OUR STORY

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Smithville United Methodist Church, located in the heart of Wayne County, Ohio, stands as a beacon of faith and community in the picturesque rural landscapes of the region. Nestled at the northern edge of the renowned "Amish Country," the church embodies the essence of small-town living, harmoniously blending with the serene countryside. With a mission statement that resonates with love and service, "To Love Christ, To Serve Christ, To Share Christ No Matter What It Takes," Smithville UMC warmly invites everyone to join their worship sessions, whether in person or through their Facebook Live broadcasts every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Experience the nurturing embrace of a community that cherishes the teachings of Christ and strives to spread His message of love and unity.

We, as Smithville UMC, believe-


We believe in the Holy Trinity, God the Creator, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, and the

Holy Spirit our Sustainer.


We at Smithville UMC are called “To Love Christ, To Share Christ, To Serve

Christ, No Matter What it Takes.”


Methodist Quadrilateral –

Scripture- is the primary, inspired Word of God. Our beliefs, worship,

studies, and church life are rooted in scripture.

We understand Scripture through

  • Tradition- How the Holy Spirit has spoken to Christians in the past
  • Experience- How the Holy Spirit is speaking to us today
  • Reason- how we hear and understand the Holy Spirit


We believe that all are saved by grace, and grace alone. That all are welcome at the

table. We serve a God of Mercy and all are invited to that mercy through Christ.


We believe in open communion. All are welcome to partake in communion,

receiving the mercy poured out on us at the cross, remembering God’s sacrifice,

and renewing our covenant with the Holy Spirit

MEET OUR STAFF

James Lance
Pastor

Pastor James Lance has ben happy to serve Smithville UMC since 2021. Having graduated from the College of Wooster, he enjoys serving near his alma mater. Pastor James has a heart for scripture and enjoys reading the Bible, studying scripture, and discussing the Word in its context. He believes that through our holy esperiences, the reason we brng to study, and the tradiiton of ow scripture has previously been interpreted, we can understand what God is teaching each of us. He believes God is still speaking to us today, calling us to be the body of Christ, and guiding us through the Holy Spirit. Pastor James enjoys theatre, Ohio Light Opera, board games with friends and coffee.
Charline Engle
Administrative Assistant

Charline joined our staff as Administrative Assistant in 2022. Currently serving in the same position at another UMC, she loves to organize and create. 

She and her husband of 35 years have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren.

Charline loves to read, garden, bike, and teach piano lessons, but her favorite thing is being a Nana!
Kathy Buchwalter
Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper

Kathy has been a member of SUMC for over 40  years. In Sept of 2023, she  joined the staff as a part-time Administrative Assistant. She currently serves as the church's Worship Team leader. Music is one of the ways she talks to God and allows Him to speak to her. She and her husband have been married for 46 years and have 3 grown daughters. They have  been blessed with 9 grandchildren. Spending family time together in all their various roles, brings lots of joy to thier lives.