Lenten Season

This Lenten season, Pastor William Baker will be leading us with a sermon series entitled "To Journey with Jesus." Please follow along with us using the study guide that he has created. In addition, please join us on Wednesday, February 17th for a drive-thru impartation of ashes and prayer from 8-9am or 5-6pm. During Holy Week, please join us on Palm Sunday at 11am in person or online. Pastor Baker will lead us in a Maundy Thursday (4/1) service at 7pm and a service of Tenebrae on Good Friday (4/2) at 7pm. Our Easter service will be held on Sunday (4/4) at 11am. Use this Holy Week Study Guide to guide you in prayer and meditation

Christmas Eve Service

December 24th at 7pm

LaPorte UMC Parking Lot

Just like that First Christmas Night was outside, this year we will gather outside at a manger to celebrate the Birth of Christ.

We will sing some carols and read the Christmas story as we witness to the Light of the World being among us. Masks required, and family units are asked to stay together and social distance from others, or remain in your cars. Please bring

your candles from home (electric candles, flashlights, candles with wind protectors, cell phone lights). Also, if you would like to share your blessings with the Caring Cupboard on Christmas Eve, you may bring a gift of cleaning and/or personal products that will be shared with those in need, such as: dish soap, laundry detergent, household cleaners, shampoo, body wash, etc. 

We also hope to livestream this for those of you who wish to stay home. Thank you very much!!

Music In the Park-Ing Lot

Friday, August 7th at 8:30pm

Join us as we worship through music outside under the stars (weather permitting)! Bring a chair or sit in your car to worship with us. We will begin with a brief devotional at 8:30pm and follow with music shortly thereafter. Water and snacks will be made available.

Family Promise

LaPorte UMC is a host congregation for Family Promise providing shelter, meals, and support - an evening meal, evening activities, and a place to sleep - to temporarily homeless families. For more information, please contact the church.

Click here for their newsletter featuring an article from our church!

Firelands District United Methodist Women's Meeting

The Firelands District United Methodist Women will hold their Spring Meeting at LaPorte this coming Saturday, March 14 at 1:00 p.m. The gathering will begin with dessert and a brief meeting. Then, we will be blessed with the gifts of David Wells, a speaker and a musician. He will speak on “Bullying” and the “Importance of Making Right Choices.” If you plan to attend, please use the sign-up sheet in the welcoming area of the church so we may plan for enough refreshments. Cost at the door is: UMW members $7; free-will offerings appreciated from all others. All are welcome - gentlemen, too! Please join us!

Mission's Chinese Auction and Spaghetti Dinner

Come out and support Missions as they host a Chinese Auction and Pasta Dinner. Tickets will be available for purchase at church beginning September 15 (Adults - $9; Kids under 12 - $5). Chinese Auction items will be on display before church on September 22 and 29. Donations of auction items and/or desserts for the dinner will be greatly appreciated. Click here for a flyer to share with your friends and family!

Kingdom Sports Camp

Kingdom Sports Camp is a special needs fun camp with a purpose to provide a purposeful social experience while learning basic skills for soccer, baseball, football, and basketball. It is FREE for kids in grades K-12 and siblings are welcome! This event is led by a special education advocate, mother of a child with autism, and a registered nurse with behavioral background. Visual schedules and support are provided. This event will be held on Thursdays July 25-August 15 from 7-8pm at the Indian Hollow Reservation on 38744 Parsons Road in Grafton, OH. To reserve a spot please contact Rachel Kisilewicz by May 31, 2019 by calling  (330) 635-9705 or emailing Rkisilewicz3@gmail.com. 

Donations for camper sponsorships will be accepted. Please mail or drop off at LaPorte United Methodist Church and memo Kingdom Sports Camp. Thank you for your prayerful consideration for this important community ministry! 

Swiss steak dinner and dancing to the music of the 50's/60's

The Mission Outreach Team of LaPorte United Methodist Church will be having a SWISS STEAK DINNER & DANCING TO THE MUSIC OF THE 50’s/60’s on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The Swiss Steak dinner includes Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Green Beans, Rolls, Dessert, and Beverages. Tickets are $15 for adult and $7.50 for children under 10. Treat your mom or your favorite gal to a special night out. LaPorte UMC is located at 2071 Grafton Road in Elyria. For tickets call 458-5717. All proceeds go towards supporting the many outreach missions of LaPorte UMC.

Cyber Journey through Proverbs

Pastor Luigi would like to invite the family and friends of LaPorte UMC to a "cyber" journey through the book of Proverbs. Starting 9/13/18 he will post a Bible verse (or verses) from Proverbs everyday on Facebook and provide a brief meditation with it. Let's begin with chapter 1 and navigate through these wisdom sayings until we reach the end of the book, chapter 31.

Funeral for a gangster

murder mystery theater

Step back into the past to join the Mob sendoff for the late Vito “The Gut” Marzetti at the speakeasy “Ruby’s Place.” There the grieving family is holding “services” for the Don. They include Joey “The Lump” Marzetti, Frankie “Marbles” Marzetti, the proprietor of the club, Ruby “Fingers” Marzetti, and, of course, Lena, the “Gut’s” heartbroken widow. It’s up to the audience to make like detectives to solve who murdered Vito (after his third helping of Moo goo gai pan). He wasn’t called “The Gut” for nothing. Feel free to dress with a nod to the days of speakeasies or certainly for a not so serious funeral. 

FUNERAL FOR A GANGSTER

by Eileen Moushey of Mysteries by Moushey, 

directed by Pat Price of Priceless Productions

We welcome you to join us at LaPorte UMC, Sunday evening, March 3 for this performance. Doors open at 6:15. Tickets are $30 each and are available in the Narthex or the church office. A traditional Italian Funeral meal will be served. Proceeds benefit the General Fund of LaPorte UMC.

Christmas Eve Services

On Christmas Eve, we will have two worship services (7 p.m. and 9 p.m.). Both of them will be candlelight worship services.

At the 7 p.m. service, we will mix some long-standing traditions of the Christian faith with fresher expressions of worship. Amid songs, scriptures, poems, stories and other manifestations of arts, we will remember the good news of the birth of Jesus who took the nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Our 9 p.m. service will be a time for Scripture, Carols, and Communion. We will read once more the Biblical Christmas narrative and interject with corresponding hymns. We are anticipating other special involvements in this service. We trust that you will be uplifted and edify as you worship the Light of the World with us this year. 

This year, like years past, we will be collecting a Special Christmas offering on Christmas Eve. A portion of this offering will be given to victims of natural disasters. So, join us as we celebrate the best gift we will ever receive.

Veteran's Day Breakfast

In honor of our veterans, before worship we will be hosting a Veteran's Day Breakfast for the community and anyone wishing to honor our veterans and share breakfast with them. Volunteers will be needed to cook and greet guests. Church members and groups are encouraged to respond in whatever way they are led—making center pieces, favors, setup, volunteer, etc. Please email Tim Schluter (communications@laportechurch.org) for more information.

James Kilbane Concert

James Kilbane will once again be coming to LaPorte United Methodist Church for a Country Gospel Concert! James is a multi-platinum selling Christian, gospel, Celtic country and Irish folk singer. He will be here on Saturday, November 10th. Please click here for a flier with more details.

Trunk or Treat

The United Methodist Men’s Group will be sponsoring their 4th annual TRUNK OR TREAT event on October 28, 2018 from 4:00 to 5:30. We invite everyone from the community to come out and participate in this fun time!

Fall Bible Study

Come start your fall out right with a short term Bible study. We will be meeting on Friday mornings (Sept 7 – Oct 5) for a 5-week study called Prophets and Kings. This is from the series "That The World May Know," by Ray Vander Laan. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. for this video and Bible discussion. Ray brings a unique insight to scripture by incorporating the culture and beliefs of the time to bring out a new understanding of scripture. Please call the church office at 458-5717, so we know how many study books to purchase. We look forward to seeing you there!


Music in the Park-ing Lot

On four Fridays this summer, the Youth Group will be hosting a Music in the Park-ing Lot event. Bring your lawn chairs and voices as we plan on filling the neighborhood with songs of praise. The event will start around 8:30 pm and end no later than 11pm. We will have bottled water and don’t worry, if it rains, we we will move the event to the fellowship hall. Join us for a Friday evening of Fun!

Dates: July 6th, July 20th, August 3rd, August 24th

Kingdom Sports Camp

Kingdom Sports Camp for kids with special needs (and their siblings) is coming back to LaPorte United Methodist Church this summer on Thursdays at 7pm-8pm from July 19 - August 9!

This is a sports camp for kids with any spectrum of special needs in grades K-12. Kids of all ability levels will learn basic skills for football, baseball, soccer, and basketball. Visual supports are provided.


Click here for a flyer explaining this great event!


If you have any questions please contact Rachel Kisilewicz at rkisilewicz3@gmail.com or call (440) 458-5717 for reservation by May 31st! 

Wednesday Worship

Music Service (6pm) - This service is a branch off of the Disciple Light program. This service was scheduled to accommodate the Adult Bible Study class that meets on the same evening. Participants of the Wednesday evening class are encouraged to come early and join the music service. Of course, this service is open to all who wish to worship and praise God through song.

Vacation Bible SChool

Mark your calendars!! Vacation Bible School will be here soon!! VBS will be starting June 25th and run through June 29th from 9:00AM to Noon. Our study will be "Ship Wrecked" and we will have crafts, snacks and FUN!!! We are hoping that your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbor kids and friends will join us for this wonderful experience! If you are able to help by volunteering your time, snacks, etc., please let Jeanie Oplinger or Carolyn Scheuffler know.

SWISS STEAK DINNER AND DANCING TO THE MUSIC OF THE 50’s AND 60’s

The Mission Outreach Team of LaPorte United Methodist Church will be having a SWISS STEAK DINNER AND DANCING TO THE MUSIC OF THE 50’s/60’s on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The Swiss Steak dinner includes Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Corn, Rolls, Dessert, and Beverages. Tickets are $15 for adult and $7.50 for children under 10. Several nice gift baskets will also be raffled off. Treat your mom or your favorite gal to a special night out. LaPorte UMC is located at 2071 Grafton Road in Elyria. For tickets call 458-5717. All proceeds go towards supporting the many outreach missions of LaPorte UMC.

Ladies' Tea

Attention Ladies! The Lydia Circle is hosting a Ladies' Tea on Saturday April 28 at 1pm featuring a special program and music by Anjanette Hignett. Lunch and dessert are included.

$8 tickets are available in the church office, or you may call 440-458-5717. Proceeds will benefit LaPorte UMC’s Caring Cupboard.

Agape Meal or Love-Feast

The United Methodist Men are sponsoring an Agape Meal or Love-Feast every third Sunday of odd months beginning in January 2018. There will be fellowship and food provided. Those who are able are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert to share.

Easter

The Lenten season is upon us which means that Easter is soon to come. Come celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection with us this Easter season.


Sunday March 25 - Palm Sunday

Community Breakfast at 8am

Sunday School at 9:30am with an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids

Worship Service at 11am


Thursday March 29 - Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm - Our Maundy Thursday service will be a Christian Seder supper. By using all of the senses, the Passover Seder tells the story of God's grace in history and calls the participants to experience and share in the story as their own story.


Sunday April 1 

Easter Sunrise Service at Indian Hollow Reservation at 6:30am

Easter Worship Service at 9am

Sunday School at 9:30am

Worship Service at 11am

                          

Phantom of LaPorte (Mysteries by Moushey) Murder Mystery Dinner

Come out and support the LaPorte United Methodist Church with a Mystery Dinner Theater that will not disappoint. Work together with teammates to solve the murder mystery and win a grand prize of tickets to see a future Workshop Players Theatre performance in Amherst. Chicken Cordon Bleu will be the main course for dinner.

Tickets are $25. Limited Tickets Available: Please call the main office at (440) 458-5717 or email laporteumc@laportechurch.org for tickets.

Confirmation Classes

Confirmation classes will begin Sunday, September 14, 2017. Registration deadline is August 20, 2017. We will be using the Credo program during this six month process. This class is open to students ages 12 - 18. We will meet during Sunday School prior to service and after MYF on Sunday evenings. For more information contact Stacy Goetz at education@laportechurch.org

Rally Day

LaPorte United Methodist Church will be hosting its annual Rally Day on Sunday September 10. This is our time to kick off a new school year and get everyone ready to go for the upcoming year. 


This year as a part of this day we will be holding a Ministry Fair. Through this ministry fair our hope is to give people an opportunity to learn about the different members of this body of Christ so we can prayerfully consider how the Lord is calling each of us to participate in His mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! During this time we will also be having a pot luck luncheon. Please come out and join us for this amazing day!


Sunday School: 9:30am

Worship: 11am

Potluck Lunch and Ministry Fair: 12pm

Exploring Membership Class

Would you like to become a member of LaPorte UMC? Are curious about joining but are not sure? Have you been a member but what to learn more about what that membership means? Join us for an "Exploring Membership" class where we will learn about the principles of Wesleyan discipleship. This will be a great opportunity for new and longtime members of LaPorte to learn about our Wesleyan heritage as it applies to our membership. 

We will be meeting Wednesday evenings from April 26th to June 7th with all sessions starting at 6:30pm.

Taxes

Our church is a part of the Ohio Benefit Bank which means you can file your taxes for free!

The Benefit Bank will be open for tax filing on Monday, January 23, 2017. The IRS will begin accepting both e-filed and paper returns on this date.

LaPorte United Methodist Church offers three ways for you to confidentially file your taxes at no charge.

1. Make an appointment with a trained benefits counselor.

2. Use the laptops provided in the library to file.

3. File on your own using the following link — http://selfserve.thebenefitbank.org/ums?partner_code=6622 or click here for a PDF explaining this great service

Click here for a flyer explaining all of this including the hours which you can come in and file your taxes.

Children's Church

   Children's Church has finally arrived!

Children's Church has started and is going well. We have an average of 15 kids but we would love to have more!


What is the purpose of church?

  •     We believe the purpose of church is to learn about God, Worship God, and strengthen your heart so that God can impower you to go out into the world to love those in need! Well, sometimes a traditional service aimed towards adults cannot do that for children, so we created "Children's Church!"


After the Children's sermon in the traditional service, at 11:00am children ages 5-12 years old will come to the Sunday School room to hear music, prayer, and a sermon geared towards their age!


Click here for a video describing Children's Church!

Click here for a more in-depth description!

Click here for bulletins from Children's Church!


SWISS STEAK DINNER AND DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF THE 50’s AND 60’s

The 2017 SOWER Mission Team of LaPorte United Methodist Church invites you to a SWISS STEAK DINNER AND DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF THE 50’s/60’s on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The Swiss Steak dinner includes Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Green Beans, Rolls, Homemade Desserts, and Beverages. Pre-sale Tickets are $15 for adult and $7.50 for children under 10. Tickets at the door are $20 adult and $10 for children under 10. Several nice gift baskets will also be raffled off. LaPorte UMC is located at 2071 Grafton Road in Elyria. For tickets call 458-5717. All proceeds go towards the SOWER Work Mission Fund. Click here for a flyer for this great event!