I was a member of North Gainesville Methodist Church and was blessed to have Pastor Sara as our minister. What a wonderful spirit she brought to our church. I still have the cross she made for each of us and it hangs on our Christmas tree every year. Condolences to her family. She will be missed.

Mary Michels Hutchison

We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayer, to all those in her family, and all those she touched with her sacred life-giving life. In care and prayer, Pastors Nancy and Larry Russell Adirondack/Albany District

Doug, I remember when you guys first met while working with me as the Batavia District Youth Coordinator. It was a joy to see how, from the very beginning, God connected you in the context of ministry. Reading Sara’s obituary I can only imagine it was the beginning of a great adventure in life and ministry. May you sense that the God of all comfort is with you and in the midst of your family in this season of grief. Remember in what Jesus described as “in a little while”, when we’ll get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

With love and prayers across the miles, Pastor Dan McBride

Pastor sara was such a amazing gift to this world..she truly was one in a million. I will never forget my daughter taking her first steps toward sara at church in kendall telling my father let her go gpds got this!! She was a earth angel

Always there for my family pure and genuine May she rest in the arms of the lord for eternity sincerely, Tennille and Jaylynn

Pastor Sara was truly one of a kind. I am so sorry to hear of her passing this is a huge loss. Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family.

Pastor Sara will long live in my heart and memory as a great friend and mentor. I remember when on the PPR Committee in Knowlesville United Methodist Church, we had to search for a new pastor. Much talk was about him or her but I think most of us thought the new pastor might be a male. Then we agreed on lively and loving Pastor Sara Merle. She was the exact spark that our little church needed. Her musical talent was always such a delight and her sermons were always memorable. She even got my fiancee' to start coming to church, when we had requested her to conduct our wedding ceremony. We kept it simple and it was perfect! A few years down the road Pasor Sara relocated to Kendall United Methodist Church. My husband and I decided that we would start attending Kendall United Methodist Church, mostly because it's the only way he would continue attending church. We were so warmly greeted and accepted that we continued our regular attendance. One morning after service, I remember passing Sara in the entrance to the fellowship hall. All she asked me is if I was prepared and I told her that I think so. She had noticed as I had that my husband's health was declining. A few months later my husband (Don) was admitted to Buffalo General. Pastor Sara and another friend from the church, made the trip to Buffalo General on the morning of a heart procedure. When the doctor came out from surgery, we all received the news that my husband was seriously ill with his heart functioning at 15%. Don was released to home with new medication thinking he would start to rebuild his health. On January 23, 2017 I took Don to our local ER. I notified Pastor Sara. She and Doug came right away. He was gravely ill but he decided to get admitted here. He was stable and feeling comfortable. Pastor Sara and Doug stayed for a while, prayed with us and went home. About and hour later I called Pastor Sara to let her know that Don had just passed away. She and Doug made record time getting back to the hospital. She was very comforting and when I gave her the details of his passing, we all saw God's glory for sure. Pastor Sara and Doug remaind great friends of mine and I am forever grateful. Condolences to the Merle family. Fly high my dear friend. Sara, I know that you are in the arms of Jesus now and one day we will all meet again! Thank you for EVERYTHING! I love you!