Meet Harmony Creek Church Legacy Members Elva & Noel Blatt
If you've spent any time at Harmony Creek Church, chances are you've experienced the gifts of Elva and Noel Blatt—even if you didn't realize it.
Elva is the outgoing one. She lights up a room with her enthusiasm, welcomes everyone she meets, and never hesitates to jump into a new project. Noel describes himself as an introvert. He prefers working quietly behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly without seeking recognition.
Together, they are the perfect team.
Their paths to Harmony Creek were very different.
Elva has been part of the United Church of Christ her entire life, growing up at Polk Grove UCC in north Dayton. Noel's childhood was filled with music rather than one particular church. His parents were accomplished musicians for Kettering Schools whose talents were shared in churches and schools throughout the region. By the time he reached adulthood, Noel jokes that
he was "churched out."
Life brought both joy and heartbreak before bringing them together. Elva lost her first husband, John, when their two sons were just 10 and 13 years old. Five years later she met Noel, who had a son of his own. Thirty-one years later, they have built a beautiful blended family that now includes four grandsons. They laugh that they "never did get that girl."
Long before Harmony Creek Church existed, Elva and Noel were faithful members of Oak Creek UCC. Even then, Elva's heart for serving others was unmistakable.
While looking for ways to begin a food pantry at Oak Creek, she visited Cross Creek UCC to learn from its ministry. Neither congregation could have imagined that one day the two churches would become one family.
Elva also became a passionate advocate for Oak Creek to become an Open and Affirming congregation. Although those conversations were difficult at the time and the church wasn't ready, her commitment to creating a church where everyone is welcomed never faded. Years later, Harmony Creek would become exactly the kind of inclusive church she had hoped for.
When Oak Creek and Cross Creek merged, it was both exciting and heartbreaking. Selling the Oak Creek church building meant saying goodbye to a place filled with memories, and many members from both congregations struggled through the transition.
Yet Elva and Noel chose to lean into the future.
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Today, nearly three decades later, Elva continues to lead one of Harmony Creek's most visible ministries—the food pantry.
Her guiding principle is simple.
"Jesus said, "Feed the people."
What began 18 years ago has grown into a thriving community ministry serving countless families. Alongside Noel, Elva dreamed of making the pantry larger than anyone imagined. Their vision led to partnerships with Greenmont UCC, St. Charles Catholic Church, Fairhaven Church, and the City of Kettering, creating an extraordinary ecumenical ministry that serves neighbors throughout the community.
One of Elva's greatest joys is seeing churches from different traditions working together to care for people in need.
"It's a great partnership," she says with a smile.
While Elva serves on the front lines of ministry, Noel quietly uses his talents in technology and photography to support Harmony Creek's worship each week. Drawing on a career that included studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology and decades working with photography and technology for government contractors, he faithfully manages the church's livestream ministry, helping members and friends stay connected no matter where they are.
Both believe Harmony Creek's greatest strength is its welcoming spirit.
They are proud that the church embraces LGBTQ+ families, celebrates diversity, and lives out Christ's call to love without exception. They are equally grateful for the congregation's partnership with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, describing it as a relationship built on trust, friendship, and shared ministry.
Like many longtime members, they also dream about what comes next.
They hope Harmony Creek continues to grow and someday may have a permanent home of its own. They also know that growth depends on people who are willing to serve. Every Sunday requires volunteers to transform a fellowship hall into a worship space, and they recognize that future generations will be needed to continue that work.
For Elva and Noel, serving has never been about recognition.
It's simply how they live their faith.
Whether feeding hungry neighbors, welcoming new families, running technology behind the scenes, or encouraging the church toward its future, they continue to give generously of themselves because they believe in Harmony Creek and in God's work through this congregation.
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Their legacy isn't found in a title or a committee assignment.
It is found in every person who has received food with dignity, every worship service made possible through quiet preparation, every welcoming embrace offered to someone searching for a church home, and every act of faithful service performed with humility and love.
Harmony Creek Church is stronger because of Elva and Noel Blatt.
And for that, we are deeply grateful.
