Annual Reports
St. Paul's 2024 annual report
Presented at the Annual Meeting, Jan. 12, 2025
Presented at the Annual Meeting, Jan. 12, 2025
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Leadership reports
Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry
Purpose: The purpose of the Church Annual Meeting is threefold:
1) To reflect on the past year of ministry by evaluating our accomplishments in relation to our goals and assessing our effectiveness in fulfilling the overall mission of the church. We will highlight major events from the year.
2) To assess our current status, including our financial and numerical standing, but most importantly, our spiritual condition as it aligns with the church's vision and ministry.
3) To project our goals and objectives for continued growth and expansion in ministry, ensuring that we fulfill God’s vision for the church.
As we look back over the past year, we do so with a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving to God, recognizing that we have come this far through His guidance. We give all glory and honor to God for all He has allowed St. Paul’s to achieve in the year 2024.
In I Corinthians 3:9a, the Apostle Paul helps us to put our ministry focus in proper perspective when he declares, “For we are laborers together with God”. The implied truth is that God is at work in the world around us. We, as members of His body, are called to join God in His work by accepting the specific assignment He gives us in the ministry of His Kingdom. Thus, making us – laborers together with God. Our task is to discover what God is doing and then allow His Spirit to direct us in how we are to join Him in His work.
Properly trained leaders are the key to the success of any organization especially in the church as they assist the Priest in carrying out the church’s program. It is true that the priest cannot lead the congregation any further than its leadership is willing to go and grow. We are blessed to have competent and dedicated leaders who have committed themselves to the call of God in their service to Him and to this church.
Reflection: It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. But 2024 was packed full of wonderful memories and amazing ministry engagement.
January, In January, we participated in the Epiphany Lessons and Carols service in collaboration with St. Tim’s and St. Mark’s, a joyful way to begin the Epiphany season. We also opened our doors to the Diocese and local community, hosting the Diocesan FreshStart cohort for their monthly meeting, as well as the Interfaith Clergy Against Gun Violence workshop.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, we joined forces with StarkFresh and Mt. Olive Baptist Church for a day of worship, community service, and fellowship. We began the day with worship at Mt. Olive, followed by service projects at StarkFresh locations. Afterward, we gathered at Mt. Olive for a shared meal and the launch of a new season of Courageous Conversations.
Additionally, we held our Annual Meeting, where we bid farewell to Vestry members Stephen Johnson and Valerie Frear. We also welcomed new Vestry members: M. L. Schultze, David Swope, Tammy Patterson, and Rob Vail.
February, the month kicked off with a bang! Demetrius Carrothers and I attended the Winter Convocation at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, a meaningful time of reflection and an introduction to the College for Congregational Development, which is being implemented across the Diocese. I also had the honor of preaching at the consecration service for Bishop Barbara Harris and Rev. Absalom Jones, held at the Church of Our Savior in Akron.
On Friday evening, the Vestry gathered for dinner at La Pizzaria to begin our retreat. The next day, we spent the day in reflection, visioning, planning, fellowship, and a bit of soul-searching. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity to gain focus, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. During this time, we welcomed Demetrius Carrothers as our new Senior Warden, M.L. Schultze as Junior Warden, and Jeff Nowlin as Clerk.
We also hosted a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, where we were thrilled to welcome several new faces. It was a wonderful evening of delicious food, great conversation, and lively Mardi Gras decorations that added to the festive spirit.
We moved into the heart of the Lenten season and offered themed Bible studies, and Stations of the Cross that were offered on Fridays through the leadership of Douglas Colmery.
We celebrated the baptism of baby Sutton Wade!
A License Reinstatement Clinic was held in the Guild Hall serving over 100 people, and I was the guest preacher for the Emancipation Proclamation service held at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
March, we continued our party spirit with a St. Patrick’s Day Coffee Hour. The month included a full schedule leading up to Easter. This year we tried something new for Maundy Thursday by having an Agape Meal and service. We had an amazing turnout for the evening, offering a great Mediterranean-themed meal, readings, songs, and prayers as we broke bread together around the table. The evening included hand and foot washing stations and culminated with the stripping of the Altar. It was a very meaningful and powerful time.
Good Friday we hosted a joint service with Crossroads UMC and welcomed Pastor Don Ackerman as the preacher for the evening. Through additional services for Holy Week, we were able to fully connect with the sacrifice of life offered by Jesus and the power of our resurrected life in Him. What better way to celebrate life than with the welcoming of five new members to the St. Paul’s family on Easter Sunday? We welcomed James Husted, Shelley Spencer, Tyreek Fennessee, Sarah Lane, Kevin Kotaska, and celebrated the 90th birthday of longtime member, Elizabeth Mapp.
April provided us with an event for the ages, a total solar eclipse. Excitement was in the air throughout the entire country but even more so in our great state because we were in the path of totality. I was glad that several members from St. Paul’s were able to attend an event at Bellwether along with others around the Diocese. We enhanced our social media presence by posting “Monday Moments with Mother Robin” on TikTok.
May, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a festive-themed Coffee Hour. I also attended the Diocesan Clergy Conference at Geneva-on-the-Lake, which was a time of renewal and connection. We marked Pentecost Sunday by incorporating multiple languages throughout the service, reflecting the diversity of the Church.
A new summer tradition began with our Wednesday Whine Nite. Our first gathering took place at the Winking Lizard, where we enjoyed good company and celebrated Karen Swope’s birthday. It was a fun and lighthearted evening, setting the tone for future gatherings.
June offered several opportunities for us to gather and enjoy themed fun nights throughout the summer. The first event was Pirate Night, which turned out to be a fantastic, multi-generational activity that brought people of all ages together.
I spent much of the month traveling across the country. I attended the College for Congregational Development training in Seabeck, WA, where I earned my trainer certification. I also participated in the Union of Black Episcopalians Conference in Louisville, KY. My time in Kentucky continued at the Episcopal General Convention, where Bishop Sean Rowe was elected.
We ended the month with the inaugural Angels Celebration, a special service designed to remember and honor our dearly departed loved ones who had anniversaries of death during the first quarter of the year. It was a meaningful way to celebrate their lives and the impact they had on our community.
July was filled with love and celebration. I had the honor of officiating the wedding of Theresa and Mark, a beautiful occasion that was full of joy and meaningful moments.
We welcomed members of the Hackers Women’s Golf League for our Prayers and Pars Sunday. St. Paul’s members joined the Hackers at the Meadowbrook Golf & Swim Club for an afternoon of fun. We continued our summer fun nights, this time with a superhero theme that was packed with exciting games and activities. Our Wednesday Whine Nites continued as well, with our second gathering held at Nelson’s Grill. That evening featured a lively trivia competition, and I'm proud to say that St. Paul’s women claimed the top spot, taking home first place!
August kicked off in grand style with the festive Hall of Fame Parade—what a fun way to start the month! We connected with the community by offering restroom access and refreshments to parade spectators and participants, making the event even more enjoyable for everyone.
We celebrated the 90th birthday of Tom Lilly. It was so good to see the outpouring of love.
Later in the month, I had the privilege of serving as a trainer at the Diocesan launch of the College for Congregational Development. It was an inspiring opportunity to help others grow in their ministry.
The final summer fun night was held with a lively sports theme, bringing everyone together for one last round of themed games and activities. We also wrapped up our Wednesday Whine Nites, where the St. Paul’s women, along with guests from Mt. Olive, once again claimed first place during trivia night. It was a fantastic way to end the summer!
In September, both the Wednesday Study Group and the Social Justice Book Club resumed, offering our community opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful discussion. We also held a special Blessing of the Hands during the service in honor of Labor Day, recognizing the dignity and value of all work.
I had the privilege of serving as Chaplain at the Episcopal Church Women Annual Retreat, a time of reflection and fellowship. The second Angels Celebration was also held, providing a sacred moment to remember and honor our dearly departed loved ones.
Additionally, we were blessed to welcome Rev. Daniel Orr and the Tanzania Missions group, who shared the purpose of their upcoming pilgrimage and offered insight into how we can best support their mission.
October was undeniably a challenging month, both personally and for the St. Paul’s family. In addition to the loss of my son, Anthony, we also mourned the passing of two beloved members, Linda Rotthoff and Ed Sutek. The outpouring of love and support from the community during this time was overwhelming and deeply appreciated. With so much grief, many adjustments had to be made to our activities and services as I navigated personal sorrow while also supporting our grieving families. Despite these difficulties, the leadership at St. Paul’s did an incredible job stepping up and ensuring everything continued to run smoothly.
One of the highlights of the month was the Animal Blessing at First Friday, made possible by the hard work of Buffy, Nancy, Tori, and Douglas. Several Sunday services were adapted to meet the needs of the moment, and I am so grateful for the flexibility and dedication of our leadership team.
In addition to these emotional challenges, we also hosted a visit from representatives of the League of Women Voters, who provided valuable information about the controversial issues on the upcoming ballot. We held Thanksgiving basket registrations and, for the first time, hosted a two-day Mobile Consulate. I also had the opportunity to attend Clergy Day at Bellwether, which was a time of reflection and renewal amidst a difficult season. We ended the month with a movement in stewardship with the culmination of the Walk in Love. Stewardship Campaign.
November was filled with a rich variety of celebrations and activities. We marked All Saints’ Day and Christ the King Sunday, and participated in the distribution of Thanksgiving Baskets, bringing joy to many in need.
We also held a special Election Eve Prayer and Compline Service, offering peace and reflection in the midst of a tense election season. The month culminated in the Community Interfaith Service, which was held at First Lutheran Church, bringing together people of all faiths to unite in prayer.
We had the joy of welcoming three new members as Daughters of the King: M.L. Schultze, Tammy Patterson, and Jan Smuda. It was a moment of celebration for our community. Additionally, four of us attended the Diocesan Convention in Perry this year, with heartfelt thanks to Cara Warren, David Lewis, and Demetrius Carrothers for serving as delegates and representing St. Paul’s.
November was also a time of mourning as we held funeral services for two beloved members, Linda Rotthoff and Ed Sutek. It was a month marked by both sorrow and thanksgiving, and our community came together in strength and support.
In December, we did not hold special Advent services this year, but we still observed the season's purpose each week by lighting the Advent wreath before the start of each service. Alongside our joyful Christmas Eve service, we also offered a Christmas Lessons and Carols service. For the first time, we held a Blue Christmas service, a heartfelt gathering that acknowledged the grief and suffering of many experienced during the holiday season. And thanks to innovative outreach thinking, we collected items throughout Advent to be donated to the YWCA.
A goal was to build a relationship with the residents of the Heritage Housing complex and provide in-house services for them. No moment on this as of yet.
Another goal was to teach Christian stewardship year-round. Although progress in this area has been gradual, I have included snippets on stewardship and giving in the bulletin, newsletter, and sermons, and I will continue to find ways to weave these messages into the life of our community as the year continues.
We also introduced a new Stewardship Campaign format provided by the Diocese, which was a positive step forward. One of our objectives was to restore financially delinquent members to regular contributors, and while the progress here has been modest, there has been some movement in the right direction.
Finally, we set a goal to identify and apply for grants that align with the mission of our church. We did apply for several grants in 2023, though we were not successful in securing them. However, we have continued to apply for additional grants in 2024 and are awaiting the results.
Money for this account is collected through the loose change offering or can be specifically designated for this account. The goal was to increase income for the account so that more people could be assisted. I feel like this has happened in some ways, but I would still like to see it continue to increase. I have also sought ways to build a working relationship with Stark County Jobs and Family Services as well as the YWCA and its shelter program so we can determine how to move our financial assistance to a place that empowers individuals to achieve housing stability.
Moving Forward in 2025:
God has blessed our Church, and we have made great strides in the year 2024.
Let us continue this faith journey together in unity and love, committed to the cause of Christ, as God shapes us, molds us, and then uses us to minister to the needs of His people and address the ills of our society.
Let us move forward with courage to embrace the challenges we will face and overcome so that God will be glorified through our lives and the ministry He has ordained for the St. Paul’s Church family.
May God bless each of you and your families as we serve Him together in love. I love you all.
Your Servant in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry
The Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry
Purpose: The purpose of the Church Annual Meeting is threefold:
1) To reflect on the past year of ministry by evaluating our accomplishments in relation to our goals and assessing our effectiveness in fulfilling the overall mission of the church. We will highlight major events from the year.
2) To assess our current status, including our financial and numerical standing, but most importantly, our spiritual condition as it aligns with the church's vision and ministry.
3) To project our goals and objectives for continued growth and expansion in ministry, ensuring that we fulfill God’s vision for the church.
As we look back over the past year, we do so with a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving to God, recognizing that we have come this far through His guidance. We give all glory and honor to God for all He has allowed St. Paul’s to achieve in the year 2024.
In I Corinthians 3:9a, the Apostle Paul helps us to put our ministry focus in proper perspective when he declares, “For we are laborers together with God”. The implied truth is that God is at work in the world around us. We, as members of His body, are called to join God in His work by accepting the specific assignment He gives us in the ministry of His Kingdom. Thus, making us – laborers together with God. Our task is to discover what God is doing and then allow His Spirit to direct us in how we are to join Him in His work.
Properly trained leaders are the key to the success of any organization especially in the church as they assist the Priest in carrying out the church’s program. It is true that the priest cannot lead the congregation any further than its leadership is willing to go and grow. We are blessed to have competent and dedicated leaders who have committed themselves to the call of God in their service to Him and to this church.
Reflection: It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. But 2024 was packed full of wonderful memories and amazing ministry engagement.
January, In January, we participated in the Epiphany Lessons and Carols service in collaboration with St. Tim’s and St. Mark’s, a joyful way to begin the Epiphany season. We also opened our doors to the Diocese and local community, hosting the Diocesan FreshStart cohort for their monthly meeting, as well as the Interfaith Clergy Against Gun Violence workshop.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, we joined forces with StarkFresh and Mt. Olive Baptist Church for a day of worship, community service, and fellowship. We began the day with worship at Mt. Olive, followed by service projects at StarkFresh locations. Afterward, we gathered at Mt. Olive for a shared meal and the launch of a new season of Courageous Conversations.
Additionally, we held our Annual Meeting, where we bid farewell to Vestry members Stephen Johnson and Valerie Frear. We also welcomed new Vestry members: M. L. Schultze, David Swope, Tammy Patterson, and Rob Vail.
February, the month kicked off with a bang! Demetrius Carrothers and I attended the Winter Convocation at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, a meaningful time of reflection and an introduction to the College for Congregational Development, which is being implemented across the Diocese. I also had the honor of preaching at the consecration service for Bishop Barbara Harris and Rev. Absalom Jones, held at the Church of Our Savior in Akron.
On Friday evening, the Vestry gathered for dinner at La Pizzaria to begin our retreat. The next day, we spent the day in reflection, visioning, planning, fellowship, and a bit of soul-searching. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity to gain focus, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. During this time, we welcomed Demetrius Carrothers as our new Senior Warden, M.L. Schultze as Junior Warden, and Jeff Nowlin as Clerk.
We also hosted a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, where we were thrilled to welcome several new faces. It was a wonderful evening of delicious food, great conversation, and lively Mardi Gras decorations that added to the festive spirit.
We moved into the heart of the Lenten season and offered themed Bible studies, and Stations of the Cross that were offered on Fridays through the leadership of Douglas Colmery.
We celebrated the baptism of baby Sutton Wade!
A License Reinstatement Clinic was held in the Guild Hall serving over 100 people, and I was the guest preacher for the Emancipation Proclamation service held at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
March, we continued our party spirit with a St. Patrick’s Day Coffee Hour. The month included a full schedule leading up to Easter. This year we tried something new for Maundy Thursday by having an Agape Meal and service. We had an amazing turnout for the evening, offering a great Mediterranean-themed meal, readings, songs, and prayers as we broke bread together around the table. The evening included hand and foot washing stations and culminated with the stripping of the Altar. It was a very meaningful and powerful time.
Good Friday we hosted a joint service with Crossroads UMC and welcomed Pastor Don Ackerman as the preacher for the evening. Through additional services for Holy Week, we were able to fully connect with the sacrifice of life offered by Jesus and the power of our resurrected life in Him. What better way to celebrate life than with the welcoming of five new members to the St. Paul’s family on Easter Sunday? We welcomed James Husted, Shelley Spencer, Tyreek Fennessee, Sarah Lane, Kevin Kotaska, and celebrated the 90th birthday of longtime member, Elizabeth Mapp.
April provided us with an event for the ages, a total solar eclipse. Excitement was in the air throughout the entire country but even more so in our great state because we were in the path of totality. I was glad that several members from St. Paul’s were able to attend an event at Bellwether along with others around the Diocese. We enhanced our social media presence by posting “Monday Moments with Mother Robin” on TikTok.
May, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a festive-themed Coffee Hour. I also attended the Diocesan Clergy Conference at Geneva-on-the-Lake, which was a time of renewal and connection. We marked Pentecost Sunday by incorporating multiple languages throughout the service, reflecting the diversity of the Church.
A new summer tradition began with our Wednesday Whine Nite. Our first gathering took place at the Winking Lizard, where we enjoyed good company and celebrated Karen Swope’s birthday. It was a fun and lighthearted evening, setting the tone for future gatherings.
June offered several opportunities for us to gather and enjoy themed fun nights throughout the summer. The first event was Pirate Night, which turned out to be a fantastic, multi-generational activity that brought people of all ages together.
I spent much of the month traveling across the country. I attended the College for Congregational Development training in Seabeck, WA, where I earned my trainer certification. I also participated in the Union of Black Episcopalians Conference in Louisville, KY. My time in Kentucky continued at the Episcopal General Convention, where Bishop Sean Rowe was elected.
We ended the month with the inaugural Angels Celebration, a special service designed to remember and honor our dearly departed loved ones who had anniversaries of death during the first quarter of the year. It was a meaningful way to celebrate their lives and the impact they had on our community.
July was filled with love and celebration. I had the honor of officiating the wedding of Theresa and Mark, a beautiful occasion that was full of joy and meaningful moments.
We welcomed members of the Hackers Women’s Golf League for our Prayers and Pars Sunday. St. Paul’s members joined the Hackers at the Meadowbrook Golf & Swim Club for an afternoon of fun. We continued our summer fun nights, this time with a superhero theme that was packed with exciting games and activities. Our Wednesday Whine Nites continued as well, with our second gathering held at Nelson’s Grill. That evening featured a lively trivia competition, and I'm proud to say that St. Paul’s women claimed the top spot, taking home first place!
August kicked off in grand style with the festive Hall of Fame Parade—what a fun way to start the month! We connected with the community by offering restroom access and refreshments to parade spectators and participants, making the event even more enjoyable for everyone.
We celebrated the 90th birthday of Tom Lilly. It was so good to see the outpouring of love.
Later in the month, I had the privilege of serving as a trainer at the Diocesan launch of the College for Congregational Development. It was an inspiring opportunity to help others grow in their ministry.
The final summer fun night was held with a lively sports theme, bringing everyone together for one last round of themed games and activities. We also wrapped up our Wednesday Whine Nites, where the St. Paul’s women, along with guests from Mt. Olive, once again claimed first place during trivia night. It was a fantastic way to end the summer!
In September, both the Wednesday Study Group and the Social Justice Book Club resumed, offering our community opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful discussion. We also held a special Blessing of the Hands during the service in honor of Labor Day, recognizing the dignity and value of all work.
I had the privilege of serving as Chaplain at the Episcopal Church Women Annual Retreat, a time of reflection and fellowship. The second Angels Celebration was also held, providing a sacred moment to remember and honor our dearly departed loved ones.
Additionally, we were blessed to welcome Rev. Daniel Orr and the Tanzania Missions group, who shared the purpose of their upcoming pilgrimage and offered insight into how we can best support their mission.
October was undeniably a challenging month, both personally and for the St. Paul’s family. In addition to the loss of my son, Anthony, we also mourned the passing of two beloved members, Linda Rotthoff and Ed Sutek. The outpouring of love and support from the community during this time was overwhelming and deeply appreciated. With so much grief, many adjustments had to be made to our activities and services as I navigated personal sorrow while also supporting our grieving families. Despite these difficulties, the leadership at St. Paul’s did an incredible job stepping up and ensuring everything continued to run smoothly.
One of the highlights of the month was the Animal Blessing at First Friday, made possible by the hard work of Buffy, Nancy, Tori, and Douglas. Several Sunday services were adapted to meet the needs of the moment, and I am so grateful for the flexibility and dedication of our leadership team.
In addition to these emotional challenges, we also hosted a visit from representatives of the League of Women Voters, who provided valuable information about the controversial issues on the upcoming ballot. We held Thanksgiving basket registrations and, for the first time, hosted a two-day Mobile Consulate. I also had the opportunity to attend Clergy Day at Bellwether, which was a time of reflection and renewal amidst a difficult season. We ended the month with a movement in stewardship with the culmination of the Walk in Love. Stewardship Campaign.
November was filled with a rich variety of celebrations and activities. We marked All Saints’ Day and Christ the King Sunday, and participated in the distribution of Thanksgiving Baskets, bringing joy to many in need.
We also held a special Election Eve Prayer and Compline Service, offering peace and reflection in the midst of a tense election season. The month culminated in the Community Interfaith Service, which was held at First Lutheran Church, bringing together people of all faiths to unite in prayer.
We had the joy of welcoming three new members as Daughters of the King: M.L. Schultze, Tammy Patterson, and Jan Smuda. It was a moment of celebration for our community. Additionally, four of us attended the Diocesan Convention in Perry this year, with heartfelt thanks to Cara Warren, David Lewis, and Demetrius Carrothers for serving as delegates and representing St. Paul’s.
November was also a time of mourning as we held funeral services for two beloved members, Linda Rotthoff and Ed Sutek. It was a month marked by both sorrow and thanksgiving, and our community came together in strength and support.
In December, we did not hold special Advent services this year, but we still observed the season's purpose each week by lighting the Advent wreath before the start of each service. Alongside our joyful Christmas Eve service, we also offered a Christmas Lessons and Carols service. For the first time, we held a Blue Christmas service, a heartfelt gathering that acknowledged the grief and suffering of many experienced during the holiday season. And thanks to innovative outreach thinking, we collected items throughout Advent to be donated to the YWCA.
- Goals Update
- Spiritual Growth: In 2024, the goal of re-engaging the Christian Formation Committee is still a work in progress. However, Douglas Colmery and Demetrius Carrothers continue to receive training and serve faithfully as Lay Preachers. We remain committed to further developing others in Christian Formation and are actively working toward building a dedicated and vibrant committee.
- Ministry and Community Engagement: A goal was to continue the meaningful affiliations we currently have, but to also look for opportunities to interact and work with new churches, faith traditions, and Christian organizations to unite our efforts for the cause of Christ. We made progress this year. We established new relationships with Jeff Stewart and the Immigrant Worker Project and developed a new relationship with Christ Church Presbyterian. We continue our relationships with Mt. Olive, Shiloh Baptist Church, and StarkFresh.
- Outreach: We remain committed to serving our community, continuing to build relationships through the monthly HOT meal. This year, we added a special October Fall Fest, where guests could enjoy fun costumes and create fall-themed crafts. A key goal this year has been to connect with groups, organizations, and churches that engage youth, laying the groundwork for deeper relationships. Our new partnership with Christ Church Presbyterian and Jeff Stewart has the potential to open up more outreach opportunities. Additionally, we invited the Girl Scouts to participate in our December HOT Lunch, where they sang carols and helped serve food and drinks. We look forward to building further connections with them and exploring future opportunities for collaboration.
A goal was to build a relationship with the residents of the Heritage Housing complex and provide in-house services for them. No moment on this as of yet.
- Finances: One of our goals this year was to train leaders to set the standard for the congregation in understanding and embracing the principles of tithing. We made progress by offering financial webinars and training for our leaders. While I have not yet been able to fully measure the impact of this initiative, I am encouraged that most of our leadership has already made pledges for 2025.
Another goal was to teach Christian stewardship year-round. Although progress in this area has been gradual, I have included snippets on stewardship and giving in the bulletin, newsletter, and sermons, and I will continue to find ways to weave these messages into the life of our community as the year continues.
We also introduced a new Stewardship Campaign format provided by the Diocese, which was a positive step forward. One of our objectives was to restore financially delinquent members to regular contributors, and while the progress here has been modest, there has been some movement in the right direction.
Finally, we set a goal to identify and apply for grants that align with the mission of our church. We did apply for several grants in 2023, though we were not successful in securing them. However, we have continued to apply for additional grants in 2024 and are awaiting the results.
- Discretionary Fund: I would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the Discretionary Fund. This fund has been set up to address needs among the congregation and community members, such as utility disconnect, food, housing, or other special circumstances. In 2024, we assisted 6 households and contributed to 4 non-profit charitable organizations that serve the needs of the community.
Money for this account is collected through the loose change offering or can be specifically designated for this account. The goal was to increase income for the account so that more people could be assisted. I feel like this has happened in some ways, but I would still like to see it continue to increase. I have also sought ways to build a working relationship with Stark County Jobs and Family Services as well as the YWCA and its shelter program so we can determine how to move our financial assistance to a place that empowers individuals to achieve housing stability.
Moving Forward in 2025:
God has blessed our Church, and we have made great strides in the year 2024.
Let us continue this faith journey together in unity and love, committed to the cause of Christ, as God shapes us, molds us, and then uses us to minister to the needs of His people and address the ills of our society.
Let us move forward with courage to embrace the challenges we will face and overcome so that God will be glorified through our lives and the ministry He has ordained for the St. Paul’s Church family.
May God bless each of you and your families as we serve Him together in love. I love you all.
Your Servant in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry
Senior Warden
Demetrius Carrothers
The 2024 Vestry began in February 2024 at the Vestry Retreat held at St. Paul’s. The primary goals established were to get St. Paul’s policies and practices caught up and aligned with the canons of the Diocese of Ohio, increase St. Paul’s social media presence, to increase the number of servers for church service and to restart the service ministries of Greeters.
The first order of business for the 2024 Vestry was to update and revise the by-laws of St. Paul’s. A special by-laws committee, made up of vestry and non-vestry members of the parish, was formed. The revised by-laws were presented at the May 2024 Vestry Meeting and approved. The updated by-laws bring St. Paul’s up to date with 2024 terminology/ technology and with the canons of the Diocese of Ohio.
The protection of all but especially the vulnerable among us is an upmost priority at the national and diocesan level of the Episcopal Church. Thus, certain requirements for policies and practices have been passed to the Parish level. The Diocese of Ohio requires that parish leadership, staff, and volunteers that work with youth and/or vulnerable adults attend Safe Church training. The training covers issues of vulnerability, power, and healthy boundaries. Different requirements apply based on roles within the parish. Clergy and paid staff must complete all 21 courses, while lay leaders and volunteers complete eight Safe Church: Safe Communities courses. The 2024 Vestry along with the Staff have completed this training. The 2024 Vestry also developed and approved a policy for The Protection of Children and Youth per canonical requirements.
St. Paul’s hosted several events including Seeing the Face of God in each other Training in May 2024. This antiracism training is needed for members of the diocesan staff and volunteers who sit on diocesan committees. The Training is two full days and had well over 30 attendees with many of Vestry in attendance. The training encouraged and promoted extremely difficult and intense discussions. St. Paul’s also hosted the Mobile Consulate in October 2024 which saw 450 persons pass through St. Paul’s in two days. The Mobile Consulate provided local legal immigrants to renew and/ or check the status of their visas.
This Author attended the week-long College for Congregational Development held at Bellwether Farm in August 2024. The College of Congregational Development consists of two one-week sessions and the attendees must pass a test to graduate. The training taught various models on decision making, how to gather data, build consensus, conflict resolution and how to apply good business practices into church life. This model of organizational development is being implemented across many dioceses in the Episcopal Church. Church leadership should make a point to attend this training as it is offered in the future.
St. Paul’s was represented at the 2024 Annual Diocesan Convention by David Lewis, Cara Warren, and this author. Mother Robin was also in attendance as all Clergy are. The Convention saw two resolutions presented with one passing and the second sent back to the committee for rework. The resolution for clergy compensation was approved. The resolution for persons in a leadership position at the parish level be required to attend anti-racism training was sent back to committee. The delegates also heard reports from the various diocesan committees as well as vote on members of the various committees.
St. Paul’s Canton Ohio is beginning to see growth in ministries and in attendance. A very generous gift made in memory of Barbara Knowlin provided a much-needed update to the sound system at St. Paul’s. Having various Greeters was renewed at St. Paul’s. This allows David Lewis to tend to the audio and live feed for services and for various members of the parish to greet and welcome visitors and congregants. The Greeters began their ministry at the start of Advent and have been going strong since. St. Paul’s saw a significant increase in their membership roles as they welcomed 10 new members to St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s expanded its presence on social media. St. Paul’s is now on TikTok. Mother Robin hosts “Mondays with Mother Robin.” She shares inspirational video messages to appeal to all but with a particular aim toward the unchurched. These video messages are also posted to St. Paul’s Facebook account. St. Paul’s has also started a new tradition of Reverse Advent Bags. Thanks to Jeff Knowlin St. Paul’s collected well over a thousand items for the YWCA of Canton.
I would like to thank Mother Robin, the Staff and all the volunteers and lay leaders that have given of their own time to serve on committees, guilds, and ministries. Your efforts allow St. Paul’s to run smoothly. The giving of your time allows for the spiritually transformation we experience every Sunday and just as important allows St. Paul’s to serve its neighbors and the community in the various outreach ministries. Meals on Wheels serves over 900 meals a week by using our commercial grade kitchen. The N.A. and A.A. groups that use St. Paul’s as a meeting place help over 60 persons a week to maintain or achieve sobriety. H.O.T. Lunch averages over 60 meals a month for those in need. Thank you to the members of St. Paul’s for allowing me the honor to serve as your Senior Warden.
Respectfully Submitted:
Demetrius Carrothers
Senior Warden
Demetrius Carrothers
The 2024 Vestry began in February 2024 at the Vestry Retreat held at St. Paul’s. The primary goals established were to get St. Paul’s policies and practices caught up and aligned with the canons of the Diocese of Ohio, increase St. Paul’s social media presence, to increase the number of servers for church service and to restart the service ministries of Greeters.
The first order of business for the 2024 Vestry was to update and revise the by-laws of St. Paul’s. A special by-laws committee, made up of vestry and non-vestry members of the parish, was formed. The revised by-laws were presented at the May 2024 Vestry Meeting and approved. The updated by-laws bring St. Paul’s up to date with 2024 terminology/ technology and with the canons of the Diocese of Ohio.
The protection of all but especially the vulnerable among us is an upmost priority at the national and diocesan level of the Episcopal Church. Thus, certain requirements for policies and practices have been passed to the Parish level. The Diocese of Ohio requires that parish leadership, staff, and volunteers that work with youth and/or vulnerable adults attend Safe Church training. The training covers issues of vulnerability, power, and healthy boundaries. Different requirements apply based on roles within the parish. Clergy and paid staff must complete all 21 courses, while lay leaders and volunteers complete eight Safe Church: Safe Communities courses. The 2024 Vestry along with the Staff have completed this training. The 2024 Vestry also developed and approved a policy for The Protection of Children and Youth per canonical requirements.
St. Paul’s hosted several events including Seeing the Face of God in each other Training in May 2024. This antiracism training is needed for members of the diocesan staff and volunteers who sit on diocesan committees. The Training is two full days and had well over 30 attendees with many of Vestry in attendance. The training encouraged and promoted extremely difficult and intense discussions. St. Paul’s also hosted the Mobile Consulate in October 2024 which saw 450 persons pass through St. Paul’s in two days. The Mobile Consulate provided local legal immigrants to renew and/ or check the status of their visas.
This Author attended the week-long College for Congregational Development held at Bellwether Farm in August 2024. The College of Congregational Development consists of two one-week sessions and the attendees must pass a test to graduate. The training taught various models on decision making, how to gather data, build consensus, conflict resolution and how to apply good business practices into church life. This model of organizational development is being implemented across many dioceses in the Episcopal Church. Church leadership should make a point to attend this training as it is offered in the future.
St. Paul’s was represented at the 2024 Annual Diocesan Convention by David Lewis, Cara Warren, and this author. Mother Robin was also in attendance as all Clergy are. The Convention saw two resolutions presented with one passing and the second sent back to the committee for rework. The resolution for clergy compensation was approved. The resolution for persons in a leadership position at the parish level be required to attend anti-racism training was sent back to committee. The delegates also heard reports from the various diocesan committees as well as vote on members of the various committees.
St. Paul’s Canton Ohio is beginning to see growth in ministries and in attendance. A very generous gift made in memory of Barbara Knowlin provided a much-needed update to the sound system at St. Paul’s. Having various Greeters was renewed at St. Paul’s. This allows David Lewis to tend to the audio and live feed for services and for various members of the parish to greet and welcome visitors and congregants. The Greeters began their ministry at the start of Advent and have been going strong since. St. Paul’s saw a significant increase in their membership roles as they welcomed 10 new members to St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s expanded its presence on social media. St. Paul’s is now on TikTok. Mother Robin hosts “Mondays with Mother Robin.” She shares inspirational video messages to appeal to all but with a particular aim toward the unchurched. These video messages are also posted to St. Paul’s Facebook account. St. Paul’s has also started a new tradition of Reverse Advent Bags. Thanks to Jeff Knowlin St. Paul’s collected well over a thousand items for the YWCA of Canton.
I would like to thank Mother Robin, the Staff and all the volunteers and lay leaders that have given of their own time to serve on committees, guilds, and ministries. Your efforts allow St. Paul’s to run smoothly. The giving of your time allows for the spiritually transformation we experience every Sunday and just as important allows St. Paul’s to serve its neighbors and the community in the various outreach ministries. Meals on Wheels serves over 900 meals a week by using our commercial grade kitchen. The N.A. and A.A. groups that use St. Paul’s as a meeting place help over 60 persons a week to maintain or achieve sobriety. H.O.T. Lunch averages over 60 meals a month for those in need. Thank you to the members of St. Paul’s for allowing me the honor to serve as your Senior Warden.
Respectfully Submitted:
Demetrius Carrothers
Senior Warden
St. Paul's 2023 annual report
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