×

McDonald church celebrates centennial

McDONALD — Pastor Shane Russo said while he has only been at the Woodland Park United Methodist Church for a year, he said it is an honor to celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary with its congregation.

The church, located off Ohio Avenue next to the park, will hold a two-day celebration June 8-9 to mark the milestone.

A meet-and-greet will be from 3 to 4 p.m. June 8, followed by a dinner, memories video and speakers 4 to 6 p.m., with music with the Night Owls, 4180 and The Revive Band.

On June 9, a service will begin at 11 a.m. — which will include rededicating the church, marriages and baptisms — followed by a brunch.

Russo said the village was established in December 1918, and the church started in 1919.

“We are among the oldest churches in the village. After McDonald was established, the church was founded a couple of months later. We have been here almost as long as the village,” he said.

Russo said the church has been involved with many community events, activities and missions.

“We have been able to do what we do because other people have given a little bit more,” he said.

Russo said for the celebration, past pastors of the church have been invited to attend. In addition anyone who has been baptized or married in the church will be able to have a renewal of vows or baptism.

“I remember when I told the congregation none of us will be around for the next 100-year anniversary, so we all need to really celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Russo said.

A few members of the congregation have been part of the church for more than 80 years, Russo said. People attending the events will be asked to share their memories about life in the church. People have also been asked to drop off photos and articles relating to this experience.

The church has a non-food pantry called the Dream Team which was established in 2012 by retired Pastor Carla Davies. The Dream Team’s purpose was to start projects involving the church and the community. A need was recognized for distribution of items, such as household paper, cleaning products and personal hygiene products, for needy families that were normally not given out at food distribution sites.

The team decided to distribute a bag containing 10 items every other month.

The Helping Hands non-food pantry has grown to distribute 80 to 100 bags every other month. It is funded through congregation donations, fund-raising, community donations and a temporary grant from the Mahoning Valley district.

As part of the mission work, members of the church has been volunteering at the Good Shepherd Kitchen, located at Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown, helping to prepare meals the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

A nurse is also on hand to provide blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Church members also play games or listen to music in a friendly Christian atmosphere.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today