Pastor Matt
Pastor Matthew Garrabrant came to Magnolia Methodist Church in October of 2023. Since beginning his personal call into ministry in 2007, he has served in 9 churches-several of them being multi-point charges. Pastor Matt shares, “I was raised by my parents on a multi-generational dairy farm where we were taught and practiced God first and family following. My parents raised my brothers and I while being active in our home church teaching and leading by the examples of Christ. God called me to to a fork in the road where I was led to be a Shepherd of His people vs being a shepherd of dairy cows. I entered the ministry giving God the ultimate lead again on my life and only He opened the doors that was needed to make that transition which involved moving, new churches and new experiences-all which result in giving Him the glory.” He serves in ministry with his wife of over 28 years, Angela, and they have 8 children ranging in ages from 5 years to 25 years old. They are active in the local schools, 4-H program and enjoy being outdoors. They call Magnolia, Ohio home. We are thankful to have Pastor Matt serving at MMC!
Gary Yoho-Lay Leader
I grew up in East Sparta and graduated from Sandy Valley High School in 1965. After graduation i went to work for the Timken Co. My wife, Patricia and I were married in 1968 and are blessed with twins, Tracey and Troy. They in turn blessed us with 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I have always had a passion for photography. I was a member of Professional Photographers of America and was honored to photograph many weddings, high school seniors, families and ball photos. I served as Sunday school teacher, youth leader with my wife, and was lay leader several years ago. I served as lay delegate to annual conference for 18 years. I was scoutmaster for ten years for troop 157 in Magnolia. I’m a wood badge recipient and was awarded the Bernie Meyers award for leadership in the Netawotwes district, Boy Scouts of America. I’m currently serving as lay leader starting in 2025 for MMC, plus the lay delegate at large to annual conference. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV MMC is blessed to have Gary and his willingness to be the hands and feet of Christ in all he does in and out of MMC.
Angie Garrabrant-Administrative Assistant
Angie Garrabrant came to Magnolia Methodist Church with her family in October of 2023. She has over 25 years of administrative experience and considers it a blessing to be able to serve the Lord from the church office every day. Angie leads the Women’s Bible Study called T.R.I.B.E (Together Reaching Inspired Believers for Christ.) In her free time, Angie enjoys spending time with her family, organizing thing, singing, writing, growing and preserving food out of their garden and raising animals for 4-H and home projects.
Tom Remark-Choir Director
Late summer of 1990, Bob Leach stopped at my home while I was building a float for the Canal Days parade. He asked me if I would be interested in directing the Magnolia Methodist Chancel Choir. He knew that I was a former Director of the Canton Hall of Fame Barbershop Chorus. Although I was not a Methodist, I agreed to give it a try for a year. The choir members and church community welcomed me and here I am, ready to begin my 35th year as their choir director. It has been a joy directing nearly 50 Christmas and Palm Sunday cantatas.; 6 Community cantatas etc. I even had the opportunity of writing, along with my wife. nearly 90 anthems/benedictions during the covid pandemic. We would find out the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Deb would write the lyrics based on the scripture and I would write the music. I would wear my choir robe and Deb would video it and download it to Frank Schubert who recorded Pastor Carl’s message during the week. Nancymae created original music each week for the offertory. Frank put the whole service together each week and posted it online by Sunday afternoon. Talk about outside our comfort zones. Deb and I have been married for 48 years. We lived on Canal Street for 36 of those years but now live: in Canton near Meyers Lake. We have two sons; Bart, who is an architect and a corporate event planner/designer. Ryan is a Las Vegas performer, a singer and a wedding DJ. Bart & his wife. Giorgia, have blessed us with two amazing grandchildren. Gia is a freshman at North Canton High School, on the Cheerleading squad and competition squad, also a singer and golfer. Sal is a fifth grader, loves track, basketball and will be auditioning for band. Deb loves to cook, swim and busies herself babysitting for all the next generation babies. We’re often asked what we do with all our time since we’re both retired. We haven’t found that “time” yet but wouldn’t have it any other way.
Michelle Miller-Pianist & Organist
With over 35 years of experience in church music ministry, I have had the privilege of serving as our church’s pianist and organist. I earned my undergraduate degree in music with a keyboard and choral emphasis from Bowling Green State University. I also hold a masters degree in music education from the University of Akron, where I completed extensive coursework in piano performance and the middle school voice. In addition to my work at the church, I am the Choral Director at Carrollton Middle School and Preparatory Division Director and Piano Instructor at the University of Mount Union. I’ve been blessed to have a career that allows me to combine my love of music with my passion for serving others. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family – my husband, Charlie, and our two daughters, Anna and Katie. We love the arts, vacationing, raising 4-H rabbits, and relaxing at the lake. We’ve been a part of MMC for over 15 years, and have had the opportunity of serving in various roles throughout our time here. Magnolia Methodist Church is blessed by all of Michelle’s spiritual gifts of music!
Jessica Clark-Custodian
Hello! My name is Jessica Clark and I am the custodian at Magnolia Methodist Church. I have 13 years of cleaning experience and it has been my pleasure keeping MMC clean and tidy since the spring of 2022. I also have a cleaning business that I started several years ago doing residential cleaning. It is such a rewarding job to be able to help others out in this way. I am happily married to my husband, Nate and we have 2 daughters together, Mia (11) and Presley (6) We moved to the area in 2020 and was immediately welcomed by such a loving and caring community of people. My hobbies include spending quality time with family, going on walks/hikes and reading. Magnolia Methodist Church is blessed to have Jessica’s gifts and talents of keeping God’s house in tip top shape for ministries. We appreciate Jessica!
Marie Marcoaldi-Sunday School Superintendent
My name is Marie Marcoaldi and I am super excited for my new position as Superintendent of Sunday School! I have three wonderful boys Joey, Vinny, and Luca and our dog Leo. I am a teacher at Sandy Valley Local Schools where I am blessed to work with our gifted students. I have been teaching for 20 years. My boys and I have attended Magnolia Methodist Church for over 10 years. I am excited to implement the new ideas we have for our Sunday School program! Magnolia Methodist Church is excited to continue to watch the Children’s Ministries at MMC flourish under Marie’s direction.
Ken Grigsby- Head Trustee
My name is Ken Grigsby, I am an graduate of Carrollton High School; USAF Veteran; BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Univ. of Akron; Master degree in Business from Kent State Univ.; Retired from The Timken Company – Steel Division. I married Carolyn Sue Larson in 1975 and have three daughters; Angela, Jennifer and Melissa; and eight grandchildren.
I spent 20 yrs on the Sandy Valley Local School Board; 6 years on Carroll County Park District Board, and various Magnolia United Methodist Church committees . I am currently on the Carroll County Farm Bureau Board, Magnolia Lion’s Club member and a member of Magnolia Methodist Church and serve on several committees . Since my retirement , I enjoy woodcarving and a member of several woodcarving clubs; also, organized and lead a group of wood carvers at the Carroll County Arts Center. Everyone at MMC is thankful to have Ken lead the Church Trustees in caring for the church and parsonage grounds!
Colleen Newell-Youth Director
Hello All! My name is Colleen Newell I am an RN at Cleveland Clinic Mercy. My home has always been Magnolia Methodist as I was one of the first kids baptized in the new church after the move. I am the mother of 3 amazing young men Dylan (29) manager of freedom hobby and twins Jacob (23) married to his awesome wife Grace my first daughter! Jacob starts medical school in July and Grace is an RN accepted to grad school to start her Nurse Practitioner. Joshua (23) will finish his mechanical engineering degree and likely move to Europe in 2025. I am married to my absolute best friend! Daryl is director of service/sales for a roofing company. We absolutely LOVE the relationships we have built with the youth and look forward to growing the group. We had the youth when our kids were in and never intended to be back at it, however God had other plans. Magnolia Methodist is blessed to have Colleen and her husband Daryl leading the MMC youth program with God’s direction!
Dr. Joseph Wigfield-Leadership Board Chair
Dr. Joe was baptized at the Magnolia Methodist Church in the mid 1970’s and has been attending MMC since then. This location holds special memories for him during his Little Rascals preschool years with Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Spitler and growing up with many people that still attend this church. He and his wife Lisa reside in Magnolia with their four boys who are all members of the church. Dr. Joe is currently the chair of the Leadership Board.
Rick Hamilton-Security
COMING SOON!
Ken Grigsby-Lead Trustee
COMING SOON!
Dan Stokes-Technology
Dan Stokes began attending Magnolia in 1996. Once Dan started, he soon found enjoyment by getting involved in the sounds system in 2006. Every week Dan also creates the PowerPoint for the worship services and began doing that in 2007. Dan is married to his wife Debbie and they have 2 children, Jill and Danny. They enjoy spending time with their grandkids. Dan also enjoys hobbies such as golf and yardwork. Magnolia Methodist Church is thankful for Dan and using his gifts and talents in technology for our worship services!
(missing from photo: Jim Marraccini & Lisa Kernan)
Magnolia Methodist Church Leadership Board
Magnolia Methodist Church is blessed have a Leadership Team who uses their own gifts and talents to care for the church needs and with a vision for future plans to further God’s Kingdom here on Earth. Each member of the team takes their role seriously but at the same time, they give the Holy Spirit time to work among them and prayer over every decision that needs to be made by the team. Each man and woman on the team comes from all walks of life that represents not only the congregation but the community as well. You will see all of them serving at MMC as well as out and about in their daily lives. We are thankful for a prayer-led Leadership Board at MMC!