Meet Harmony Creek Church Legacy Members Mary and Steve Taylor
Mary Taylor and her husband, Steve, found their way to Cross Creek Church in 2004—drawn
first by a powerful public witness. Following the presidential election and during the Afghanistan
war, Mary remembers seeing a “boots exhibit” covering the church lawn, each pair representing
a life lost in service. That moment stirred something in her. Combined with the church’s bold
public stance on marriage equality, she knew she wanted to learn more.
Raised Catholic, Mary had been searching for a more inclusive faith community. On her first
visit, she remembers seeing two men sitting together with an arm around each other and
thinking, “I’m in a church that allows this.” She went home and told Steve, and when they
returned together, they found what so many of us seek—a place of belonging. They’ve never
looked back.
From the very beginning, Mary and Steve stepped in to serve. With her background in
construction and development, Mary took on leadership of the Building and Grounds Committee,
helping guide decisions about the church’s physical space during important seasons of growth
and change. Alongside her, Steve contributed hands-on leadership of renovation projects and led
efforts to install LED lighting at the church’s former location—improvements that saved
thousands of dollars and strengthened the church’s long-term sustainability. From the beginning,
they brought both practical expertise and a deep sense of stewardship to their work.
Over the years, Mary served in many roles—Treasurer, Moderator-Elect, Moderator, and as a
dedicated member of the Service Auction and Welcome Committees—quietly and faithfully
helping to guide the church through seasons of growth and challenge.
Like many long-standing communities, the journey that led to Harmony Creek UCC today was
not without difficulty. The merger between Cross Creek and Oak Creek brought together two
congregations with different traditions, cultures, and expectations. Together, Mary and Steve
remained steady and committed during times that required resilience, patience, and trust in the
future of the church.
Mary was one of those steady leaders. As Moderator during a critical season, she helped navigate
complex decisions and conversations, always grounded in her commitment to the church’s
future. Through building challenges, financial pressures, and moments of uncertainty, Mary and
Steve chose to stay—not because it was easy, but because they had found something worth
holding onto: a church family.
Mary often reflects that, coming from a large and sometimes difficult family background, the
relationships she found in this community became deeply meaningful. “We found family here,”
she says—and that sense of connection carried them through even the most challenging
moments.
That perseverance helped shape what Harmony Creek is today—a congregationally led church
rooted in partnership, shared leadership, and a commitment to inclusion and justice. The call of
new pastoral leadership marked a new chapter, one grounded in collaboration between clergy and
lay leaders and a renewed sense of shared purpose.
Mary sees the church’s current home and growing ministries as a sign of that progress. She
celebrates the energy of a growing choir, an expanding youth presence, and a community that
continues to evolve. At the same time, she thoughtfully wonders about what comes next—how
the church can continue to grow while remaining accessible and grounded in its values.
Today, both Mary and Steve continue to serve in meaningful ways. Mary sings in the choir and is
part of the Welcome Committee, while Steve supports the church’s online ministry through
camera work for Zoom services—helping ensure connection extends beyond the walls of the
church. While Mary has stepped back from some of her many leadership roles, her heart for the
church remains as strong as ever.
They are encouraged by the growth they see—especially among younger members—and hope
others will step forward to lead and serve, just as they have done.
Mary and Steve’s story is a reminder that Harmony Creek’s strength has always come from
people who show up, step in, and stay committed. Their legacy is one of faithful service,
