Pastor Julie Kirker

Senior Pastor

 Pastor Julie is a Licensed Pastor in the United Methodist Church who has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kent State University and a Master's Degree in Ministry and Theology from Ohio Christian University. She has been serving in ministry since she was 23 years old, and has served as a Children's Ministry Coordinator, a Prayer and Care Pastor, a Women's Ministry Leader, and as a pastor at Simpson United Methodist Church. Pastor Julie shares her life and ministry with her husband of 47 years, Kevin, and their two dogs, Charlie Brown and Lucy. 

Charlie Brown is a therapy dog at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital where he and Pastor Julie volunteer, and Lucy is a spoiled daddy's girl who watches over their home. In addition to their dogs, Pastor Julie and Kevin do life with their two daughters, Stacey and Jenny, their two sons-in-law, Eric and Ray, and their two grandsons, Tyer and Owen.
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Pastor Julie extends a warm invitation to all who are seeking a deeper relationship with God. Join her on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am to experience the heartfelt worship of the North Canton Grace United Methodist Church. Our community of believers is known for its warmth and inclusivity, and we look forward to welcoming you. ​

Lorrie Harbert
Office Administrator

Lorrie has attended Grace Church since 1967 and has been the office administrator for the last twenty years. She and her husband, Greg, have five children and six grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Matt Brown
Organist, Choir director

Matt has been a member of North Canton Grace since August 1995 and the organist since 2004. He currently directs the Chancel Choir and the Bell Choir and performed with the Praise Band from its inception in 2001 through 2020. Matt teaches math at GlenOak High School, where he has taught since August 1997. He is the proud father of two adult children, Gavin Brown and Morgan Brown.

Paula blain
nursery caregiver & custodian

Paula, a member of Grace since 2000, is a mother to eight grown children and a grandmother to 13. Her strong faith and love of children make her the perfect caregiver in the church nursery, where her nurturing and caring nature shines. Paula also does a fantastic job keeping the church clean and welcoming for all who enter. When Paula is not at the church, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach.

Diane spencer
church council chairperson

Diane is a charter member of Grace, which started in 1961. She is currently the Church Council Chairperson, Director of The Puppets of Grace group, and a member of the Bell Choir, but she has served the church in many capacities over the last 64 years. Diane is the proud mother of one son, grandmother to two grandsons, and great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren.

Kathy Peters
staff perish relations committee

Kathy came to Grace in 2000 after a co-worker invited her with the promise of donuts and an outside service. Kathy acts as a liaison between the church staff and parishioners. Things at Grace have changed since Kathy first joined the congregation, but the friends she has made will always be there. ​

Jennifer Bowman
​Digital Media Manager

Jennifer has been attending Grace since 2022 and officially joined the congregation in 2025. She has over 20 years of digital marketing experience and is using her God-given talents to manage the Grace website and Facebook page. She and her husband, Mike, are the proud parents of one daughter, Savannah, who is very loved by everyone at Grace.

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Sharon Marshall
Children's ministry coordinator

Sharon has been a dedicated member of North Canton Grace for 35 years and currently serves as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator. With over 30 years of experience as a special needs educator, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role, making her the perfect person to lead the Children’s Ministry. She is deeply passionate about sharing the Word of God with young hearts and teaching them about the love of Jesus. Sharon enjoys spending time and cherishing moments with her daughter and grandchildren in her free time.

Kathy Mccallion
​chief of trustees

Kathy, a member of Grace since 1983, has taken on the role of Chief of Trustees with great leadership and organizational skills. She is the driving force behind the monthly meetings, where the trustees, under her guidance, discuss and plan the maintenance of the church property, including the parsonage. Kathy's strong belief in the church's core responsibility of community outreach is evident in her full support of Grace's involvement with local organizations that help those in need and in hosting community events on church grounds.

COPYRIGHT 2025
​NORTH CANTON GRACE