
LaPearl chose to stay.
She valued her friendships and appreciated aspects of Oak Creek's more traditional worship setting. Even as financial challenges associated with maintaining the aging building eventually led to its sale, she remained committed.
When the congregation moved into its current home, she stayed again. Why?
Because a church is so much more than a building. It's the people, relationships, and shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.
Throughout these transitions, LaPearl has generously shared her leadership and talents. She has served as Church Moderator and on Church Council, participated in social justice ministries, and continues supporting worship as a lay reader and by serving Communion. Her commitment also extends beyond Harmony Creek through involvement in several UCC-wide ministries.
Her faithful presence reflects the dedication of members who sustain a congregation through seasons of celebration, change, and uncertainty.
A Voice for Belonging, Diversity, and Spiritual Growth
LaPearl deeply values Harmony Creek's commitment to inclusion and social justice, while acknowledging that cultural differences have sometimes presented challenges.
As the only Black, heterosexual woman in the congregation, she hopes Harmony Creek will become a more diverse faith community. She would welcome seeing others who share her background and experiences discover the same hospitality that first drew her to Cross Creek.
Her perspective reminds us that extravagant welcome is more than a statement of who we are. It is an ongoing commitment to becoming a community where everyone can experience genuine belonging.
LaPearl also hopes Harmony Creek will strengthen its identity as it grows into this newest chapter.
She appreciates opportunities for connection through Salon, Connectivity groups, and emerging small groups. Yet she hopes these ministries will deepen relationships within the congregation rather than develop separately from its shared life.
While valuing Harmony Creek's extensive community outreach, she also wonders whether its many outward-focused activities sometimes make the congregation's own identity more difficult to define.
Her observations reflect a thoughtful question for Harmony Creek: How do we balance serving our neighbors with nurturing the spiritual life that inspires our service?
Looking Toward the Future with Hope
After three years as Harmony Creek Church, LaPearl believes the congregation is still discovering its identity.
Her hopes include a growing, more diverse congregation, meaningful worship, and someday, a permanent sanctuary. Most importantly, she envisions a church where people are challenged intellectually, nurtured spiritually, welcomed authentically, and inspired to put their faith into action.
LaPearl reminds us that belonging doesn't mean agreeing with everything. Sometimes, the deepest expressions of commitment come from those who care enough to ask difficult questions and imagine what might be possible.
Her legacy is one of faithfulness, leadership, service, and hope. Through changing locations, traditions, and challenges, she continues to believe in the possibilities ahead.
As Harmony Creek writes its next chapter, LaPearl's voice reminds us that a vibrant church is defined not simply by its history or ministries, but by its willingness to listen, grow, embrace different perspectives, and remain grounded in faith.
Thank you, LaPearl, for your faithful leadership, commitment to justice, thoughtful honesty, and enduring hope for Harmony Creek. Your voice matters, your presence enriches us, and your story is an important part of the legacy we continue building together.
