August Mission Challenge

For the month of August, we are collecting School supplies. Donations can be left in the bin outside the main doors or at the table in the Gathering Area.

Women's Luncheon

Our next luncheon will be at noon on Wednesday, October 14, at Red Lobster in Montrose.  Red Lobster wants an earlier head count than we usually have, and we will need your reservation by the end of the day on Monday, October 5. You can call or text Nancy at (330)814-4081. You can also call or text Bev at (330)696-1183.

Acme Community CashBack Has Begun

The Acme Community CashBack program has begun! Please save any receipts dated after August 1, 2025 and put them in the collection bin by the welcome center. Last year we earned approx. $235 for the church!

Children's Church

We are in need of volunteers for Children's Church in August. Please email Bethany if you and/or your youth is available to help any of these dates:

August 23: Leader Beth Gerberich (NEED 2 YOUTH)

August 30: Leader Heather Snyder (NEED 2 YOUTH)

Counters Needed

We are in need of volunteers to help count the Sunday giving after services. Please contact Beth Gerberich if you are interested and able to help!

Greeters



Anyone who would enjoy saying hello and helping direct visitors with basic questions about our church like, “Where are the restrooms?” and “Where is the sanctuary?” are welcome to sign up to greet at the side or main entrance doors. We ask greeters to be at church 15 minutes before the service starts and remain there 5 minutes after the service begins so all who are attending worship are welcomed. You can serve monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly and at your convenience! For those who are interested, sign up here. If you prefer to sign up with Katie, you can do so in the church office during the week!

District Newsletter: August 14, 2026 "Northern Waters News"

Weekly Groups:

Java & Jesus—Sundays at 11 am

The J&J group has decided to continue meeting throughout the summer. We will maintain our regular format of exploring each Sunday’s Scripture readings through thoughtful group discussion and reflection.

During the summer months, our gatherings will be a bit more informal, and we will not be scheduling designated discussion leaders. Instead, those who are able to attend each week will gather to share insights and engage in conversation about the Scriptures together.

Everyone is welcome to join us at any time. Whether you attend regularly or would like to drop in occasionally, we invite you to participate in these meaningful discussions.

Contact: Jo Quandt jmquandt@yahoo.com

Wired Word, Sundays at 11:15, starting back Aug 30th

We will start up again on Aug 30th at 11:15 downstairs in room 3/5/7 and will trial a new curriculum called Faithelement for the first few weeks of class and the decide if we want to switch to Faithelement, or go back to Wired Word. Home 2020 - Faithelement is an online Bible study curriculum that is group oriented and offers multiple options of ways to discuss the scripture for the week, including a podcast as well as a video, online links, and different options for discussion questions. Our class would love to have others join us for a time of discussion and fellowship, so please come if you are interested.

Contact: Samantha Gunkelman samevin@yahoo.com

Pickleball Group—Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. (Adults only)

Players of all levels are welcome. Consider joining this fun group. We have a weekly text to confirm players so please send your contact info to Beth or Marjorie.

Contact: Beth Gerberich bgerberich825@gmail.com

Women’s Bible and Book Study—On Summer Break - return date TBD

A combination of book and Bible Study as guided by the participant’s interests. A time for prayer and fellowship, as well. 

Contact Marjorie Cossin marjorie.cossin@gmail.com 

Monthly Groups: 

Eat, Pray, Play - August 30

Families, couples, kids and kids are heart are invited to gather for times of fun together. Our next event will be August 30th from 5-7 pm, combined with the youth for a back to school cookout. More details to come.

Contact: Jennifer Dyer mzumcstudent@gmail.com

Food Bank Service Team—Last Tuesday of the month at 9 am

"You found me hungry and you gave me something to eat..." Live out the words of our Savior and make a huge difference in the lives of countless people across the greater Akron area. 

Contact: Debby Breyley dabreyley@aol.com

Bible and Beer Men’s Fellowship - Last Monday of the month at 6:30 pm

We gather the last Monday night of each month beginning in September from 6:30-8:30 PM at a rotation of houses. We wrestle with issues of life and faith. Bring your favorite beverage. Snacks provided.  

Contact: Matt Cern matthew.cern@gmail.com  

Other Groups (meeting frequency varies):

Golf Club— Next outing TBD

This will be a social golf group, providing an outlet to those interested no matter ability. We will get together next on Sunday, May 17th at 2:30 pm for a friendly round of fold followed by snacks and spirits. Contact Lee or Mark to RSVP.

Contact: Lee Christman (leechristman1@gmail.com), Brad Beltz (bbeltz11@msn.com), and Mark Gerberich (mwgerberich@aol.com)

Children's Bulletins are available on the tables in the back of the sanctuary for kids ages 3+ and 7+.

Children’s Church

If you have a child who is at least 3 years old up through those who are in or have just completed 3rd grade, please feel free to have them join us during the worship service for Children’s Church.

Sunday School

There will be no Sunday School classes during the summer months of June, July or August. We look forward to kicking off the new school year in September with our new classes. Stay tuned for more information to come.

Nursery Care

There will be no formal Nursery Care provided during the summer months of June, July or August. We will have a space for any families who wish to take their young children out of the sanctuary during the worship service in our Cry Room. This room is located at the rear of the sanctuary and has a window and a speaker so you are still able to join in the service if desired. This room is supplied with items to keep your young children occupied as well as diaper changing needs and comfortable seating with a bathroom just steps away.

Interested in volunteering for our Children’s Church or Sunday School programs? 

We would love to have you! Adult and Youth volunteers are crucial to our programs and we will assist you with anything you need to know prior to volunteering. Please reach out to Bethany to volunteer.

A few important dates coming up: 

• 8/23 - Gathering (meeting) with youth and parents right after worship - get the calendar of events through December, including a not-to-be-missed Jurassic Park Night! And plans for the rest of the year. 
• 8/30 - Start of Sunday school for all students and kids - Students should bring their backpacks to worship for a special blessing. 
• 8/30 - Back to school bonfire for all families and students 5pm - 7pm (this is a Eat, Pray, Play and Youth Ministries combined event so all are welcome) We are in need of a head grill/ fire monitor for this event. 
• 9/18 - Copley/Revere Game - We will be having our annual tailgate for this game. This year Copley is hosting. If you would like to help with this event, please email Jen

We are looking for a few adults to be servant leaders during the Sunday School hour. If you have students in the program or if you do not please consider praying about this opportunity to serve the church. 

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

CLASSES FOR AGES 3-5

Give your child a joyful start to learning in a loving, nurturing, Christian environment!

● Curriculum Based Hands-on Learning

● Creative Play

● Music, Movement and Fun

● Christian Values

● Social Skills and Friendship Building

● Kindergarten Readiness

Now offering a half-day or extended day options!

● Half day option: 9:00-11:30 am (lunch bunch is optional)

● Extended day option: 9:00-2:00pm (This includes our normal class time from 9:00-11:30 am, lunch bunch from 11:30-1:00 pm and our exciting new “Learning Lab” from 1:00-2:00pm)

For more information you may email Nicole or you may call (330) 665-9817 Ext. 205 Schedule a tour today! We’d love to meet your family! 

Summer Office Hours:

Monday - Friday

9 am - 2 pm

565 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Akron, OH 44333

(330)665-9817

www.mzumc.org