A Heritage Rooted in Poland
Poland United Methodist Church has been in ministry for more than 180 years and has occupied its current home on Boardman Poland Road for over sixty of those years. The congregation's tagline, "Connects, Serves, Grows," shows up across its identity, and its vision spells out what each word means: "Connects people with Christ and Christians with one another. Serves others in Jesus' name. Grows together in the knowledge and love of God." The mission is plain: "Love God, love people and make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ."
Worship and the Next Generation
Children are part of the picture from their earliest Sundays. Nursery care is offered during the service for infants through three-year-olds in a room just off the foyer. Children in kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to Children's Church, a parallel program that meets each service and brings the message to a level suited to their age. Christian Education Director Patti Prentiss coordinates these programs.
Kids Klub runs weekly through the fall and winter with dinner provided, giving young children room to learn scripture, worship, and build friendships; questions about the program go through Kitty Matteson. Each summer, a five-day themed Vacation Bible School fills the week with games, Bible learning, and fun. If Poland schools close for weather, Kids Klub closes too.
Adults Around the Table
Adults gather around several regular rhythms. Layman's Quest meets on Sunday mornings and explores current topics of Christian life from a biblical perspective. Connection Classes offer a small-group pathway for newcomers and longtime members alike. On Wednesday mornings at 6:15 in the Chapel, a Men's Prayer Breakfast gathers men for devotion, prayer, and a shared meal. United Methodist Women circles, the Sister Circle and the Grace Circle, keep women's ministry active across the year.
Mid-Week Moment of Hope meets Wednesdays at 9 AM as a brief voice of encouragement in the middle of the week.
Sports Ministry
Sports Director Dan Klimas oversees a calendar of athletic offerings that draws both children and adults into the building. Pickup Basketball Open Gym runs December through April from 7 to 9 PM for high school students through adults. During the winter, Upward Sports fields a basketball league for boys and girls from age five through sixth grade.
Mission and Outreach
A Summer Mission Trip carries teens and adults to destinations where they lend a hand to neighbors in need. The church Food Pantry serves residents of the 44514 zip code, families with a child in the Poland school system, and members of participating churches. Pantry hours are adjusted in November and December.
Pastoral Leadership and the Weekday Rhythm
Senior Pastor Paul Turner and his wife Robin shepherd the congregation, with Megan Miller leading worship. The church office is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM and can be reached at 330-757-1553. The Messenger newsletter keeps members informed through email subscription. Adjacent to the church building, the Poland Boardman Child Care Center offers weekday care to families in the community, and giving is available online through Tithe.ly.