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Angelo to retire from CPC after 10 years
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Presbyterian Church Youth Ministry Leader Julie Angelo (back center) was surrounded by youth members of the church as she prepared to retire from her position after 10 years of service. Pictured are, from left, (front) Hannah Edwards, Eryn Willoughby, Lily Grdic, Maggie Brucoli; (back) Lex Prindle, Angelo, Danielle Goddard, Evan Skripac and Ben Brucoli.
By ABBY SLANKER
Canfield Presbyterian Church Youth Ministry leader Julie Angelo’s service to the youth of the church has been an integral part of their lives for many years. Angelo, who has served the church in her post for the last 10 years, is retiring from her position this month.
“I don’t remember the first time I met Julie. I know it sounds odd, however, I truly don’t remember a time without Julie here at Canfield Presbyterian Church. In an occupation with the average years of service being 2.5 because of heavy stress and burnout, as Children/Youth Ministries leader she has beaten all the odds. But that is who Julie is — a lover and a fighter. Julie loves God with all her heart and she loves teaching and exemplifying what being a witness for God looks like, and she has done that with the children and youth at this church for 10 years,” said Lisa Velker, CPC director of Christian Education.
According to Angelo, in her 10 years as church youth ministry leader, there have been lots of ups and downs.
“There has been a lot of ups and downs in my 10 years here at Canfield Presbyterian Church. I have grown so much here. I have received so much support from my church family and they have lifted me up through things and we have learned from each other,” Angelo said.
Angelo, who is a fifth- and sixth-grade science teacher at Springfield Local Schools, said leaving now is bittersweet, but it seemed like the time to go.
“Several of the youth members have grown up with me. I am leaving here with the kids all grown up. I have watched them graduate and go off to college and even graduate college. I have gone to their sporting events and their plays. They are like my own kids, and now just seemed like the right time to go,” Angelo said.
Angelo has led the youth of the church and members of the congregation on seven mission trips over the years, from the Dominican Republic to Point Pleasant Beach, N. J., to this year’s trip to Pittsburgh to assist the Pittsburgh Project.
“Every mission trip group is different. I have such great memories of all the trips. We make connections and we bond. It is my responsibility to bring everyone back safely from our mission trips and I take that very seriously,” Angelo said.
Velker said Angelo has been an incredible asset to the church and to the youth.
“The youth of this church are a reflection of what Julie has taught them. She has shown them by example how to keep going. She has shown them how to have courage. That is not easy. Not everyone has the gift to do it, but she does. She is a fighter for many reasons, one of them being as a single parent having to work two and three jobs to take care of her two boys. She has made a career out of ‘making ends meet.’ I don’t think many people could have ‘walked in her shoes’ for very long and still come out smiling, myself included. I am thankful for her smiles and I am thankful for 10 years of dedicated teaching, ministering, laughing, helping, loving and serving others. I am most thankful and joyful for the journey ahead for ‘Jules.’ She is truly a gem and she will be dearly missed,” Velker said.
Angelo is thankful for her time at the church and for the youth members.
“I have so many memories. I will miss the kids so much and I will miss the craziness of our Trash and Treasure Sale, the famine the youth participate in, and Sunday nights with them. They have made such a difference in my life and have been a blessing,” Angelo said.
When asked, several youth members of the church had many wonderful things to say about Angelo.
“How to describe Julie? She’s the sweetest, kindest motherly figure. She’s your best friend and your big sister. I don’t know where I would be without her,” said Eryn Willoughby.
“Julie is the nicest, most awesome, friendliest person I have ever met. She will do anything for us and is very faithful to us. She will be missed,” said Hannah Edwards.
“Julie is always good at listening to our problems, complaints and when something good happens. She always listens,” said Lex Prindle.
“Julie started here when I was in sixth-grade, so I have been with her all 10 years. She has been a formidable figure in my faith. She has given us opportunities to grow. My experiences here and with her influenced my decision to spend a year in Ecuador. She is a great friend and she will be very much missed,” said Danielle Goddard.
“She is always there for you when you need help,” said Evan Skripac.
“Julie is always the reason you wanted to go to church,” said Maggie Brucoli.
“She is the nicest, sweetest person I know. When she leaves, she will still always be there with me,” said Ben Brucoli.
The church has named Rebecca Mattern as Angelo’s replacement as Family Ministries Leader.
“I am leaving this program in good hands. Rebecca is inheriting a great program and great kids. Knowing she is taking over gives me a sense of peace,” Angelo said.
To end her time at the church, Angelo organized the annual vacation bible school with the theme G-Force. The week-long bible school consisted of music, crafts, recreation and a science room where the 40 participants tried their hand at some science experiments. Volunteers from the church congregation helped in each aspect of the bible school.
“We have fabulous volunteers from our congregation and Christian Education committee. We have a very supportive congregation,” Velker said.
As part of Angelo’s send off, the church offered several events, including a Bye-Bye Julie Bash, during which everyone was welcome who had been touched by Angelo’s ministries at Canfield Presbyterian Church. A movie was shown outdoors with hot dogs and s’mores and a lock-in for grades five through college. On July 26, Angelo’s last Sunday, a reception will take place in her honor in the Christman Room at the church.