Meet Charter Members Judy Nablo and Roselin Runnels
A Story of Faith, Courage and Commitment
Every strong church is built on the faithful shoulders of those who came before us. At Harmony Creek Church, two of those foundational pillars are charter members Judy Nablo and Rev. Roselin Runnels—women whose journey with God, and with each other, continues to bless our congregation today.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Love
Judy grew up Lutheran in Connecticut; Roselin was raised in Mississippi and served as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. God wove their paths together in 1987 through a mutual Methodist friend, and they have walked side-by-side ever since. In 2002, Roselin and Judy made their way to Cross Creek UCC. Drawn by the church’s progressive Christian witness and the ministry of Pastor Mike Castle—at a time when Cross Creek was gaining a reputation as a boldly inclusive “gay-affirming church”—they quickly found a spiritual home.
There they formed deep friendships, especially with Mark and Patty Thompson, who encouraged them to share their own gifts. Roselin served as Moderator, and Judy joined the Spiritual Formation Team, including working with Great Aventure and Vacation Bible School (with some years as many as 100 children). Many of those children came because Cross Creek provided what their families needed most: a place where their LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers were fully embraced—where their family was “normal” and beloved.
Remembering the Past, Speaking into the Present
As they reflect on the early days of Cross Creek, Judy and Roselin recall the familiar challenges of church life—especially financial ones. Cross Creek had its own share of struggles, including multiple capital campaigns and significant support from the national UCC during the tenure of General Minister John Thomas.
They also remember the merger with Oakcreek, which they viewed as a life-giving act of stewardship and compassion—an opportunity to help a struggling congregation survive and address Cross Creek’s need for more space.
They noted that through the years, Cross Creek—and now Harmony Creek—has not always had pastoral leadership with a strong focus on stewardship. Yet they fondly remember Rev. Bill Youngkin, a former member and retired UCC pastor, whose leadership in generosity and fundraising was a gift to the church.
Their Vision for Harmony Creek Church Today
With hearts rooted in both history and hope, Judy and Roselin see two vital parts of our community that we are called to nurture:
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Long-standing members, who carry the history, traditions, and memories of the church.
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Newer members and seekers, many of whom are LGBTQ+ or strong allies, drawn to our message of inclusion and justice.
They believe we have important work ahead. They name these needs with love and honesty:
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Strengthening our financial foundation
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Growing in our identity as a progressive Christian church
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Updating our constitution to ensure stronger governance
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Enhancing our music ministry—embracing both tradition and excellence
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Proclaiming boldly that we stand with all marginalized people
They also recognize a wider reality: organized religion has struggled in recent years. But they believe—strongly—that Harmony Creek Church can grow. In fact, they insist that new member growth and retention must be our central focus going forward.
Opportunities for Renewal and Hope
Judy and Roselin are equally clear about the abundant opportunities before us. They envision:
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A revitalized Pastor–Parish Committee, grounded in progressive theology, encouraging and assisting the pastor, and serving as a barometer between pastor and parish.
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Inspiring guest speakers who offer spiritual depth without rigid dogma, helping seekers feel safe and welcomed
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A renewed, vibrant commitment to social justice—an area where Harmony Creek has always shined, and where our prophetic voice can continue to draw others into a shared journey of activism and compassion
Why Harmony Creek Church Matters
Above all, Judy and Rosalin believe something deeply hopeful:
Harmony Creek Church matters.
It matters to those who long for community.
It matters to those who have been excluded elsewhere.
It matters to families seeking a safe spiritual home.
And it matters to all of us, because we mean so much to one another.
Their story reminds us that this church has always been a place of courage, welcome, and
love—and that together, guided by God’s Spirit, we can continue to grow into the church the
world needs.
