About Us
Our Staff
Pastor
Pastor Lori has been with us since July 2021.
Buildings & Grounds
Annette has been a member of our church
for over 35 years.
Our Mission: Caring for others like family . . . it’s what we do.
Our Vision: We will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Core Values: Include, Respect, Encourage, Support, and Trust (iREST)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do most people wear?
Wear something that is comfortable. Some people like to dress up, however most people wear casual business attire, jeans, khakis or shorts (in the summer).
Some people choose wear face masks while others do not. Either way, do whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Where should I park?
There is a parking lot on the north side of the building. The first seven spaces are marked with blue paint and are especially for those who have difficulty walking. Toward the north west are more parking spaces. Some people choose to park on the gravel on the north side of West Main Street.
Which door should I use?
Those who park in the northwest part of the parking lot tend to use the double glass doors on the west side of the building. Those who park in the spaces marked with blue paint tend to use the cement ramp to access the red door on the northeast side of the building. Those who park on West Main Street use whichever double glass doors are the closest.
Is there a nursery?
Yes. We have volunteers available upon request to watch young children, or you may choose to sit in the nursery and listen to the service through the sound system in the nursery.
We always welcome children to worship with us. We love their sounds, even when they're fussy!
Is the building handicap accessible?
Yes. There is a cement ramp to the door of the sanctuary on the northeast side. Chair lifts are available to access each floor. Every restroom has accommodations.
Restrooms
Men's and Women's restrooms are located on each floor.
A family restroom (gender-neutral) is located in the nursery.
The Missions We Support
Abigail Pregnancy Center
Ashland Christian Health Center
Ashland County Food Bank
Associated Charities of Ashland County
Blue Rose Mission
Crestview Elementary School (school supplies, hats & mittens)
LifeWise Academy (Crestivew)
Red Bird Mission
Safe Haven of Ashland
SERVE the Community
SERVE the School
Stuff the Fridge (Ashland County Sheriff & Savannah Volunteer Fire Company)
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Our Church's History
Mid-1700's - Methodism movement started in England by brothers John and Charles Wesley, both Anglican priests. A detailed history can be found HERE.
1784 - Methodist Episcopal denomination is born
1818 - Savannah, Ohio is established
1827 - Methodism comes to Savannah, Ohio
1836 - First church building built
1884 - Present church building built
1929 - Savannah Methodist Episcopal Church is Federated with Savannah Presbyterian Church
1929 - Presbyterian Parsonage on Scott Street becomes Methodist Episcopal Parsonage
1959 - Federated Church becomes all Methodist Episcopal
1965 - Education Wing Completed at a cost of $100,000
1968 - Methodist Episcopal denomination merges with Evangelical United Brethren denomination to form the present United Methodist denomination.
2023 - Our Administrative Board voted to remain affiliated with the United Methodist denomination, keeping our hearts, minds and doors open to ALL people.
2024 - Outdoor Pavilion built in memory of June Welsh Dalton and Diana Glenn Woodard.
Church Membership
Membership has its privileges, but it also comes with responsibilities. Church members are expected to strive to grow in their faith through their:
Prayers – commitment to pray with and for the congregation and its leaders
Presence – regular attendance at worship services
Gifts – giving to God through the church by sharing their time, talents and a portion of their income
Service – finding ways to serve God through hands-on ministries
Witness – sharing their faith with others through their words and actions
This pamphlet explains membership: Our Membership Vows in the UMC [pdf]
Pathways to Membership
Profession of Faith and Baptism
If you have never made a profession of your faith in Jesus, been through Confirmation, or been a member of any Christian church, you may do that during any worship service. We will ask you to answer some traditional questions:
1. Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
2. Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
3. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
If you have not been baptized previously, we will ask you to kneel and have a small bit of water poured over your head. This is an ancient ritual that even Jesus participated in. It symbolizes a washing away of an old way of life—often called “washing away your sin”—and the claiming of a new life in Christ. This form of baptism is called “sprinkling”, and it is the most common way we baptize people in our church. However, United Methodists are allowed to baptize people in a variety of ways. If you wish to be baptized by full immersion that is possible by scheduling it with the pastor. The amount of water used is not as important as what occurs between you and God in this life-changing experience.
United Methodists believe that baptism is an act of God and that there is never a need to re-baptize anyone. God chooses to call a person to baptism in God's time, and God does not make mistakes. However, we know there are occasional times when an individual feels a need to be reminded of their baptism and we are glad to assist with a ritual which does exactly that.
Following your baptism, and/or profession of faith, we will ask you the two additional questions shown in the next two sections below. The first question is proclamation of your interest in joining the larger Christian community of the United Methodist Church and the second question is a proclamation of your interest to join the congregational community of the United Methodist Church of Savannah.
By Transfer of Membership from Another Christian Denomination
Many people joining the United Methodist Church have already professed their faith and been baptized in other Christian Denominations. We believe that Jesus established one faith and that the various denominations are simply different expressions of that one universal worldwide faith.
If you are already a full member of another church, we are glad to recognize your baptism and profession of faith. We will ask you one question:
As a member of Christ's universal church, will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
Contact our pastor and our office staff will take care of notifying your previous church of your wish to be transferred to our church rolls.
By Transfer of Membership from Another United Methodist Church
We can transfer your membership from another United Methodist Church. Contact our pastor and request to be transferred. Our office staff will take care of notifying your previous church of your wish to be transferred to our church rolls.
No matter which way you are joining us, we will ask you one more question:
As a member of this congregation of the United Methodist Church, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?
If you would like to join our church, we would love to have you! However, we ask that you visit us for a few weeks first. Membership is a commitment which should not be taken lightly and we just want to be sure that our church is a good "fit" for you. When you are ready to join, please see the Pastor.
Member Resources
2016 Book of Discipline (current edition)
UMC Market (support the church as you shop)