Page
. . .The Canal District UMC Newsletter . . . .
Rev. Ed Peterson, District Superintendent, Canal District
.
NOVEMBER 2016
Th e mi s s io n o f th e Ca n a l D i st ri ct U M C is to ma ke a n d ma tu r e
d is cip le s o f J e su s Ch r i st fo r th e t ra n s fo rma tio n o f th e wo rld .
www.eocumc.com/canal - C a n a l D i s t r i c t - U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h - E a s t O h i o C o n f e r e n c e
An Untied Church
Remember the old days of “word processing,” otherwise
known as typewriters? Back in the days of typewriters, words
had to be spelled correctly. If you made a mistake, they were corrected by correction tape, White Out, or by using an ink eraser to
rub a hole through the paper.
Today, we don’t need to know how to spell! We just need to
have a general idea of the letters in the word, and get them in relatively close order, and the computer “spell check” does the rest. “Spell Check”
will take a jumbled-up word, and arrange the letters into words that make sense.
All we have to do is get close.
I don’t know how many times I’ve typed the words “United Methodist
Church.” More often than not, my typing is so sloppy, that I don’t spell any of the
words correctly. But my “spell check” is always able to figure out that I intended
to type “Methodist,” and “Church.” No matter in what order I type the letters,
“spell check” knows that I mean “Methodist Church.” However, when I type
some jumbled-up version of “United,” spell check will often arrange the letters
into “Untied.” Sometimes I catch it. Most times I don’t. I have no idea know
how many letters, emails, and documents I’ve typed and sent that have said
“Untied Methodist Church.”
Maybe “spell check” is on to something. So often in the life of the church,
we are tied-up, doing things the way we’ve always done them. We are tied-up,
making decisions about worship and finances based on the preferences of the
members. We are tied-up, longing for young people to come, so that they can do
the work and help pay the bills.
In contrast, an untied church is willing to do things differently, take risks, and
fail. In an untied church, decisions about worship and finances are driven by the
vision, mission and purpose of the church. An untied church longs for young people to come, so that they can come to know the unconditional life-changing love
of God that we know.
God help us to be the “Untied United Methodist Church.”
Love ya’ -
Ed
Fall Clergy Gathering
C anal , Nort h C oast and Fi r el ands Di st ri ct s
Emotionally Healthy Leader
Presented by John M. Palmer, President of EMERGE
November 8, 2016, 9 am -12:30 pm
Brunswick UMC, 1395 Pearl Road, Brunswick
If you haven’t already done so, please notify the District Office
if you are unable to attend: [email protected] or phone 330-252-0299
Resident Bishop
East Ohio Conference:
Tracy S. Malone
Conference website:
www.eocumc.com
During the
coming
weeks, please
lift the
following churches and
their pastors in prayer:
November 6: Sawyer wood
UMC, Rev. Barry French
November 13: Seville UMC,
Rev. Don Trigg
November 20: Shar on Center
UMC, Rev. Erik Marshall
November 27: Shr eve UMC,
Rev. Bill Lawson
—Save the Date—
Canal Spring
District
Conference
Sunday, April 30, 2017,
3:00 - 4:30 pm
at Lockwood UMC, 3680
Manchester Rd., Akron
Page 2
Wednesday, November 2 - Friday, November 4 UMC Cabinet Convocation, Jacksonville, Florida
Tuesday, November 8, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Fall
Clergy Gathering, Emotionally Healthy Leader,
Brunswick UMC
Tuesday, November 29, 7 - 8 p.m. - Canal Distr ict
Superintendency Meeting at Family of Faith UMC
Wednesday, November 30, Consultations at Akr on
First UMC - 5 p.m. Pam Gable, 6 pm PPR/SPR
committee Macedonia UMC, 7 p.m. Akron First PPR/
SPR with Howard Pippin
Tuesday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. Char ge Confer ence
at Lakemore UMC for Akron Southeast Area Churches:
Clearview, Lakemore, Mogadore, Sawyerwood, Family
of Faith, South Arlington, Uniontown, Wedgewood
Wednesday, November 9, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
dCOM, Wadsworth UMC
Wednesday, November 9, 7:00 p.m. Char ge
Conference at Centenary UMC for Akron Northwest
Area Churches: Akron First, Bethel Valley, Centenary,
Cuyahoga Falls First, Grandview, Living Hope,
Montrose Zion, Northampton, Peninsula, Redeemer
North Hill, Christ Woodland
Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. Char ge
Conference at Twin Falls UMC for Akron Northeast
Area Churches: Goodyear Heights, Heart 4 the City,
Hudson, Macedonia, Stow, Tallmadge, Twin Falls
Tuesday, November 15, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Cler gy
Retreat - Carlisle Inn, Sugarcreek, Ohio
Tuesday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. Char ge
Conference at Manchester UMC for Southwest Area
Churches: Clinton, Firestone Park, Green Valley,
Greensburg, Hope, Johnson, Lakeview, Lockwood,
Manchester, Park
Grants - Mission Funding
Don’t miss the opportunity to access grants for your church’s
outreach and benevolent ministry. If you are interested in a
TAP Grant, the deadline for applying is 1-2-17. If you have a
request for a District Strategy Grant for 2016, there may be
some funds available. Contact Sheryl. Application forms are
available on our website: www.eocumc.com/canal on the Page
Grants/Scholarships. We should have information soon about
Ministries and Mission Grants for 2018. If you are interested in
applying, please email Sheryl Reynolds by 12-31-16, email:
[email protected]
Thursday, November 17 - Friday, November 18 Cabinet
Saturday, November 19, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - CCOM
Sunday, November 20, 2:00 p.m. Char ge Confer ence
at Shreve UMC for Wayne County South Churches:
Apple Creek, Dalton, East Greenville, New Pittsburg,
North Lawrence Faith, Oak Chapel, Shreve, West
Lebanon, Wooster
Sunday, November 20, 4:00 p.m. Char ge Confer ence
at Marshallville UMC for Wayne County North
Churches: Burton City, Chapel of the Cross, Church of
the Cross, Doylestown, Easton, Marshallville, Orville:
Trinity, Rittman, Smithville, Sterling
Tuesday, November 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Regional
district meeting with CCOM staff , Canal district office
Tuesday, November 22, 7:00 p.m. Char ge Confer ence at Randolph UMC for Portage County Churches:
Atwater, Brimfield: Faith, Charlestown, Kent, Lake
Brady, Randolph, Ravenna, Rootstown, Streetsboro
Canal District and
East Ohio Conference
► Nov. 12 - Local Leadership Training - (Officer Training).
► May 18-20, 2018 - National Assembly, Columbus Ohio
► Web Page: http://www.eocumc.com/canal/umw.html
► Elizabeth Feldman, Communications, Canal District
UMW, 330-465-5782, or email: eflogil@gmail .com
Upcoming Training Opportunities and Events - check the Conference web-
Page 3
site for more info: www.eocumc.com or call Debbie at the Canal District Office.
“OUR FIRES STILL BURN” NATIVE AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY SCHEDULED
“Our Fires Still Burn” a documentary about the present-day Native American population in the American
Midwest, will be shown at two dates and locations within East Ohio: November 3, 7 pm at Ashland University (second-floor auditorium of the Hawkins-Conard Student Center, 1010 King Road, and November 4, 7 pm
at Kent State University (Oscar Ritchie Hall, 225 Terrace Dr, Kent), with a reception beforehand at 6:30. No
registration is necessary for either event.
The screenings, which celebrate Native American Heritage Month, will by followed by discussions with
film producer Audrey Geyer. Jack Lyons, Executive Director of the Native American and Indian Center in
Akron will also be in Ashland November 3 to kick off the event. The compelling documentary invites viewers
into the lives of contemporary Native Americans role models. It dispels the myth that American Indians have
disappeared from the American horizon, and reveals how they continue to persist, heal from the past confront
the challenges of today keep their culture alive, and make significant contributions to society.
More information on the film, including a trailer, is available at : Our Fires Still Burn.
The event is co-sponsored by the Native American Ministry Committee of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist
Church, in collaboration with the Ashland Center for Nonviolence, which is housed at Ashland University, and the Pan-African
Department, English Department, and School of Political Science at Kent State University.
Both screenings are free and open to the public.
MTSO offers ‘Race, Religion and Nation’
class at National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Methodist Theological School in Ohio will offer a timely and compelling graduate-level course, “Race, Religion and Nation:
From Black Power to Black Lives Matter,” at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way in
Cincinnati.
Classes will be held Jan. 9-13, 2017, fr om 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enr ollment is open to the public. Tuition and fees for nondegree-seeking students total $2,198. Non-credit auditing is offered for a fee of $200, with a reduced audit fee of $75 for those
60 and older. Space is limited. To enroll, contact Benjamin Hall at 800-333-6876 or [email protected].
The three-credit-hour course is offered through a cooperative relationship between MTSO and the Freedom Center, forged to
promote justice and theologies of freedom. It will analyze the relationship between race, religion and nation through a historical
exploration of the Black Lives Matter movement with attention to critical antecedents, including Black Power activism, hip hop
music and culture, and the presidency of Barack Obama. MTSO instructor Tejai Beulah, a Ph.D. candidate in U.S. historical
studies and an engaging teacher and activist, will lead the course.
“Race, Religion and Nation” is one of several January Term and Spring Semester MTSO courses that provide opportunities
for meaningful continuing graduate education. Details on those courses are available at www.mtso.edu/learnmore.
Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of lasting significance in service to
the church and the world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree. For more information, visit
www.mtso.edu and engage through Facebook (www.facebook.com/MTSOedu) and Twitter (@MTSOedu).
Farmer-to-Farmer Fundraiser
You are invited to join us! Building an Agricultural/Technical High School in
Harrisburg, Liberia-West Africa - (The Groundbreaking Ceremony took place on 1-28-16)
Fundraiser takes place on Sunday, November 6, 2016 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at
Church of the Savior UMC, 2537 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights Ohio
Checks should be made out to East Ohio Conference. (Advance number 9936, with Farmer
-to-Farmer in memo) If you are not able to attend and would like to support this mission,
send checks to: Pastor Ray Ake, 1900 Coalburg S Road, Hubbard, Ohio 44425. We like to
send a thank you note to everyone that sends us a check, and by sending the checks to Pastor
Ray, we will be able to get the address before the check goes to the East Ohio Conference.
Why are we building a High School? When students complete the eight gr ade, and if they want to attend High School,
they have to walk two and a half hours one way to High School daily. Because of this hardship, many students drop out of
school. Together, we can change lives and make disciples!
We will have a display of building materials: roofing, cement, sand, lumber, wiring, and bricks. You will have a chance to
purchase a brick or other building materials. Come and enjoy a taste of Liberian snacks.
For more information contact: Pryde Bass, 216.401.4663 or Pastor Ray Ake, 330.531.4221
Canal District Clergy and Families Celebrating
Birthdays & Anniversaries in November
B I R T H D AY S
ANNIVERSARIES
1
4
7
Patricia Gharky
3 Dwight & Maxine Hayes
Joyce Fast
4 Tom & Sheryl Reynolds
David Breckner,
(Sheryl - district treasurer)
Karen Budd
18 Jack & Joyce Williams
9 Jeanette Burkhardt
28 Jim & Patti Pfander
14 Daryl Sowers
29 Don & Susan Ebert
19 Vicki Lewis
22 David McGrath 27 Karen McGrath
Prayer Concerns






Howard Pippin’s family upon the death of Howard’s
father.
Brett Bartels, recovery from minor
surgery.
Kris Patt and Annette Dimond - health
concerns.
Erik & Amanda Marshall and
JP & Jocelyn Snyder- expecting babies
Keith & Michelle McLaughlin and family upon the adoption of their baby girl.
The family of Martha Bunns, Martha
was our District Response Coordinator
and keeper of our District ERT trailer.
Martha passed away unexpectedly last
month.
Attention Youth!!
November 20 - York UMC is hosting a kick
off meeting for youth and adults interested in
a summer mission trip. This is intended for
the small group/church to alliance with a
larger group, travel out of state to serve and
grow youth in Christ. More Information Dan Bartter (330) 416-8842 call/text or
[email protected].
Lay Servant Ministries District & Conference News
Page 4
Advanced Lay Servant Course:
Leading Worship: Friday, Novembe. 4:
6:30 - 9 pm, Saturday, November 5: 9 am 4 pm and Saturday, November 19, 9 am 4 pm. Registration deadline: 10-14-16.
Course held at Living Hope UMC, 3406
Hametown Rd, Norton. The course cost is $35.00. Limited
scholarship money is available for those in need.
Registration forms are available on the district website:
www.eocumc.com/canal, District Ministries Tab Lay Servant Tab or by contacting the registrar Debbie Sloan
at [email protected], or by phone 330-283-6893.
Lay Servants now have a Facebook page.
Go to: https//m.facebook.com/LayServantsEOCUMC/
Have You Heard the New s…...
Page 5
Free Meals at our Canal District local churches
Akron First UMC - 263 E. Mill St., Akron, 44308 – 330-376-8143 - Every Tuesday, hot lunch , 10:45 am to 12:30 pm.
Akron First UMC - 263 E. Mill St., Akron, 44308 - 330-376-8143 - Every Saturday, worship and food and clothing, 9 am.
Brimfield Faith UMC - 1235 Tallmadge Rd., Kent, 44240 - 330-673-7597- 4th Sunday of the month, from 5 - 6:30 pm.
Clearview UMC - 1733 Massillon Rd., Akron, 44312 – 330-733-1693 - the last Tuesday of every month, 4 -6 pm.
Clinton UMC - 7949 Fulton Rd., Clinton, 44210 – 330-882-4818-soup kitchen the last Saturday of September through April.
Family of Faith UMC-800 E Market St, Akron, 44305-330-376-2141-Lunch the last two Wednesdays of each month, 12-1 pm.
Firestone Park UMC - 250 N Firestone Blvd., Akron, 44301 – 330-773-7636 - Lunch every Wednesdays – 11 am to 1 pm.
(except 4th Wednesday- dinner instead of lunch on the 4th) The 4th Wednesday – Dinner – 4-6 pm.
Heart 4 the City UMC - 954 Eastland Ave., Akron – 330-784-1350 - the third Saturday of each month from 11 am - 12:30 pm.
Lake Brady UMC - 1995 Lake Brady Rd., Kent, 44240 – 330-673-0145 - the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm.
Lakeview UMC - 211 Third St., NW, Barberton, 44203 – 330-753-6661 - every Wednesday at 5:30 pm. (doors open at 5 pm)
Macedonia UMC - 1280 E. Aurora Rd., Macedonia, 44056 – 330-467-3169 - every Thursday from 4:45 - 6:30 pm.
Open M - UMC (Agency) - http://www.openm.org/ - 941 Princeton St., Akron, 44311 – 330-434-0110 - Hot lunch is served during
the last two weeks of each month (except July, November and December), 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Redeemer North Hill UMC - 265 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 44310 – 330-923-1191 - Hot meal and a free clothing
closet each Friday at 11:00 for worship and 11:30 for the meal. They offer Holy Communion following the meal at 12:45.
Rittman UMC - 211 N. Metzger Ave., Rittman, 44270 – 330-925-4015 - the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Ravenna UMC - 263 S Prospect St., Ravenna, 44266 – 330-297-7196 - Saturdays from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Worship
experience called, “Welcome to the Table” is offered at the beginning of every meal.
Seville UMC - 74 W Main St., Seville, 44273 - 330-769-2836 - on the 3rd Thurs. of each month (Sept. – May) 4:30 - 6:30 pm.
Shreve UMC - 430 N Main St., Shreve, 44676 – 330-567-2051 - the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm.
Streetsboro UMC - 8940 St Rt 43, Streetsboro, 44241 – 330-626-4393 - the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5 - 6:30 pm.
Wadsworth UMC - sack lunches every Saturday at 11 am (except for holiday weekends) - 154 East Street in Wadsworth.
(Marian’s Closet) They provide free clothing and some household goods. Phone: 330-336-3642.
Wooster UMC - 243 N Market, Wooster, 44691 – 330-262-5641 - meal on Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Page 6
Canal District of
The United Methodist Church
800 E Market St
Akron OH 44305
“The Connector”
November 2016
Return Service Requested
Save the Date - Canal District Leadership Training Event
Saturday, 9 am - 2:45 pm, January 28, 2017 at Wadsworth UMC - On the Road in Discipleship
Keynote Speaker: Bishop Tracy S. Malone
Plans are coming along! Some of our workshops will include: How to
Experience God’s Presence on the Journey, How Special Events Can Jump
Start Spiritual Growth, Social Media in Discipleship, Small Group Ministry,
Dealing With Conflict as a part of Christian Life, Faith Coaching, Finance/
Treasurers, Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Trustees at Work,
Evangelism Through the Local Church, Mapping Out Classroom Basics for
Children’s Sunday School, Helping Students Take the Next Step in Faith,
Mission - Off the Beaten Path, Moving Forward on Your Journey.
© 3dbrained | Dreamstime.com - <a href="https://
www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-genericgps-image11477637#res16951128">Generic GPS Photo</a>
Make sure to save this date on your calendar.
Brochures should be mailed soon!! The cost is only $20 per church!
CANAL DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF—District Superintendent: Rev. Ed Peterson,
Administrative Assistant: Debbie Bryant, Treasurer: Sheryl Reynolds
If you would like to receive our newsletter by mail or email, please contact Debbie.
Address: 800 East Market St., Akron 44305 - Phone: 330-252-0299 Fax: 330-252-0297 E-mail: [email protected] - Web Site: www.eocumc.com/canal/
THE NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS
THE 20th OF THE MONTH. There’s
a combined newsletter March/
April, June/July, Sept./Oct., and
Dec./Jan. (subject to change)