As of 7/17/2025 (7:15 AM)
  • Michael Hoffman's son Gregory is scheduled for spine surgery today (Thursday) at 1:00 PM at Akron Summa (City) Hospital. Pray for the surgery to go well and for the Lord to work in his life physically and spiritually.
  • Danny Russo (Update) was taken to Aultman Hospital Friday (6/27) with extremely low blood pressure. He has since been admitted as they are running several tests to determine the underlying cause. Depending on what it is, it could mean further complications with Danny's heart valve replacement and needing to be re-located the Cleveland Clinic. Pray for wisdom for doctors as they run tests, and for Danny and Rose and the entire family as they go with this trial. Update (6/30): Blood tests have come back positive for endocarditis. Next step is an echocardiogram and possibly a procedure go down the throat to look inside the heart. They are hoping the valve is good and no need for surgery.  Infectious disease and cardiology teams are both being consulted right now.  Update (7/1) Danny's blood tests have revealed that he has endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart) and also that his replaced heart valve is infected. He will now be transferred to University Hospital for open heart valve replacement surgery.  He has not yet been transferred as he is waiting for a bed to open. If you would like to help the family with meals while Danny is up in Cleveland, click here to sign up. (Update 7/3). After being transferred to University Hospital last night (Wednesday) Danny Russo went into emergency surgery early this morning to remove several blood clots in what Rose described as a "limb saving surgery" as there were blockages found in his groin and a clot in his foot.  We just found out that Danny’s blood clot surgery went well, although he was more inflamed than they expected and infections are still possible. Unfortunately they were not able to coordinate the  transesophageal echocardiogram at the same time which is required before his open heart surgery.  They found out later today (Thursday) that the the echo will not take place until Monday with the holiday and weekend. (Update 7/9) While Danny has undergone several tests that have come back with good results, he still has not been able to have the TEE (echocardiogram) or the heart cath procedure done (both of which are needed before his open heart surgery). Danny keeps getting bumped for emergency procedures and there were challenges when they attempted his TTE on Tuesday. They are hoping both of these procedures can be done today. They will not know the date of his open heart surgery until after the results come back from these procedures. (Update 7/10) Danny has now had his heart cath which revealed no additional blockages and he had his echocardiogram (TEE) done. At this time the echo results are showing a possibility of not having  infection growth on the valve which could possibly mean NOT needing valve replacement  (Open Heart). This would mean something else caused his clots which would then be treatable my medication. However, this is still uncertain and they are still waiting to hear final results. (Update 7/11) Danny found out today that he will now need a PET scan as the results from the TEE was inconclusive. The doctor agrees he may not need open heart surgery after all depending on the results. Unfortunately the PET scan cannot happen until Monday. (Update 7/14) - Danny today found out he will be having another echo and that the PET scan is being put off until tomorrow (Tuesday). (Update 7/17) As of now Danny is scheduled for open heart surgery Friday (7/18) at 11:00 AM.
  • Mary Jane Phillips (Update) . After being in the hospital a few weeks ago with congestive heart failure, and then  being released and even coming to church for one week, Mary Jane was taken again to the ER last Saturday (6/21) with chest pains. It was confirmed Sunday that she had a heart attack and has been admitted to the  Aultman Cardiac Care Unit (Room 335).  On Monday (6/23) she had a heart cath to learn the extent of the damage and to put in a stint. Her BP is now under control and she was released back to Canton Regency Wednesday (6/25). Mary Jane has been living  in assisted living at the Canton Regency (4515 22nd St NW), Room 159, and welcomes visitors. (Update 7/14) - We got word today that Mary Jane was take to Aultman yesterday (Sunday) via ambulance with leg swelling and breathing difficulties. They determined that she has edema (liquid on the lungs) and will be admitted. As of now (Thursday) she is still in Aultman Hospital but is hoping to be released today.
  • Paula Moore (Update) is in AlterCare of Louisville with many health challenges. She also is not up for visitors during this time, but pray for her, her family, and the Deacons as they assist with many things at her home. (Update 7/6) Paula was admitted to the hospital on Thursday and is still in having several things treated, including multiple infections. She will most likely will be in the hospital for up to 10 days and hopes to then be discharged home to her house when able (not the nursing home) and have home health care.  Click here to read a more details from her daughter Jamie who sent the update today (Sunday). (Update 7/10) - Paula is now home from the hospital. She went home by ambulance and is still weak but in good spirits according to her daughter Jamie.
  • Jean Smithley was discharged from Cleveland Clinic Mercy hospital Friday (6/6) after being treated for several weeks for a brain tumor. She will be homebound (for now) with much in-home care. The hope is to start radiation treatment several weeks from now if the tumor continues to shrink. (Update 7/9) If you would like read a more lengthy update from her son CLICK HERE.  Update : Click Here to see an updated/extended meal link for those who would like to provide a meal.
  • Karen Kemp was taken to Mercy Hospital Thursday (6/26) and was admitted.  She had a heart cath procedure performed Friday during which they found an infection in her heart that they initially planned to treat with medication. On Sunday afternoon (6/29) it was decided that she stay in the hospital to undergo another procedure Monday (6/30) to put in a stent. She is also battling a sinus infection and will now be in the hospital until at least Tuesday. (Update 6/30) Today they changed course once again and decided NOT to do put in the stent given the size of her artery being a concern. They instead are going to treat with medication. Martin says Karen's cough is doing better and she is in less discomfort and pain and is hoping to be discharged soon. (Update 7/1) The hope is that Karen will be discharged Wednesday after completing her current medications via IV.  If you would like to help Martin and Karen with meals after she gets home, click here to sign up. (Update 7/2) Karen was discharged and sent home on Wednesday.
  • The McKelvey family  is now home from Cincinnati after Abe's extensive surgery on his foot Monday, May 19th, which went well. Continue to pray for his lengthy recovery at home.  Update: on Tuesday (6/24) The McKeleys traveled to Cincinnati on to have Abe's cast removed. They are asked for prayer as they saw Abe’s “new foot” for the first time since having 4 toes amputated.  Pray that reintroducing weight bearing will be easy and not painful for him in the coming weeks as he continues this healing process.
  • Jonathan Amrhein.  The Amrhein's received good news that Jonathan's tumor was non-cancerous. He is now off all his medications and is doing well although not yet cleared to return to work. He will have a follow-up MRI in September. The Amhreins are thanking God for this good news and for the support and love of the church during this trial. Jonathan had surgery in early June at Akron Children’s to remove part of a tumor that was found on his brain and to perform a biopsy to determine the plan of action moving forward. They were able to remove about 35% of the tumor.
  • Jake Hatcher as he continues to recover from extensive back surgery and battles ongoing pain.
  • Jeff Bartolone is in St.Luke’s Memory Care Unit. He cannot have visitors, but welcomes cards.
  • Howard Swegheimer (New) let us know today (7/11) that his brother Norm is at the Aultman ER for the second time this week with an electrical heart issue. Howard would appreciate prayers.
  • Michelle Dooley (Update) (Melissa Weimer's sister and Mike Ray's daughter) has begun radiation treatment on the remaining tumor in her brain. She is hoping to continue chemotherapy on her remaining cancer spots soon.  (Update 7/9) Michelle was taken to the Aultman ER with trouble talking and confusion. It could be that this is the sign of an infection once again. (Update 7/10) Today Michelle was moved to the ICU after an EEG detected she has been having seizers.
  • Roger Norrick (Update) Caleb's father,  Roger is in ICU in Indiana with a collapsed lung and infection. He has had a tracheostomy to help with breathing. Be in prayer for Roger, the medical staff, and the entire family as they hope that Roger can be stable enough to move out of the ICU. (Update 7/11) Roger, who has had a trach for quite some time, had a trach collar installed today. So although he is not on a ventilator, he is still in ICU and hopes to move to a step down unit soon (within a couple of weeks) .
  • Billy Harvey is in kidney failure and is in AlterCare of Louisville. He is schedule for a consultation at University Hospital on 6/23 for a potential transplant. Pray for him (as well as the family) during this difficult time.
  • Rita Forsythe has been moved into hospice care. Please pray for Tom and the family during this time.
Missionaries:
John & April McDuffee-- Spain (May prayer letter)
Shannon Hurley -- Uganda
Ramazan & Karen Arkan -- Turkey
Dale Marshfield -- India

Ministries:
Adventure Club Ministry 
Children’s Ministry
Monthly Outreach Ministry
Monthly Collection & Giveaway
Nursing Home Ministry

Global/Local Compassion Outreach:
Jude David -- Haiti
Ashley Wojton -- Haiti
Word of God Community Church
Our nation, leaders, and troops around the world