Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church cares for the community

SANDUSKY — Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church makes time for people.Each week, the church has 9 a.m. worship with fellowship time that follows. Sunday school for all ages is available at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Erin Porter, from the Columbus area, is in her third year at the helm.From week-to-week, more than 90 people attend, and there's even a dog that comes to church."He's like our mascot," Porter said. "(The congregation is) a very welcoming and giving community."Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church at 2401 Columbus Ave. in Sandusky on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.The church's original building was constructed in 1957. Years later, in the 1960s, the church merged with another denomination to become a Methodist church. In 2008, a Memorial hall was built for church and community gatherings. A former member donated $600,000 to the church after his death, which was used to build the facility. A number of Bible studies are offered for adults, with small groups occasionally meeting at Mr. Smith's Coffee House. Children's programming is also available and the church is remodeling their basement to enhance what they offer.The sanctuary at Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.Once a week, a ministry for those in recovery is available. And each Thursday, Porter hosts a Bible study at the Crossroads Homeless Shelter."I just think all people should be loved and accepted and know the word (of God)," she said. "I've become part of their community."The church sponsors Mills Elementary to provide a book for each student for Christmas and feed teachers during parent-teacher conferences. Members also assist with "Grace Place," a small building near the church where clothes are kept for residents who need them.A sign leads the way into the sanctuary at Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church in Sandusky.During the warmer months, Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church allows youth groups and people from outside the area who are traveling to stay at the church. Coming up, "Santa's Workshop" for area children will be available for them to pick out free gifts for their parents. It's scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Dec. 15 at the church. Later that day at 5:30 p.m., a Christmas family potluck with a Sandusky High School choir performance is scheduled. The church's Christmas Eve candlelight service is slated for 7 p.m. Dec. 24.Gabriel's Playground at Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church is located right next to the church.To maintain its outreach programs, a "noisy" offering occurs, during which children collect donations on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. The church helps community members interested in attending by giving them rides to church, among other ways. "We're making church more accessible," Porter said. "We believe that this is a place to belong. This is a place where people start coming and they stay."Get to know Columbus Ave. United Methodist ChurchAddress: 2401 Columbus Ave., SanduskyPhone: 419-625-7663Website: caumcsandusky.orgFacebook: Columbus Ave. United Methodist Church (@CAUMC)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodPastor Erin Porter stands inside the sanctuary at Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church in Sandusky on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.