St. John's UCC Massillon

06/02/2026

HOW TO DESTROY A CHURCH
(Part 2 of 3)

If Part 1 didn't finish the job, try these:

• Wait until the last minute to support the church financially, then wonder why ministries struggle.

• Complain about change. Then complain when nothing changes.

• Support the church online only. Never engage in person if you can avoid it.

• Turn small disagreements into major divisions.

• Let rumors spread faster than facts.

Every congregation has challenges.

Healthy churches face them together.

Unhealthy churches magnify them until they become bigger than the mission itself.

The Gospel calls us to something better.

Thankfully, St. John's chooses a different path.

We choose grace over gossip.
We choose conversation over rumor.
We choose reconciliation over division.
We choose mission over conflict.

06/01/2026

🌈 Pride Month at St. John's UCC 🌈

June is Pride Month, a time when many people celebrate the beautiful diversity of the human family and the dignity of every person.

At St. John's United Church of Christ, we believe that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of love, respect, and belonging. In a world that often encourages us to build walls, Christ calls us to build longer tables.

Whether you have been part of a church your whole life, have been hurt by religion, are searching for a spiritual home, or simply want a place where you can be yourself, know this:

You are welcome here.

We do not all share the same stories, experiences, or perspectives, but we share a common humanity and a common desire to be seen, valued, and loved. We believe that God's love is larger than our divisions and that kindness is stronger than fear.

This Pride Month, let us commit ourselves to listening more deeply, loving more generously, and creating communities where every person can flourish.

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome at St. John's UCC.

📍 St. John's United Church of Christ
101 Tremont Ave SE, Massillon Ohio 44646

⛪ Sunday Worship
Morning Prayer (Lauds) - 9:30 AM
Holy Communion - 10:00 AM

🌿 Wednesday Morning Prayer & Communion - 8:00 AM

🕯️ Thursday Rosary, Vespers & Holy Communion - 5:30 PM

🌈✝️

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

HOW TO DESTROY A CHURCH
(Part 1 of 3)

Want to know how churches disappear?

Not all at once.

Most churches don't die because of one crisis. They slowly fade when people quietly disconnect.

Here's a good place to start:

• Stop attending worship regularly. Show up only when it's convenient.

• Never volunteer. Assume the same few people will always carry the load.

• Criticize the people doing the work. Especially from the sidelines.

• Don't welcome visitors. If they really want to be here, they'll figure it out.

• Keep saying the church needs younger people... but never invite anyone.

Churches are not buildings.

They are people.

And every church becomes what its people choose to invest in.

Thankfully, St. John's chooses a different path.

We choose worship.
We choose service.
We choose community.
We choose love.

05/31/2026

Convocation 2026: Friendship, Unity, and Shared Ministry

This past weekend, St. John's United Church of Christ was honored to serve as the host site for the 2026 Convocation of the Alexandrian Community, a gathering of ministers, chaplains, educators, spiritual directors, counselors, theologians, and community leaders who serve Christ in diverse and often unconventional settings.

The Alexandrian Community reminds us that ministry extends far beyond the walls of any single congregation. Its members serve wherever people are found: in hospitals, schools, prisons, shelters, counseling offices, chaplaincies, churches, and communities in need. Their work reflects a vision of ministry rooted in service, compassion, and the building of authentic relationships.

We were especially grateful to welcome Rev. Rock Fremont as our keynote speaker. His presentations on Baptismal Spirituality and the Question of Episcopacy challenged us to think deeply about Christian unity, shared ministry, and how we live out our faith in practical ways.

Convocation 2026 was a reminder that friendship is one of the Church's greatest gifts. Across different traditions, backgrounds, and ministries, we gathered not because we agree on every point, but because we recognize one another as fellow travelers seeking to follow Christ faithfully.

Special thanks are due to Elder Brandon Rohrer, Elder Brenda Ross, and Deacon Alisha Edwardsen, whose hard work, hospitality, planning, and dedication helped make this gathering such a success. Their efforts, along with the contributions of many volunteers and participants, created an atmosphere of welcome, learning, and genuine community.

At St. John's, we believe the Church is strongest when we work together, listen to one another, and build bridges rather than walls. Convocation 2026 was a beautiful example of what can happen when people gather in a spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, taught, learned, prayed, and shared in this special weekend. May the friendships formed and strengthened here continue to bear fruit in our ministries and communities for years to come.

05/31/2026

Sunday Service 5/31/2026

05/30/2026

Lecture Series: Rock Fremont 5/30/2026