ALUCC Fellowship Hall

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

This time we’re joined by Mark Spaetzel—a longtime ALUCC member, community leader and someone whose dedication to service runs deep. From his career in law enforcement and local government to his hands-on roles in countless church committees and youth group service trips, Mark has spent a lifetime leading with integrity, compassion and commitment.
In this episode, we’ll explore some experiences that have shaped Mark’s impressive path—from his early days growing up in Avon Lake and living in our community for all but 7 years of his life to guiding young people on service trips and serving his community for 35 years with Bay Village PD and now in his current role as mayor of Avon Lake. Along the way, we’ll talk about the importance of family, qualities of leadership, lessons that shaped his sense of service, and maybe even uncover a few fun facts about Mark—from favorite meals and albums to Cleveland sports championship predictions. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with someone who truly embodies what it means to serve with commitment and empathy.
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

Our guest this episode is ALUCC’s Senior Minister Mark Pettis. If you’re listening in real time—Fall 2025—Pastor Mark is about 7 months into his tenure at our church and although many have heard his sermons and hopefully had an opportunity to talk with him, there’s still a lot to learn and that’s our goal for the next half hour or so.
*NOTE: This episode was recorded in Spring 2025 for release the week of Pastor Mark's Service of Installation. Throughout this episode, you’ll no doubt realize that Mark has a lot of unique career experiences, comes from a family with close ties to the United Church of Christ and truly felt called to serve our congregation in Avon Lake. From New England to Southern California and points in between, Mark shared stories that shine a light on his passions, talents and love of baseball. You’ll learn about his childhood, his family, some big picture goals for ALUCC, advice for those called into ministry and much, much more. You’ll definitely want to listen all the way to the end of this episode!
 
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, we’re joined by Savannah Stobe, a longtime member of our Junior High and Senior High Youth Groups and now wrapping up her first summer as ALUCC Youth Ministries summer assistant working alongside Nate Taylor to plan and execute activities and trips for our junior and senior high youth programs and service trips. We caught up with Savannah to debrief on her summer, learn about her past involvement as a student, hear some tips for new youth group members, find out about summer camp experiences and much more.
 
Savannah is going into her sophomore year at The Ohio State University and brings to that experience many things she learned through ALUCC youth programs and her own unique qualities of service and leadership. If you’ve wondered what a day in the life of a college student in 2025 looks like, we’ve got you covered. Need some ideas to inspire your kids or grandkids to join ALUCC youth groups, check. Looking for ways to connect with today’s young people, Savannah had plenty of thoughts to share.
 
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 we’re joined by Dan Walther. Dan the Man! Dan has led the Junior High Service Trip for 12 years and has seen a lot in that time—from the transformation many kids experience to the good work done in Camp Washington by the ALUCC group and others who travel there each summer to help with summer youth programs and serve with other outreach functions of Washington UCC in Cincinnati.
 
Many churches have service opportunities for high school students, but an immersive mission-oriented experience away from home for kids in 6th through 8th grade is unique. Dan and Bill discuss the reasons behind this trip, as well as the community in Cincinnati where the group has gone for more than a decade, some of the work that accomplished each summer and what students (and the adult leaders) gain from a trip like this.
 
Throughout the episode you’ll also get to know a bit about Dan and why he feels the Junior High Service Trip is important. As he explained, the immediate impact it has on the kids who serve isn’t always clear right away, but the lessons learned run deep and truly change lives.
 
Dan is a longtime church member (in fact he was baptized and confirmed at ALUCC—although he did take a hiatus when the family moved to Vermilion and joined a church in that community) and currently lives in Vermilion where he raised his family and teaches 9th grade science.
 
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