A MINISTRY OF CARING

Pray 3 Days

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Pray 3 Days is an event going on September 10th, 11th, and 12th at the Covelli Center in Y-town. It is 72 hours of non-stop prayer, worship and celebration.

Poland UMC marks 175th anniversary

By LINDA M. LINONIS

Vindicator Religion Editor

Poland United Methodist Church has cause to celebrate. On May 4, 2008, it observed its 50th year at its location at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, and this year marks a major milestone — the celebration of its 175th anniversary.

A 134-foot cross-bearing steeple highlights the Colonial-style landmark church and can be seen from quite a distance. It stands as a testimonial to the faith and fortitude of the congregation, some of whom watched a fire in 1957 gut what was Memorial Methodist Church on Boardman-Poland Road or Main Street.

The congregation rebuilt at its current location, where three acres were donated by members, Ernest and Mary Withers. It also changed its name.

Recently, the Rev. Michael D. Grant, pastor, and long-time church members, Mary Delle Hale, Hilda Weeks and Tom Duncan met to discuss the anniversary.

“We’re an ever-changing congregation. Though demographics show we’re an older congregation ... we’re getting younger families coming in,” Duncan noted. “New faces are enjoyable. And, it’s friends bringing in friends.”

Hale described Poland UMC as a “very hard-working congregation that’s hands-on.” And, “It’s a very caring church ... we care for one another.”

She pointed out that when the new church was built much of the work was accomplished by skilled artisans and craftsmen. “They had such wonderful skills such as woodworking,” Hale said.

Pastor Grant noted that the 50th year in the building and 175th celebration were marked by a “significant capital campaign” for such improvements as new windows, boiler, elevator, handicap-accessible restroom, air conditioning and video screen in the sanctuary. “Whatever this congregation undertakes, it does it very well,” he said. “They put their heart into it.”

And the pastor also said the “congregation exhibited tremendous foresight” in the plans for the rebuilt church. It includes a main sanctuary, Grace Chapel, narthex, offices, library, multiuse fellowship hall, dining room, Sunday school rooms and large kitchen. He observed how the facilities have served the church well and offer plenty of space for worship, fellowship and activities for a ministry hoping to grow.

The church, which incurred a debt of $600,000 for its new building, paid for the project through pledges, donations from groups within the church and proceeds from the food concession that the church operated at the Canfield Fair from 1957-68.

“We made the food here and hauled it out to the fair,” recalled Weeks. She joked that the congregation must have made a million pies, but church history estimates that bakers made some 65,000 pies for fairgoers. “It was a wonderful learning experience for all of us,” she said.

“It was quite a production,” said Hale. “It was a smorgasbord,” Duncan added.

After the church stopped its sit-down meals at the fair, it sold apple dumplings and ice cream for about a decade.

But those efforts, Duncan, who has served on the finance committee, and continued financial support of the membership made it possible for the mortgage to be paid off in May of 1973.

While the membership fulfills its financial responsibilities, it addresses the spiritual and social aspects of membership through myriad church groups.

United Methodist Women, which meets the second Wednesday of every month September through June, involves five circles — Abigail, Hope, Lydia, Mary Martha and Sister. The circles focus on Bible study but also sponsor fundraisers to benefit local and distant missions. “The circles offer fellowship, spiritual growth and education,” Pastor Grant said.

The Men’s Prayer Group, which meets year round at 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel, has been a mainstay of the ministry since the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. “It started as a response to that and has continued,” said Duncan, who is a faithful participant. “Members take turns giving the message,” he said, and there’s also time for meditation.

Afterward, the men have a home-cooked breakfast. Participants give donations, which go to missions.

Martha Lupse for those 50-plus is a card and game club based at the church but open to community residents. It meets 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

The church also has had a bowling league for 45 years and a volleyball league.

Hale said the Caring Ministry is an important element within the church. She and the pastor noted this ministry demonstrates faith in action.

Among activities are a card ministry to let a member know that the church family cares; prayer shawl ministry that “prayerfully” knits shawls for recipients who need comfort; meals ministry for those who have been hospitalized and need a little help; communion to shut-ins and visitation ministry, which is led by the Rev. Susan Holley, visitation pastor; and CD of worship services. The ministry follows the directive of Jesus — “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Pastor Grant noted that the youth ministry in the church is becoming more active, with some 30-40 youth involved. Jared Woodward is youth pastor. The group meets Sunday nights for fellowship and and Bible study. There also is an Upwards basketball program, which uses sports to introduce participants to the faith aspect.

While the church is active within its walls, it also reaches out in the community. It is among churches that volunteer to serve a meal at the Salvation Army during the last 10 days of the month. “We’ve been doing that about five years,” Duncan said.

Pastor Grant said the congregation is among churches involved in Family Promise of the Mahoning Valley, which helps homeless families. Churches take turns providing a weeklong place to stay and meals for families. “It was a great experience and we’re very proud of it,” he said.

The church also is the host of a food pantry that is a joint effort of Holy Family Catholic Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Poland Presbyterian Church.

The church also has been the site of Poland-Boardman Child Care Center for almost 25 years. What began as a church project continues to be operated by the church and is licensed by the state. It recently received a Step Up to Quality Award.

Over the years, the church also has been the place for Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts to meet, including Boy Scout Troop 2, which has met at the church since 1948.

At its services, the church offers a mix of contemporary with its praise team at the 9 a.m. Sunday service and traditional at 11. Sunday school for all is at 10. “Different styles of worship meet the needs of all,” Pastor Grant said.

Pray 3 Days | Final activities

Pray 3 Days is a 72-hour vigil that began at 7 a.m. Thursday and will conclude Sunday morning. Community residents prayed for the spiritual, economic and social restoration of the Mahoning Valley. “Praying and Celebrating with a Powerful Purpose” is the theme.

Coordinators: Raymond Butler, a member of Price Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church; Pastor Tarone Claybrook of Heartreach Ministries; Linda Daniels of the City Prayer Team of Youngstown; Bishop Chorrethers Jenkins of Grace Evangelistic Temple; and Jeffrey M. Magada, executive director of Flying High Inc.

Location: Praying and celebrating tents are set up at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown. Speakers will address the audience inside the center.

Today’s agenda: HeartReach Ministries muppets at noon, Stephano and Crew at 1 p.m., guitarist John Austin at 2, Pastor Robin Woodberry and New Bethel Youth Group at 3, Glen Williams and One Step to Life at 4:45 and Robinson Brothers vocal group at 6:15.

Sunday: 7 to 9 a.m., tent sunrise service with the Rev. Rosalynne Mitchell-Martin of Price AME Church and community mass choir and tent vigil closing.

Donations: Pray 3 Days is operating under the fiduciary agency of Flying High Inc., a 501(c) (3) organization. Donations are tax deductible. Send donations to Flying High, P.O. Box 4971, Youngstown, Ohio 44515. Local businessman Clarence Smith is underwriting the cost of renting the center.