Up on the rooftop Pastor gets closer to God to pray for city

The pastor prays for new life, integrity and restoration in Youngstown.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Stephen T. Sparling “ascends” before he “descends” to his office in Trinity United Methodist Church, where he became pastor July 1.

He winds his way up to one of two flat rooftops of the majestic downtown church and prays.

Sometimes in the rain, sometimes under sunny skies, sometimes with the wind gusting, but always praying with one thought in his heart. He prays for the city of Youngstown and its people.

He’s made it a daily practice.

“I’m praying for new life, integrity and restoration in the city,” said the Rev. Mr. Sparling, who said he already is encouraged by positive changes in the downtown and an emerging new attitude.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors and find it a desirable place to pray,” he said. “Going above the everyday activity helps you have more of a vision.”

Having been assigned to the Trinity pulpit by Bishop John Hopkins of East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church after the Rev. Dr. D. Larry Kline retired, Mr. Sparling brings an appreciation of the challenges facing former industry-based cities and their places of worship. He has served on economic renewal and restoration committees in both Bellaire and Newcomerstown, where he pastored at churches. “The church and community are intrinsically tied,” he said.

Mr. Sparling admitted that before being assigned to the church at 30 W. Front St., he only had a passing glimpse of the area when he attended retreats here a decade ago. But being new to the city gives him an outsider’s insight.

“There’s been so much turnaround. I see people in businesses and some empty places to be filled,” he said. “A trip down Market Street is so interesting ... things are starting to happen.”

He acknowledged there are “rough spots” but said he still has the thrill of driving into the city and being excited about what he sees and hears about, such as Wick Neighbors, Smoky Hollow, Youngstown’s 2010 plan and more.

Mr. Sparling said the city’s unique architecture, a blend of new and historic, is impressive. Flower urns maintained around town welcome people.

“There is a lot to be thankful for,” he said, with Thanksgiving being observed. “Seeing the positive and growth potential ... that’s what the church is about,” he said. “We’re part of the heart of the city.”

“It’s time to let go of the past and look to the future. Youngstown had a reputation associated with murder, corruption and decay,” he said. “Hope and energy are replacing despair and sorrow. We can’t focus on what was, but instead on what can be.”

Mr. Sparling said he sees the positive in new leadership in the city, businesses with a vision of the future, cooperative projects among city churches, the drawing card of museums and the role of Youngstown State University.

He’s involved with a ministry of Christian businessmen and women who put their faith into action.

But from his rooftop vantage point of the church that soars to seven floors, the minister also sees something else. People he calls “up and out” and the “down and out.” The “up and out” are the affluent people focused on the business of life and often preoccupied with toys and things. The “down and out” are those who don’t have material things but want them.

“If both groups would take a spiritual inventory, there’s an emptiness,” he said. “It’s our relationship with God that sets the tone for our relationships with everyone else. People have a holy hunger ... and only God satisfies.”

Mr. Sparling pointed out that when people come to the end of life, they don’t wish they had spent more time at work or bought another new car. They lament not spending more time with family and friends, he said.

Business, government and community leaders have a responsibility. “They need to remember that they can changes lives and destinies by providing decent jobs,” Mr. Sparling said.

The “up and out” fill the parking lots from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. But when they leave, Mr. Sparling said, there is still a community downtown. “Though they don’t realize it, both groups need each other. And both need to connect to what really matters.”

Mr. Sparling blamed technology for isolating people. He said air conditioning and television keep people in their homes and back decks have replaced front porches.

“People engage in life by interacting,” he said.

Projects creating housing in and around the downtown area, he said, will naturally bring students and city residents together. An obscure fact about the church is that there is an apartment within the structure, and a young couple live there.

He referred to the book of Haggai in the Old Testament that discusses the rebuilding of the Lord’s house and likened it to the rebuilding of Youngstown. “God is the ultimate answer,” Mr. Sparling said, and noted that the power of prayer should not be underestimated.

Mr. Sparling said although he appreciates solitary prayer, he would welcome company. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”