God Loves You, No Exceptions​
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
425 Cleveland Ave. SW
Canton, OH 44702
Sunday services, 10:30 a.m.

​From the Episcopal Public Policy Network
A special prayer for Peace
Amid Escalation in the Iran War
God of reconciliation, who in Jesus Christ broke down the walls of hostility, we lament the continued escalation in the Iran war which is bringing fear to civilians, grief to families, and growing instability to the region. Guard us from dangers of escalation, for we know that each act of retaliation can deepen suffering and that a single miscalculation may bring devastating consequences for countless people. As your Son, Jesus Christ, calmed the storm, bring peace to troubled hearts and to a troubled world. We ask this through his holy name. Amen. 

A first-hand look at how redlining and urban renewal of nearly a century ago
​reshaped Canton today

The Courageous Conversations on Race Relations second annual bus tour of Canton took off Tuesday, following a counter-clockwise path around the city, beginning in the southeast.
People who grew up in the southeast recounted the sights, smells, sounds and vibrancy of parts of Canton in the days before urban renewal disrupted their lives and neighborhoods. With promises of jobs for industries that never really emerged, parks, stores, houses, nightclubs and churches gave way to roads, vacant land and more promises for replacement homes that largely never developed.
The tour continued through the northeast, where heavy industry once dominated, and we discovered enclaves of new housing taking root not far from the hulking abandoned Republic Steel plant.
After a stop to admire the sunflowers beginning to bloom at Nimisilla Park, we headed to the northwest and the imposing Tudors and other houses of Ridgewood, where redlining practices in the 1930s ensured investment that allowed neighborhoods to thrive. It also made us wonder what could have been if such investment had been available to the entire city.
We also saw the work of Canton for all People in reclaiming the near northwest by building new houses and community.
Then onto another green spot on the redlining map -- Harter Heights.
Finally, we headed through the southwest, where Timken once ruled, shotgun houses still stand and segregation provided war housing for white workers only.

One way you can help

St. Paul’s is a downtown church, so we see more clearly than many the impact of poverty on our community. Some of our neighbors approach us directly, asking for cash.
The decision is, of course, your own, but St. Paul’s has another option to help: our discretionary fund. Through this fund, we’ve purchased grocery gift cards and bus passes, shoes and personal care items. We also have an application process for emergency requests for help with items such as utility bills.
The fund was created by and is sustained by all of you. Each first Sunday, any loose plate collections go into the fund, and you can contribute specifically to it any time. We also direct bank interest to the account at the end of the year.
If you are approached for money, you can refer the person to the senior warden, M.L. Schultze, to assist through the fund. And if you have any questions about it, please ask any Vestry member. 

Celebrating a new member

A look back at Holy Week at St. Paul's

Our observance of the three-day Christian passover began Thursday night with an Agape meal and Maundy Thursday service. It's a meal of love modeled after Christ's Last Supper and includes the humbling act of washing feet. The service concluded with the stripping of the altar as Music Director Edward Grimes chanted Psalm 22 and we left in darkness and silence.
We continued on Good Friday with Stations of the Cross at noon and then were blessed to share our evening service with our spritual and literal neighbors from Crossroads United Methodist Church. Highlights of the service included the anthem "The Cross Was His to Bear" by Patti Drennan -- blending the voices of both choirs -- a reading of the ancient Solemn Collects, and a narrated Passion reading
Saturday is a time of more individual reflection, and here is a prayer offered by the Episcopal Church for Holy Saturday:
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so may we await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
All of this helps us prepare for the return of the hallelujahs as we we gather Easter morning at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the depth and breadth of God's love.

The Samaritan's love must be lived in this day in every way by us all

Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Eric G. Howard shared an acapella rendition of "Amazing Grace" before preaching on God's grace as lived by the Samaritan. 
Monday (Jan. 19), St. Paul's and Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church celebrated their sixth annual service together honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Guest preacher Mt. Olive Pastor Eric G. Howard centered his message on the Biblical story of the Samaritan who helped a man who had been left dead on the side of the road by robbers. Others, including a priest, had crossed the road before him rather than help.
The story often is title "The Good Samaritan," Pasator Howard noted, as though the Samaritan was exceptional. Accepting that, he said, allows us to think we're somehow exempt from living a life that reaches out to others, especiallly in this time and this place. 
"The difference between the Samaritan and the church folks who saw him is that (the Samaritan) had compassion for him. He took pity on him and he treated the victim the way he would want to be treated." 
And that, Pastor Howard said, is how God's love is manifested. It's the rule, he said, not the exception as we are callled by God.
"Our Lord acted. Our Lord moved. And so it makes sense that he would tell us to go and do likewise. ... If we are to be the incarnation of the one who lives within, then let us go and do likewise."
The service also included a reflection on Dr. King's "Letter from the Birmingham Jail" by the Rev. Hector McDaniel, president of the Stark County NAACP.
"From a jail cell in Birmingham in 1963, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that 'whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly'and that we all must repent not merely for the hateful words and actions of some, but for our own silence.
"Lord God, this morning we gather to dedicate ourselves to walking with those who find themselves in the abyss of despair. We will support each other, and our brothers and sisters and neighbors, who have found that the trials of this world and the sorrows created by the choices of others can no longer be endured, alone."
The service ended with a commissioning of people heading out to volunteer -- another way to the meaning of Dr. King's life.
The service, which was officiated by St. Paul's clergy, the Revs. Joe and Kay Ashby, and included readings by Rabbi David Komerofsky of Temple Israel, Edina Carpenter and LaDonna Massey of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, and the Rev. Lynn Bozich Shetzer, retired Presbyterian Church USA.
Thanks to the Ashbys, Molly Weisel, Douglas Colmery, Pastor Howard, Music Director Edward Grimes and Carol Sutek for organzing the service and the luncheon that followed. And thanks to everyone who braved the weather and and brought home the words of hope, strength and commitment.
Photos by David Rotthoff

Our MLK celebration began at Temple Israel's 39th annual Shabbat service

Members of St. Paul's were among the roughly 70 people who participated in the 39th annual Shabbat MLK service and reception at Temple Israel on Friday night, and heard Courtney Johnson-Benson, founder of The Cognition Collective, speak to the need to honor humanity.
The Shabbat, she said, is a weekly reminder 'that we are not all the same," but that everyone in every community must refuse "to treat anone's dignity as optional."
Photos courtesy of David Rotthoff

Canton's churches
​celebrate together

Hundreds of people from nearly a dozen Stark County churches gathered at Christ Presbyterian Church Sunday to celebrate a joint ecumenical First Sunday of Christmas on Dec. 28. And many stayed for a great cookie share following the service.

Christmas at St. Paul's

For video of the special music and service, click on this link.

Stark County's interfaith effort grows

People from a dozen faith traditions in Stark County gathered for dinner, organizing and the first official meeting of the Interfaith Coalition of Stark County last Sunday, Nov. 9.
Zion's Temple Church of God hosted the dinner, which included Christians, Jews and Muslims praying and planning together to find ways to counter "the violence and violent rhetoric spreading through our country today."
The keynote speaker,Dr. Nicole Johnson, professor of religious studies and director of the Peacebuilding & Social Justice Program at the University of Mount Union, addressed the intersection of social justice action and faith.
The coaltion has been working for three years on the issues of gun violence in our community.
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​​​Giving made easier
​The Diocese of Ohio has partnered with Giving Tools to help with online stewardship for St. Paul's and other parishes. Please click on the church icon at left to visit our Online Giving page.​​
​​​St. Paul's Episcopal Church
425 Cleveland Avenue S.W.
Canton, OH 44702​​​
Office hours the week of Aug. 2
Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturday morning (HOF parade)
Email: [email protected];
Phone ​(330)455-0286
Coming up at St. Paul's
WEEKLY
AA and NA meetings are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings in the community room and library.

Sunday, Aug. 2
Inurnment Service for Ed Denning, following regular Eucharist at 10:30 a.m., light luncheon in the Guild Hall

Thursday, Aug. 6
Worship Committee meeting in the Guild Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8
Hall of Fame Parade, coffee, hotdogs and donut stand opens at 6 a.m.; parade kicks off at 8.

Sunday, Aug. 9
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 a.m., followed by server training in the Guild Hall

Wednesday, Aug. 12
Finance Committee meeting, 6 p.m. via Zoom

Tuesday, Aug. 18
Courageous Conversations on Race Relations, 6 p.m.dinner with discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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The Episcopal Church has a rich legacy of inclusion aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. Further, we believe that the gifts of God are expressed by all people in our church, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We believe that God loves us all – no exceptions.

Discernment Prayer
for St. Paul's

O Lord our God,
May we, the parish of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church embrace your commandment of loving our neighbors as you have loved us while we discern who we are and how best to serve you. 
We ask that you quiet our souls, so we may listen to you. 
We ask that you grant us wisdom as we seek new leadership.
And lastly, we ask for the courage to follow wherever you lead us.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Our Mission
​​​St. Paul’s is an exceptionally welcoming Episcopal community in downtown Canton, grounded in faith, called by God’s Love to minister to the world.

Diocese of Ohio adopts resolution affirming the dignity of immigrants

About 350 Episcopalians crowded into Greystone Hall in Wooster Friday and Saturday for the Diocese of Ohio's 209th annual convention. For two days, the event hall was transformed into a space of worship and action.
In a world starving for meaning, we are the bread of life," Bishop Anne Jolly told the gathering, underscoring the "simple powerful truth that transforms everything: God Loves you. No exceptions."
By a voice vote echoing strong support, lay and clery delegates adopted the "Resolution on Dignity, Not Hate, Not Mass Deportation, Not Silence." It affirmed "the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio as people of faith, honor our baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.
"Therefore we affirm (reaffirm) our support for Migration with Dignity, the immigrant justice policy adopted by the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church (Resolution C031); and be it further Resolved, that “dignity” is not just a word, but rather a framework of principles declaring that all migrants have: 1) a universal right of movement; 2) the right to be secure from arbitrary and abusive detention, forced labor and sexual violence; 3) the right of equality; 4) the right to a basic quality of life; 5) the right to access services; and 6) civil and political rights."
One person spoke against the resolution, arguing it gives some criminals rights others don't have.
The resolution is being adopted by Episcopal dioceses throughout the country.
The Diocese of Ohio convention acknowledged the challenges facing the diocese and its churches throughout northern Ohio, including declaring two parishes extinct: St. Luke's in Niles and Holy Trinity in Lisbon. But it also underscored the search for and support of new ways to do God's work, from strengthening community kitchens to establishing neighborhood coffee shops and art galleries to exploring new ways to worship in and out of our physical buildings. 

Find out more about the Episcopal Church

​We at St. Paul's welcome you. If this is your first contact with St. Paul's or any Episcopal church, we invite you to explore the Seekers Center, which offers a detailed look at our traditions, practices and the application of our beliefs in today’s world. Please join our church family to see us firsthand in all-encompassing, loving action.​​​​​​
Activities at St. Paul's are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube
Lots of ways you can serve at St. Paul's
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As the St. Paul Family continues to grow, we want to ensure that everyone has a chance to engage and assist with the work we have placed before us. To carry out this work, we need to draw upon the gifts, talents, and skill sets of everyone.​
 
We are currently looking for people to serve in the following ways:
  • Greeters on Sunday Mornings
  • Grant Committee to assist with securing funds
  • Christian Formation Committee to assist with the growth and spirituality programming of the congregation
  • Lectors to present the lessons on Sunday
  • Choir members
  • Acolytes: Crucifer, Torchbearers, Eucharistic Ministers
  • Lay Eucharistic Visitors to help visit the sick and homebound and provide communion
  • Audio/Video
There are so many more ways to be involved at St. Paul's. Please consider how you might serve. For more information or to sign up for a particular area, please email the Church Office with your contact information at [email protected], or call 330-506-6647.
Remember, every member is a minister!! 

Mapping the path of St. Paul's discernment

Despite the busy-ness of the holiday season, the Discernment process at St. Paul’s has been far from forgotten. In the last two weeks, we’ve had two meetings of significance as we look toward 2026. The first was on Dec. 6 with the Rev. Alan Cowart of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cuyahoga Falls; Fr. Alan is our consultant for the Discernment process. The second was on Dec. 14 with the Rev. Audra Abt, canon for innovation for the Diocese of Ohio. From those meetings came the following launch-points for 2026.
  • How to better support the Ashbys, who have agreed to remain our interim clergy and a part of the St. Paul’s family throughout 2026.
  • Determining which vicarious relationships St. Paul’s should strengthen first with our wider community and within ourselves.
  • Exploring how to deepen our spiritual lives through Episcopalian tradition.
The next meeting of the Discernment committee with Fr. Alan is Jan. 11. We welcome any questions, suggestions and other input you have before then. And please, keep the St. Paul’s Discernment Prayer in your hearts and minds always.
 
O Lord our God,
May we, the parish of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, embrace your commandment of loving our neighbors as you have loved us while we discern who we are and how best to serve you.
We ask that you quiet our souls, so we may listen to you.
We ask that you grant us wisdom as we seek new leadership.
And lastly, we ask for the courage to follow wherever you lead us.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.​

 Our walls talked and we found hidden spaces, shared histories, our neighborhood, and faith

A building that's more than a hundred years old and a church that's more than 150 years old has lots of faith, history and hidden spaces within, and we spent two days exploring them together. Linda Heitger headed the two-day retreat Friday and Saturday, which included contemplation and compline, preparing and sharing meals, finding hidden rooms, and learning more about our neigborhood.
The retreat centered on the power of listening.
We found a spiritual space above the sanctuary most of us never knew existed. And a labyrith the parish created decades ago helped center us Friday evening, as did the meal we prepared together and the discussion of what St. Paul's has been and can be.
Thanks to Patricia Howard of the SouthWest Association of Neighbors for helping us explore Saturday morning the neighborhood that stretches from St. Paul's Fifth Street door south and west. We saw a community garden that feeds and centers the neighborhood, beautiful Victorians, the fruits of Habitat for Humanity's work and the frustration of living with an abandoned Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority highrise in the middle of a neighborhood.
And thanks to Susan Phillips and to our guests for integrating us into the monthly H.O.T. lunch ministry, the oldest continuing ministry of St. Paul's.
All of this did what we so hoped and prayed: Helping St. Paul's discern its future.

Planning our future and recognizing God's call in ourselves

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Fr. Alan Cowart suggests new models to try new ministries and even restructure the church. Photo by David Rotthoff
A month back, Fr. Alan Cowart joined us on a Saturday morning in the Guild Hall to begin probing some important questions, including “What stirs you as a community?” where we see "breaks in the world," and where we feel God's presence in helping us heal those breaks.
Fr. Alan is now coming on board to help St. Paul’s with its discernment process, including finding what clergy and structure best helps us determine our vocation as a church. Fr. Alan is priest-in-charge of St. John's Episcopal Church in Cuyahoga Falls. St. John’s, like St. Paul’s, is a historic church downtown, sharing the city's traditional central square with other churches and City Hall. Together, they are forming the new nonprofit "Church Square" and embarking on sharing ministries, space and worship.
At his first meeting with St. Paul’s, Fr. Alan touched on striking the balance between planning and doing -- and suggested we challenge and overcome inertia by trying small things so we can celebrate successes and learn from mistakes. He presented a circular model that takes an idea and experiments with it, making revisions along the ways -- sometimes to the point of transforming the entire idea. The discussion also included the difference between a church being welcoming to those who come through our doors to a church stepping outside its doors to find our neighbors and our mission.

Ideas pour in and out as we discern our future together

Thanks to everyone who participated in our first parish-wide meeting last Sunday to discern the next steps and long-term future of St. Paul's. We enjoyed a meal together (of course!) and reviewed finances, history, missions and some 75 first-blush ideas for our future, touching on worship, community, service and communion with God, each other and our neighbors.

The thread that wove through nearly all the ideas can perhaps best be characterized as treasuring and nurturing relationships.

The Rev. Jessie Dodson led the meeting and during the service that preceeded it, she and the parish blessed the Discernment Committee that will help us hone our mission and search for our new clergy partner.

The members of the committee are: Kelli Green, Rick Enslen, David Swope, Linda Heitger, Molly Weisel, Carol Sutek, Demi Carrothers, Douglas Colmery and (ex-officio) M.L. Schultze. Please keep them and the entire St. Paul's family in your prayers.​​
A rare and joyous day
Clergy, congregants, family and other well-wishers pack St. Paul's to celebrate the ordination of the Rev. Robin Woodberry
PictureBishop Mark Hollingsworth Jr. presents newly ordained priest, the Rev. Robin Woodberry to a crowd of nearly 200 at St. Paul's Saturday morning (June 3). Rev. Woodberry is the fifth generation of pastors in her family and her mother, Gena Thornton, delivered the homily. Rev. Woodberry's husband, Anthony, helped her don her priestly vestments. Photo by David Rotthoff.
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PictureClergy from different denominations and throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio gathered with Bishop Hollingsworth for the laying on of hands during the Rev. Woodberry's ordination. Photo by David Rotthoff
Nearly 200 people gathered at St. Paul's Saturday morning to celebrate the consecration of the Rev. Robin Woodberry to the priesthood.

Robin's service of ordination is the last planned by Bishop Mark Hollingworth Jr., who is retiring. Celebrating with him were clergy from differing denominations and from throughout Ohio, including Robin's mother, the Rev. Gena Thornton, who delivered the homily. Robin is the fifth generation of women clergy in her family.

They were joined by family, friends, congregants and friends of St. Paul's and of Robin's. The choirs of three churches -- St. Paul's, St. Timothy's Massillon and Christ Church Hudson -- joined together for the service with works including "The Work of Love," an original piece composed by Andrew Bolden for the day.

Robin has been deacon-in-charge at St. Paul's since last summer, following her ordination as a transitional deacon, a step toward the priesthood. A native of Youngstown, she was licensed a minister in the Baptist tradition in 1995 and ordained 10 years later at New Bethel Baptist Church. She holds a doctor of ministry degree from the Southern Bible Institute and Seminary in Augusta, Ga. She is the former nominating chairperson for the National Board of Church Women United and executive director of the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches.

She became a member of the Episcopal Church in 2017, and began her seminary studies at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Calif.  She has completed her studies at Bexley Seabury Seminary in Chicago, has been elected to the Episcopal Community Services Committee and serves on the church’s Commission for Racial Understanding.


Here is message from the Rev. Robin Woodberry, St. Paul's new priest-in-charge
​
There will never be enough words to say how completely grateful and thankful I am to each one who has been a part of this journey. Whether you played a role at the beginning, in the middle, or in the last few weeks, I would not be here today if it were not for you. I thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement, your spiritual direction, and your love. To my family who has given the most so that I could do what God was asking of me, thank you for your sacrifice of love! I give honor to my ancestors and the four generations of ministers on whose shoulders I stand.

To my husband Anthony, we had no idea what we were in for when we got married 37 years ago, but God did. I could not have served in ministry had you not been there with me. I praise God for you! To the Ordination Committee who pulled together such a memorable occasion in such a short time, thank you!
And, to this great St. Paul’s family, God heard your prayers, brought us together, and set us on a path to do great and mighty things, in Jesus’ Name!

I love you all, Robin.
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Above: During the litany, then-Deacon Woodberry lies full length and face down on the floor as a gesture of humility and devotion. Right: Bishop Hollingsworth offers the prayers of consecration, which include: "May she exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people; offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation; and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make her a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise counselor. Grant that in all things she may serve without reproach, so that your people may be strengthened and your Name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever." Photo by David Rotthoff
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Among those participating in the ordination were the Rev. Gena Thornton, Robin's mother (left rear), and Maureen Woods Major and Jon Coventry (right rear), whose own journey to the priesthood began at St. Paul's. Photo by David Rotthoff
To view the entire service, click on this Facebook link.
​For more images of the day and information on ordination, go to the "more" tab or click here.
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