From our local newspaper

In the ever-inviting and charming northern area of the Miami Valley, Englewood is home to families and individuals who cherish a pleasant, open and un-crowded atmosphere. The intersection of Hoke and National Roads in Englewood has evolved over the past decade into one of the more popular gathering points with the Kleptz YMCA as a nucleus for neighborhood development. Folks in Englewood and surrounding areas consider the Kleptz YMCA as not only a safe-haven, but also a destination for recreation, community activities, education, medical and physical attention and spiritual enrichment – all in one facility. The Kleptz YMCA structure, built in 2002, celebrates six years this summer; and Stillwater Church @ the Kleptz YMCA also hold claim to that celebration.
Since 2002, each Sunday at 10am, Stillwater Church @ the Y transforms the Y gym area into a sanctuary. And many of the church’s attendees treat the Y as one of their mainstay on Sunday morning as well as during the week. The Y church’s pastor, Leroy Chambliss, can be seen regularly Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week, in his YMCA office, manning the front desk on Monday evenings or interacting with Y members in the workout areas.
Ordained this past June as an Elder in the United Methodist West Ohio Conference, Pastor Leroy knows the excitement borne in accepting and living a challenging path. Pastor Leroy states, “Worship in this non-traditional context is both challenging as well as exciting affording the opportunity for the church to be where the community gathers rather than a building where the church gathers.”
The Kleptz YMCA agreed seven years ago that the YMCA – Body, Mind & Spirit – could strongly impact the community by actually having a place and time of worship within the building. Stillwater Church at the YMCA, one of three campuses – the Kleptz Y, Frederick Pike, and the upcoming Miller Lane campus – is part of a growing United Methodist faith community eager to help strengthen and nurture the Miami Valley. The Y church celebrate six years at the Englewood Kleptz YMCA the 2nd Sunday of August. Pastor Leroy describes the Y Church as a growing community of faith that embodies the nurture of mind, body, and spirit as foundational to a holistic life which re-presents the kingdom of Heaven in our world today.