ALUCC Fellowship Hall

It’s been almost two years since Reverend Mark Pettis joined ALUCC as senior minister. In his first visit to Fellowship Hall, the conversation with host Bill Calkins focused on getting to know Pastor Mark and his journey to Avon Lake. We touched on a few of his early hopes for our congregation.

This time, we’re refilling our cups in Fellowship Hall for round two.

In this episode, Mark talks about he’s learned about the church and how some of his experiences here have shaped him as a pastor and leader. He discusses the most rewarding and challenging parts of ministry, how his preaching has evolved and what he wishes more people understood about leading a healthy congregation.

Bill and Mark also step outside the church to talk about family, Cleveland sports, favorite local discoveries and whether Northeast Ohio now feels like home.

Finally, Mark looks ahead at some opportunities for ALUCC to grow and his hopes for the next few years.

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a (second) cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

Host Bill Calkins is joined for this episode by John Rice, currently church moderator at ALUCC. John is a fascinating guy with interests ranging from home repair projects to theoretical physics and probably everything in between. He’s dedicated to our church and has been for many years and brings an element of leadership that helps make everyone around him even better. In fact, John’s entire family has been involved in ALUCC in many ways throughout the years. We’ll learn more about John, his vision for our church during and beyond his tenure as moderator and also discuss the importance of stewardship and all the different things that word can mean in the framework of a church.

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins is joined for this episode by Jill Psota, the executive director of Safe Harbor since 2022. Jill joined the podcast to share the impact Safe Harbor has on our community, a bit about the huge range of programs and resources they offer and a deep dive into the history, current state and future of Genesis House.

Jill and Bill discussed the organization’s evolution, some ways our church’s support has made an impact, current challenges our congregation can lift up in prayer, how success is measured when needs are so great, exciting near-term plans and finally some ways our church members can get involved to support Safe Harbor and Genesis House in their mission to support victims of domestic violence by offering temporary housing, counseling, legal advocacy, anti-violence programming and much more.

Lorain County Safe Harbor & Genesis House: https://www.genesishouseshelter.org/

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins is joined for this episode by the president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank in Lorain, Julie Chase-Morefield. She has than 25 years of experience in food banking and under her leadership, Second Harvest has grown its food distribution six-fold, moved into a new 41,000 square foot headquarters, navigated the pandemic and expanded services and partnerships throughout Ohio and much more.

Julie and Bill discussed the organization’s history, some ways our church’s support has made an impact, current challenges our congregation can lift up in prayer, how success is measured when needs are so great, exciting near-term plans and finally some ways our church members can get involved to support Second Harvest in their mission to improve food security for everyone in our community (and beyond).

Second Harvest Food Bank: https://www.secondharvestfoodbank.org/

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins caught up with Dr. Gilbert Palmer, president of Mercy Health Lorain Hospital, to discuss the impact their Resource Mothers program has had on the community and why our church’s support is so vital.

They discussed the organization’s history, some ways our church’s support has made an impact, current challenges our congregation can lift up in prayer, how success is measured when needs are so great, exciting near-term plans and finally some ways our church members can get involved to support Resource Mothers.

Resource Mothers program at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital: https://www.mercy.com/about-us

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins is joined for this episode by Deborah (Deb) Kazar (St. Paul’s Community Outreach Coordinator) and Jamie Wise (the ALUCC mission team liaison working with St. Paul’s.)

They discussed many of the ways St. Paul’s is a church that’s truly a part of its community, striving to make a positive impact on its members and neighbors.

St. Paul’s Community Church: https://stpaulscommunityucc.org/

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins is joined for this episode by CRS executive director Ryan Virtue. As many know, CRS is a community-based organization here in Avon Lake with a mission to diminish the effects of poverty in our communities. CRS provides basic needs assistance, individualized resources and referral services. But there’s a lot more to the story and the range of services offered and Ryan and the team have big plans for the near future.

They discussed the organization’s history, some ways our church’s support has made an impact, current challenges our congregation can lift up in prayer, how success is measured when needs are so great, exciting near-term plans and finally some ways our church members can get involved to support Community Resource Services.

Community Resource Services (CRS): https://aalcrs.org/

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins is joined for this episode by Senior Director of Recovery Services, Michael Plas and Misty Hendricks, the program director for Trinity House, a Road to Hope sober living facility for women with children.

They discussed the organization’s history, some ways our church’s support has made an impact, current challenges our congregation can lift up in prayer, how success is measured when needs are so great, exciting near-term plans and finally some ways our church members can get involved to support Road To Hope and the Trinity House location.

Road To Hope: https://road-to-hope.org/

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc  

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This episode is part of a podcast miniseries getting to know some Avon Lake United Church of Christ mission partners! Host Bill Calkins caught up with Dr. Roger Dorsey (president and executive director of Good Knights) and Kurt Zbin, the vice-chair of the organization’s board and our church’s mission team liaison for an awesome conversation that will help us all better understand the organizations supported by our church. Good Knights of Lorain County is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing complete, comfortable and safe beds to children in need in Lorain County and Northeast Ohio.

They discussed the organization’s history, some ways our church’s support has made an impact, current challenges our congregation can lift up in prayer, how success is measured when needs are so great, exciting near-term plans and finally some ways our church members can get involved to support Good Knights of Lorain County.

Good Knights of Lorain County: https://goodknightsoflc.org/

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Learn more about ALUCC Mission Ministries: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/missions  

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636

This time, we sat down with TJ Frie to discuss a wide range of topics from his childhood in Michigan and his first job to his years with the US Coast Guard and his decades of involvement with our church. TJ talks about his family and the impact ALUCC has had on his life. We dig into the importance of service and why he loves working with youth ministries, as well as his year serving as church moderator and ways to get involved, even if you’re an introvert—like he is. Now retired, TJ took on the monumental task of following the great Dave Witzigreuter as the guy who takes care of everything related to church maintenance and planning our facilities for the future. 

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636