We hope this message finds you well and thriving in your faith journey. We are pleased to announce that Pastor Steve will be taking renewal leave from July 1 to August 26, 2025.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) unanimously approved Pastor Steve’s request at their March 25 meeting, and he has also received support from our District Superintendent, Rev. Angela Lewis. As outlined in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, renewal leave may include study, travel, spiritual retreat, or other restorative activities that enhance ministry effectiveness. This opportunity for rest, recharge, and spiritual refocus is encouraged for all clergy in the United Methodist Church every six years. Pastor Steve’s last renewal leave was in 2017, making this a timely and much-deserved break.
Pastor Steve plans to travel to Virginia to visit family and explore the Appalachian Trail, and to Canada, where he and his wife Cara share a cabin with her siblings. He will also spend time reading, studying, working on home projects, and enjoying special outings with his sons, Eli and Atticus.
During Pastor Steve’s leave, Pastor Ivy will serve as Senior Pastor, with Pastor Tammy assisting in pastoral responsibilities. Preaching and worship will be led by Pastor Ivy and Pastor Tammy, along with guest preachers for two or three Sundays. Rev. Barb Holzhauser will provide pastoral care assistance as needed.
Pastor Steve has expressed that he is not feeling burned out and feels blessed to serve as the Sr. Pastor at Mentor United Methodist Church. He remains energized and excited about our future together, attributing part of his vitality to proactive renewal leave.
We ask for your prayers that Pastor Steve’s renewal leave will be a true time of Sabbath and renewal. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to anyone on SPRC or speak directly with Pastor Steve.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Blessings,
SPRC
Join us in the month of May for a new sermon series “Jukebox Jesus”. We will explore scripture through different genres of music all month long with events and activities to celebrate the series.
Worship is in-person and online at 9 AM for Modern and 11 AM for Traditional. The first Sunday of the month is Communion during worship and Pancake Sunday after worship in the Gallery. For all other Sundays, Communion is in the Chapel at 10:30 AM. You can also join us in the Gallery after worship each Sunday for a “Make your own album art” craft.
Sermon themes:
Join us on Thursday, May 8th at 7 PM for the Mentor United Methodist Church’s Truth & Light Players’ production of “The Fair Play Project” based on “Theatre of the Oppressed” by Augusto Boal. This is an evening of scenes written by local theatre students based on the UMC Social Principles led by Pastor Tammy. The Social Community ~ Medical Experimentation and Research will be performed by Trent Kennedy, Karianne Rateno, and Ajax Repko. Stewardship of Creation ~ Protecting Space will be performed by Julia Barrow, Ryan Bodnar, and Shambhavi Sajeev. Economic Challenges ~ Graft, Bribery and Corruption Avery McCauley, Grace Schneider, Emily Tiedman, and Jackson Vargo
Join us at 2 PM on May 18th for a Music Recital at MUMC. The recital will feature Mackalyn Figgins on trombone with a brass ensemble featuring Pastor Steve, Mitch Niemi, Andrew Ring, and Charlie Tackett in the Sanctuary. A reception will follow in the Gallery.
The musical excitement of May culminates in another “Music at Seven” followed by a mixer on the night of May 30th. We’ll meet in the Gallery at 7 PM to listen to performances by members & friends for about 1-1.5 hrs then stay in the Gallery for a Mixer that will feature snacks, mocktails, crafts, and playing records.
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Grads & Scholarship Recipients are invited to celebrate their accomplishments here at Mentor UMC on Sunday, June 8th. Please fill out the form below by June 1st in order to participate or receive recognition in the celebration video.
Grads from year’s past are encouraged to reach out to Mackalyn or signup online here to help with the celebration. ALL Grads are encouraged to send Kenna a photo with their name and post-grad plans to be shared in the Grad video.
Individuals & families looking to become members or learn more about church membership are invited to two orientation sessions this Spring (you only NEED to attend one). Join us on Thursday, May 1st from 6:30-8:30 PM and on Saturday, May 3rd from 1:30-3:30 PM here at Mentor UMC. RSVP online here or get in touch with a Pastor.
New Member Sunday will be on May 18th during services.
Mentor UMC has two teams that you can join or support this softball season (no gender or church membership requirements). Games are on Tuesdays beginning May 6th @ Richmond Heights Community Park. Anyone interested should contact Brian Bly:
440-463-7712 brianbly11@gmail.com
All are invited to celebrate Pastor Tammy’s ordination on Saturday, June 14th. The ordination service begins at 9 AM in McGaw Chapel at The College of Wooster. There will be a light luncheon for MUMC folks to follow. Get in touch with Pastor Tammy if you would like to come or RSVP online.
The Youth Service Project Plant Sale will be Mother’s Day weekend: May 9th & 10th at MUMC. Stop by during the day to pick up your preorders OR peruse the plants for sale. This fundraiser will support the YSP Mission to God’s Country Community Mission in Newberry, MI.
Learn more about YSP and other ways to support them here.
For Change the World Day 2025 we are again hosting Rise Against Hunger to pack 15,000 meals to be distributed worldwide to people in need. This is a hands-on event to be held at MUMC in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 AM to noon. To volunteer for this event please register here or on the sign-up sheet in the Info Hub.
Donations to cover the cost of these meals can be made to MUMC with Rise Against Hunger in memo line or online at https://www.mentorumc.org/onlinegiving Select Fund: Missions or Other: Rise Against Hunger.
Royal Family Kids Camp is an overnight camp experience for kids ages 6-11 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. This year’s camp runs from Friday, June 6th through Wednesday, June 11th. Apply to volunteer full time or help out part time, as your schedule permits.
If you are 16 or older, you can help! The number of campers who can participate in this life-changing experience is limited by the number of volunteers. Don’t be the reason some child can’t come to camp! APPLY HERE.
Training date is Saturday May 3 from 8-4 at Willoughby Hills UMC. For more information, see or call Johanna Martin, 352-1432.
Join us in creating a vibrant community for children & youth this summer! Mentor UMC provides a safe and nurturing environment as we come together for some summer fun. If you are interested in a tour, please click here. Check out the details below for all the available programs & volunteer opportunities. Scholarships for programs available if needed.
FIND ALL SIGNUPS & REGISTRATIONS HERE.
Vacation Bible School: Road Trip, On the Road with God
This is a week long adventure in the mornings at Mentor UMC. We’ll sing, dance, craft, and get to know each other through Spirit-filled fun.
- June 23-27
- 9 AM to 12 PM
- 4 years old as of 1/1/25 through completed grade 6
Get Out Doors (G.O.D.) Camp: Water of Life
Join the week-long excitement of G.O.D. Camp at Mentor UMC and beyond. We’ll explore the community around us through various activities.
- June 23-27
- 9:30 AM to 4 PM
- completed grades 5 - 6
Theatre Arts Camp: Wizard of Oz, Youth Edition
Audition, volunteer, or join us in the audience for TAC 2025. Auditions are coming up SOON so register ASAP.
- July 14-18 AND 21-25
- 9 AM to 12 PM
- completed grades 1 - 8
- Auditions April 26
Register a child or volunteer for the programs above by visiting THIS LINK.
Middle School Mission Week
We hope this will be a week for building relationships, service and spiritual growth. In order to facilitate this, we ask participants not to use cell phones during MSMW. We will have a designated photographer who will be sharing photos from the week via Google Photo. Register a Middle Schooler or volunteer at THIS LINK.
- July 7-11
- 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Starting at Mentor United Methodist Church and then traveling to other locations
Youth Service Project
Youth Service Project (YSP) is a week-long mission trip for youth (current 9-12th graders) and adults. This year we will be going to God’s Country Community Mission in Newberry, MI from June 14th to June 21st. Click here to learn more.
Read a scripture a day in 2025.
You can follow along by purchasing DeVega’s book, “The Bible Year” (found on Aamzon, Barnes & Noble, anywhere books are sold) or you can follow Pastor Ivy’s monthly updated guide here or on the slack channel linked below. Pastor Ivy bases her guide on DeVega’s book. Join ANY TIME throughout the year!
Stay in touch with others who will be doing this by joining the slack channel: https://join.slack.com/t/mentorunitedm-y5z9662/shared_invite/zt-2xcdhymo0-JevTTdgdRah7xabuXdw6RQ
If link does not work, email the office or Pastor Ivy and we will add you to the channel via email address!
Slack is a communication & sharing platform where you can chat and discuss in a group setting! Download the app on your phone or computer by searching “Slack” in your app store. We are using the FREE version so do NOT purchase anything.
Beginning in the new year, we will start Discipleship Bible studies. Pastor Steve will lead a Disciple 1 class on Thursdays, 4-6 PM starting January 16th. Syndie Toth will lead Disciple 1 on Mondays from 10-12 PM and Lucas & Wendy Rhoads will lead Disciple 2 on Thursdays from 7-9 PM. This will go all 2025, with a break in the summer. Pastor Tammy will facilitate the fast track version, which is 24 weeks. The prayer is to have 100 plus people involved to learn more about the Bible. Register here.
Mentor UMC is hiring a Part-Time Assistant Facility Specialist. The person in this position is uniquely responsible for supporting the Lead Facility Specialist in the upkeep, care and maintenance of Mentor UMC and the equipment in the facility. The Part-Time Assistant Facility Specialist will work with Church staff, congregation members, volunteers and other Mentor UMC leaders. The Assistant Facility Specialist will contribute to a positive-working atmosphere in a team-based setting that supports the Church’s mission. If you want to learn more about this position, visit the job page & apply HERE.
Mentor UMC is hiring a Lead Facility Specialist. The person in this position should be uniquely responsible for the upkeep, care and maintenance of Mentor UMC and the equipment in the facility. The Lead Facility Specialist serves the members of Mentor UMC as the primary contact person among congregational members, community members, and business affiliates relative to the facility and maintenance matters of the Church. The Lead Facility Specialist will work with coworkers, such as the Assistant Facility Specialist, Church staff, congregation members, volunteers and other Mentor UMC leaders. The Facility Specialist will contribute to a positive-working atmosphere in a team-based setting that supports the Church’s mission. If you want to learn more about this position, visit the job page & apply HERE.
Mentor UMC is hiring a part-time Director of Modern Worship. This integral role supports the mission of MUMC: to lead all onto a path of Christ-centered discipleship—KNOW the love of God in Jesus Christ; GROW in their love for God; SHOW God’s love by serving others. This PATH of Discipleship will result in a church that lives out Christ-like qualities and helps transform communities. Check out the details below!
Elevate Worship, Inspire Faith: Become Our Director of Modern Worship
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for music, technology, and creating worship that resonates with today’s congregation? Mentor United Methodist Church is looking for a dynamic and creative Director of Modern Worship to evolve of our contemporary worship services and programs. This pivotal role is your opportunity to create engaging and meaningful worship experiences that support our mission to lead all onto a path of Christ-centered discipleship.
If you’re eager to lead our community by planning transformative worship, utilizing your talents in music, technology, and leadership to draw hearts closer to God, then we invite you to join us. Let’s create a space where faith is deepened, spirits are lifted, and the worship experience is unforgettable. Your vision and creativity could be the key to unlocking a more profound sense of connection and devotion within our church family. Apply online through Indeed HERE.
Bread, Broth, Brownies, & Bingo
Don’t miss the international flavors & fun at Mentor UWF’s May luncheon! Menu includes naan flatbread, chicken tortilla soup, Australian Tim Tam (cookie) brownies, and an opportunity to sample teas from around the world. Carol Haines will share a personal story of an amazing “international connection” made through a youth group project.
We hope to see you on Wednesday, May 7th at noon in the Gallery! Please RSVP to uwf@mentorumc.org, register online here, or find the signup sheet in the Info Hub.
The next Red Cross Blood Drive is:
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM
Click here to make an appointment.
Next:
May 13
Mentor United Methodist Church celebrated its 200th year in 2018!
Celebrating the past, living in the present, building for the future.
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Do you have any MUMC history you would like to share with the congregation?
Please send it to:
Don Humphrey
7330 Holly Park Dr.
Concord, Ohio 44060-6704 or e-mail to: dhumphrey@ameritech.net
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8600 Mentor Avenue, Mentor OH 44060 - (440) 255-3496
