Sharing Life • Sharing Christ • For Others
We believe that God has a place for everyone in His story, and He wants to uniquely use your gifting and talent to Share Christ with others so that everyone will find hope-filled life in Christ.
Get Involved
We have several volunteer ministry opportunities and would love to help you get plugged-in with one of our Serve Teams! Please let us know your interest by filling out one of the online forms below.
Children / Youth Volunteer Ministry | Opportunities to Serve
We are a Safe Sanctuary Compliant Church
Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes [a] child … welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). Children are our present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the church and in the realm of God.
God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong. (From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church – 2000, pp 180-181. Copyright © 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission).
Thus, in covenant with all United Methodist congregations, Canton First UMC has adopted a Safe Sanctuary Policy (Click Here to View the PDF) for reducing the risk of abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in our church. It is the policy of Canton First United Methodist Church that all employees, volunteers, visitors, members, children, youth, and vulnerable adults be treated with respect, in an environment free from abuse, intimidation, humiliation, or insult. This policy’s purpose is to demonstrate Canton First United Methodist Church’s absolute commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all the children, youth, and adults of the church.
Linda Perry
Connect and Life Groups Coordinator
As Connect & Life Groups Coordinator, Linda supports our Canton First staff by handling the administrative piece of this ministry, predominately registration and communication with group hosts.
Connect and Life Groups are an integral part of Canton First’s mission statement of Sharing Life • Sharing Christ • For Others. Just as Jesus and his disciples modeled, they bring us together in small groups to share how God is working in each of our lives, to love and encourage one another, and to make a difference in the lives of others.
"Volunteering has introduced me to many people within our faith community. It’s provided access to some of the relationships that help sustain me, especially through this past year of isolation with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s reinforced that God put me here for a purpose. I believe volunteering is a necessary part of my faith journey. It allows me to walk alongside other believers and realize that I’m not alone in my struggles. In giving back to God we also give to each other."
- Linda Perry
We asked Linda, "Why is volunteering so important to you?"
"Without using the word stewardship, my mother modeled it early in my life as she encouraged me to put in the collection plate 10 cents of every babysitting dollar I earned, and to give a portion of my weekly time to helping out at church. Fast forward 60+ years, and I truly believe that all that I am and have is from God. There is such joy in giving back to God!"
She also shared an especially meaningful experience she recalls as being part of the volunteer ministry, explaining, "This past Christmas Jim and I were like so many...missing family and friends and honestly feeling a little sorry for ourselves. Then God provided the opportunity to deliver gifts to two families. In talking with the mothers, we came face to face with the reality of the fear and anxiety experienced with job loss. We were blessed to be able to pray with them, to deliver God’s message of hope; it made us grateful for the generosity of our Canton First family."
Last year, Linda and her husband Jim, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and became first time grandparents with the birth of their granddaughter, Lia. Having retired from a career in Human Resources, Linda now has more time to devote to the church, community, hobbies and other interests, such as travel. The Perry's were a Navy family for 30 years. While she never looked forward to the semantics of moving a household, she always enjoyed the trip and getting to know a new community. Retirement has given her the opportunity for even more exploring!
"If you're interested in volunteering, think about what you love to do and look at the volunteer opportunities provided by the church. And if you don’t see something that interests you, or you want further clarification, have a conversation with one of our pastors or ministry leaders. Find the joy!"
A few fun facts about Linda!
Favorite Ice Cream: Butter Pecan
Dream Vacation Destination: Right now, London...that’s where our son’s family lives and we can’t wait to hold our granddaughter!
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.