FAITH& RELIGIONRecord-Courier

SaturdayMay 14, 2016Page B4

To celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Catholic Char-ities, Diocese of Youngstown, Criminal Justice and Deten-tion Ministries and the Office of Lay Ministry formation are co-sponsoring talks on prison ministry by Anthony Kobak at several locations throughout the diocese.

Kobak is a volunteer chaplain for the Diocese of Youngstown at the Ohio State Peniten-tiary on Youngstown’s east side. He has been visiting the super-maximum secu-rity prison weekly for the past five years.

All talks are free and open to the public, and run from 7 to 8 p.m. Days and locations include:

n Tuesday — Christ the Servant Parish, Gathering Room, Canton

n Wednesday — St. Jude Church, Activity Center, Co-lumbiana

n Thursday — St. Joan of Arc Church, Stenson Hall, Streetsboro

For more information, call 330-744-8451 ext. 289.

Prison ministry talks set as part of Year of Mercy

Immaculate Conception Par-ish and Shorts, Spicer and Cris-lip Funeral Home in Ravenna will host a presentation on the pro-cess relating to funeral planning on May 23 in the Parish social hall, 251 Spruce Ave., Ravenna.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light appetizers and soft drinks available. Presentation will be-gin at 7 p.m.

Prearranging is an excellent time for families to discuss and make objective decisions calm-ly and rationally together, away from the pressures and stress that often occur at a time of sad-ness and loss. This presentation will discuss the pre-planning pro-cess, living will preparation, how to avoid probate court, VA ben-efits that can be applied, types of funeral and burial options.

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Contact Immaculate Conception Parish office at 330-296-6434 to RSVP between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Funeral planning seminar set for May 23 in Ravenna

Pastor celebrates 20 years at First Freedom Baptist Church

Pastor Dan Alexoff cel-ebrated his 20th anni-versary on May 1 at First Freedom Baptist Church on the outskirts of Brim-field with a special service and farewell dinner for his mom and dad who were retiring to Florida. The evening was bittersweet, filled with love, tears and well wishes, as he said goodbye to his parents, who came with him to the church 20 years ago, and reminisced with church members who had been there just as long.

“It’s unusual for a pas-tor to spend that many years at one church,” said Brimfield Town-ship Trustee Sue Fields, who’s been attending the church for nearly 20 years. “He’s been a big part of the community. He’s very caring and an excellent preacher.”

On average, a youth pastor will stay at a church for two to three years, Alexoff said, and a senior pastor will stay for five — but Alexoff said he sees himself retiring here in the place in which he was raised.

“We have families that when they came here their kid was 2 years old,” Alexoff said. “Now they’re 18 and gradu-ating or I’m doing their wedding. There’s such a strong bond.”

Alexoff was born to Dave and Sandi Alexoff in 1965 at Akron City Hos-pital. His parents were both from Brimfield — high school sweethearts who got married after graduation.

Alexoff grew up in Randolph with his older brother and sister. He re-members always taking the country back roads to visit his grandparents who lived in Brimfield.

“There was a 101 ways to get to Brimfield,” Alexoff said. “I enjoyed when I was 16 I could just zip down the roads. I knew it like the back of

my hand and just passing the barns and houses and people you knew.”

Alexoff and his siblings attended the Waterloo School District. In the late 1960s and early 70s, his mom was concerned about the drug culture and moved them to a small Christian school — First Baptist in Atwater.

“My sister always watched Little House on the Prairie,” Alexoff said. “In my mind, I thought it was going to be like that school room. I saw a priest up front with a ruler and he was going to smack our hands every time we did something wrong. After the first day I realized that wasn’t what it was like at all. I enjoyed it.”

Christian school was where Alexoff experi-enced salvation and found his calling to be a pastor. He attended Mas-sillon Baptist College and graduated after three years in 1989.

“In some denomina-tions, it’s like an occu-pation that you choose,” Alexoff said. “For Bap-tists, it needs to be a call-ing. I think being put in that environment at the

Christian school it en-abled me to sense the call-ing on my life.”

He began working as a youth pastor at New Tes-tament Baptist Church in Ravenna, where he served for nine years. In the 1980s as youth pastor, he spent time in Ravenna and Field high schools and often ate lunch with students, en-couraged them not to give in to peer pressure.

“As a youth pastor there’s still a need when parents bring their kids to church,” Alexoff said. “The parents are get-ting a lot out of the ser-vice and learning how to raise a family, but the kids aren’t making a connec-tion. They are 14 and go-ing through their own life changes. Sometimes kids lose their faith. A role of youth pastor is someone who would be in church, with teen lessons on their level and understand what they needed to hear to strengthen them.”

First Freedom Baptist church was founded by B.F. Miller in 1960. Alexoff is its sixth pastor. The church is small, with 130 members, but Alexoff has grown youth programs in

the past five years, includ-ing Sunday school and ju-nior church with his youth pastor, who will celebrate 10 years in October.

“We drive into Akron and bring in 50 kids with rough home lives, sin-gle parent homes,” he said. “They are memo-rizing verses and earning badges. We know there’s a small window of time to reach these children. The church congregation, they embrace them.”

Over the years in Brim-field, Alexoff has taught courses at the college in Massillon, served as chap-lain, attended trustee meetings, worked with seniors in nursing homes, the police and fire chiefs and within the schools creating strong bonds in the community.

“My parents grew up here and I live here and pastor the church here and own a home here,” he said. “I have a vested inter-est, so that’s nice to have that opportunity to do those things. It’s a calling. God has led me here and I don’t feel him leading me anywhere else. What I feel in my heart is that God has me retiring here.”

By KellY Maile | STAFF WRITeR

First Christian Church (Disci-ples of Christ), 420 S. Prospect St., Ravenna, will celebrate its 186th anniversary on Sunday.

The church was started on May 2, 1830, by William Hayden with 26 people.

In 1843 the group moved to a brick schoolhouse in Ravenna. In early 1844 a wooden structure was built on the current site and was dedicated that December.

As the congregation grew, a new structure was built in 1914 and was dedicated on May 20, 1917.

A congregational photo will be taken on the church steps Sun-day after the worship service.

First Christian Church celebrates 186th anniversary

Kent Free Will Baptist Church, 7013 Diagonal Road, will hold its homecoming on Sunday.

The 11 a.m. service will in-clude a message from Nate Hess of Liberty Free Will Bap-tist Church in Norton and music by vocalist Cheyenne Farmer from Uniontown Cha-pel of Faith.

A concert will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. It will feature the Sword Family from Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Middle-burg Heights and the Gospel Ambassadors from Rittman Community Free Will Bap-tist Church.

Homecoming at Kent Free Will Baptist Church

Union Baptist Church, 240 Dodge St., Kent, will celebrate Pastor W.C. Watts’ 37th anni-versary with the church dur-ing the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday.

The guest speaker will be Pastor Henry Payton of First Baptist Church in Malvern.

Union Baptist marks pastor’s 37th anniversary

LISA SCALFARO/ReCORD-COURIeRPastor Dan alexoff is celebrating his 20th anniversary at First Freedom Baptist Church in Brimfield.

Worship Directory

KO-10462368

RavennaMaplewood

Christian Church7300 SR 88 (330) 297-6424

Sunday School..................9:30amSunday Services..............10:30amBible Study and Youth WorshipService.........Wednesday 6:30pm

Pastor Ken Warren

FreedomFirst CongregationalChurch of Freedom

8961 SR 88 (Freedom Twp)

Sunday school......9:30amWorship service.....10:30am

Rev. Dr. Jim Melick, PastorChurch 330-527-5050

RavennaUpper Room MinistriesChurch of God in Christ

3090 SR 59(330) 296-2178

Sunday school............9:45amSunday worship........11:00amWednesday Prayer &Bible Study.................6:00pm

Pastor Eddie L. Harris1st Lady Toni B. Harris

CHRISTIAN CHURCHGarrettsvilleSt. Ambrose Parish10692 Freedom St.

Sat. Mass.................... 5 pmSun. Mass 9 am (St. Michael)Sun. Mass............. 11:15 am

Rev. Steve Zeigler330-527-4105

Weekday and Holy Day Massesand confession check website

Stambroseonline.comLike us on Facebook

CATHOLIC

RavennaNew Mt. Calvary Missionary

Baptist Church6728 Adams St.,

P.O. Box 724Sunday school..............10amMorning Worship...........11am

Prayer & Bible Study.....Wed. 6pmMissionary Servicesevery 5th SundayPastor BJ Grant

Church 330-297-1196

Aurora/MantuaMantua Country Baptist

Church KJVServing the Aurora and

Mantua areaSunday school......................10amSunday Worship...................11amSunday Evening.....................6pmWednesday Evening..............7pm12385 Chamberlain Road, Aurora

(Mantua - north of SR 82)Pastor Murray Bay

(330) 562-6600

BAPTISTAtwater

Atwater CongregationalChurch

1237 SR 183Pastor Rich Hall(330) 947-3426

Worship Service............10amOpen Prayer....Tuesdays 7pm

to 8pmwww.atwaterchurch.org

RootstownSt. Peter of the Fields

Catholic ChurchFr. David M. Misbrener, Parish Priest

3484 Old Forge Rd. 325-7543Parish house 325-0557

Saturday Mass................4pmSunday Mass.......9&11:30amDaily Masses-Tue-Fri 8:30amHoly Days........8:30am & 7pmConfessions...3:15 or by appt.

CONGREGATIONAL

RavennaFirst Church of God

237 New Milford Rd. 296-5660Sunday School..9:30 to 10:30 a.m.Morning Worship............10:45a.m.

Mid Week Services:Wed. night Supper..........6:00 p.m.Children's & YouthMinistries.........................6:30 p.m.Adult Bible Study.............7:00 p.m.

Sr. Pastor:Rev. Dr. Edward N. BeckGen. Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Allen Fletcher

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. D. Carl HolmOutreach Pastor: Rev. Dan Peytonwebsite: fcogravenna.com

RavennaRavenna Freewill

Baptist Church1000 Park Ave

Sun School (all ages).....10amSun Morning worship.....11amSun Evening worship..6:30pmWed Evening worship.6:30pm

Church phone(330) 296-9077Everyone Welcome

CHURCH OF GODBAPTIST FREE WILL

RavennaBlackhorse Baptist Church

6360 Bridge St.

Sunday School..............10amMorning Worship............11amJr. Church (ages 5-11)...11amWed. Bible Study.............7pm

Pastor Greg FreemanChurch 330-297-7860

blackhorsebaptistchurch.com

RavennaRavenna Assembly of God

6401 St. Rt. 14Fellowship andChristian Education classes....9amMorning worship....................10am

Kids' ChurchJr.Church/Nursery................10amWed. Family Night Service.....7pm

Youth Group 7th-12thgrades..7pm

Rev. Gary Beck, Sr. Pastorravennaag.com facebook.com

ravenna.assemblyTelephone: 330-297-1493

RandolphSt. Joseph Catholic ChurchOur Lady of Lourdes GrottoFr. Thomas Acker, S.J. Administrator

2643 Waterloo Rd.Rectory 330-628-9941

www.stjosephrandolph.orgSat. confessions......4-4:30 pm or by appt.Saturday Mass.......................5pmSunday Masses..........8 &10:30amWeekday Masses: M, T, Th, Fr..8:30 am

Wednesday mass..........6pmHoly Days confer bulletin or website

StreetsboroFaith Baptist Church9890 SR 43 at Frost Rd.

330-626-4752Sunday Services.........9:30am

10:45am and 6pmWed. Service...................7pm

Pastor Don Workman

Tallmadge

464 Northeast Ave.330-633-0107

Know, Love, Become, ServeSunday Services: worship 10:45am/ Adult Growth groups 9:30am

Student Growth group 5pmHang Time (6th-12th grade) 6pmWeds. Services: Student Fuel &Children's 6:45 pm / Adults 7pm

Visit us on the web atwww.firstchurchtallmadge.com

RavennaChurch of Christ

3897 Summit RoadTerry Smith, minister

Phone 330-296-3637 churchBible study 9:30am Sun & 7pm Wed

Worship 10:30am & 6pm SunClasses for all ages/Nursery

Free Bible Correspondence coursesBible oriented counseling

Food Dist.- 2nd Wed. each mo.8am-10am at 3897 Summit Rd.

www.RavennaChurchofChrist.org

RavennaBaptist Bible Church

of Paris Twp.6719 St. Rt. 225

Sunday School............10 amMorning Worship.........11 amWednesday Prayer........7 pm

Pastor, Mike McLaughlinAssistant, Robert Bonar

Church Phone: 330-358-2332bbcofparis@embarqmail.com

KentChristian Life Center AG

1972 East Summit Road...a church where no one stands alone

Phone: (330) 678-9234

Prayer time, Fellowship andChristian Education........9amWorship Service............10am

(nursery, toddlers, pre-school,Junior church)

Wednesday.....................7pm(adult Bible study and youth)

Tom Poulin, Lead PastorWeb: kentchristianlifecenter.org

email: CLCKent@yahoo.com

RavennaPilgrim Rest

Baptist Church5504 S. Prospect

P.O. Box 163 330-297-1893

Sunday School.....................10 amSunday Morning Worship.....11 amWed. Prayer and.Bible Study.7 pm

Missionary every 5th Sunday

Rev. John R. Hurd, Pastor

KentUniversity ParishNewman Center

Kent State University1424 Horning Rd. 330-678-0240kentnewmancenterparish.orgSaturday Mass.......................5pmSunday Mass............9am & 11amSunday Eve. Mass.................8pm

A Catholic Community ofworship, service and learningRev. Steven J. Agostino

Carmen Roebke, Pastoral Associatefor Christian FormationMary Lynn Delfino, PastoralAssociate for Campus Ministry

RavennaWinfield Church of God

in Christ6595 Winfield St.

330-296-5880

Pastor Dennis J. Richey, Sr.Sun. Morn. Worship.......11amSunday School...........9:30amBible Study Tues........6:30pm

Youth Development Dept.Tues 6:30pm & Fri. 7:30pm

Joy Night Service Fri...7:30pm

BrimfieldBrimfield Church of Christ

1875 Tallmadge Rd.(1 mile east of SR 43)Order of SalvationFaith (Heb 11:6)

Repentance (Acts 17:30)Baptism (Gal. 3:27)

Remission (Acts 10:43)Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12)Eternal Life (Rom. 6:23)

Services: Each Sun. 9:30am"We are not the only Christians, we're

just Christians only."

ASSEMBLY OF GOD KentGrace Baptist Church of

KentInviting Others to Join the Journey

5915 Rhodes Rd.Sunday Worship Service....9:30am

Sunday Programs forChildren and Youth

Dr. Bruce Chouinard, Pastortel: 330-678-9019

www.graceinkent.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCH OF GODCATHOLIC

RavennaNew Testament Baptist

Church3583 St. Rt. 59 330-297-7005

"The Church with a Heart for people"Robert L. Burgess, Pastor

Sunday School......................10amWorship Service....................11amYoung Ambassadors.............11amSunday Evening Service.........6pm

Adult Bible Study............Wed.7pm

Nursery provided for all services

StowNorth Point

Apostolic Church3544 Verner Rd.

Sunday School......................10amSunday Evening Worship........6pmWednesday Family Night..7:30pm

Quest Fellowship GroupsCouples Youth Group

Pastor Joe Ellis 330-676-1501www.northpointapostolic.com

BrimfieldVictory Baptist Temple

4167 SR 43Sunday school....................10amSunday morning worship.....11amSunday evening worship.......6pmWed. prayer & Bible study.....7pm

Nursery - bus ministrywheelchair accessible

330-673-6079Pastor Chuck Whetsel

BAPTISTAPOSTOLIC BAPTISTContact the Record Courier classified department

at 330-673-3500 or email class@recordpub.com to include your weekly worship information in this directory.