Canal Winchester Methodist Church
A Global Methodist Church
Church Leadership
Rev. Charlene Mitchell
I am an ordained Elder in the Global Methodist Church, and God called me to serve Canal Winchester Methodist Church in a part‑time appointment beginning in July of 2023. I was raised in Circleville, Ohio, and today I live in Rockbridge, Ohio, in beautiful Hocking County.
Before coming here, I served at Hocking Hills Church in Logan, Ohio, as the Pastor of Care and Support alongside my husband, Rev. Roland Mitchell, for ten years. I also provided pulpit supply for Shawnee United Methodist Church and New Straitsville Methodist Church in Perry County for three years. Prior to that season, I served in many roles as a pastor’s wife in Kingston, Richmond Dale, and Washington Court House, teaching Bible studies, leading children’s ministry, helping with Vacation Bible School, and stepping into whatever ministries were needed.
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Before answering the call to ministry, I worked in a family practice medical office for nearly twenty years. In 2011, I felt a clear call into the pastorate, and I went on to complete my theological studies at the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio.
My husband and I have been married for almost thirty years, and we have two grown children. Our daughter, Madelyn Morgan, and her husband, Timmy, and our son, Maddox Mitchell. I’m also blessed to be “Mimi” to two granddaughters, Lexi and Cheyenne. I love being outside, going for walks, riding roller coasters, spending time with my family, and if I’m honest, I may have a small obsession with shoes.
I am committed to being a lifelong student of God’s Word. I truly enjoy being engaged with the congregation in every aspect of ministry and caring for the people God has entrusted to me.
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My favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.” I enjoy many genres of music, but two of my favorite Christian songs are the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and the modern worship song “I Speak Jesus.”
Meet The CWMC Leadership Team
Dustin Bower
Leadership Team Chairman
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Our church’s Leadership Team is made up of the chairpersons of each of our core committees, along with the pastor. As Leadership Chairman, I help guide and coordinate the work of these groups as we discern direction, steward resources, and support the mission of the church. Together, we work to ensure that every area of ministry is aligned, supported, and moving forward with purpose.
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I have been part of Canal Winchester Methodist Church for nearly my entire life. My family began attending in 1986, and I grew up not only in the church but also as a student in our Educare program. I officially became a member after completing Confirmation in the 6th grade. In 2016, I was in charge of our youth program, and I was invited to join the Leadership Team, where I served for several years as Chairman of the Trustees before stepping into my current role as Leadership Committee Chair. This church has shaped my life from childhood to adulthood, and it’s an honor to help guide its ministry and mission today.
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From time to time I get the opportunity to present the message on Sundays or at other gatherings and being a Marine, my favorite scripture is Ephesians 6:10–18, the passage on the Full Armor of God. It reminds me to stand firm, stay grounded in truth, and rely on God’s strength in every situation of my life.
Jan Smith
Finance Committee Chair
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My primary responsibility is to oversee the Finance Committee and stewardship of the church's financial resources from presenting monthly finance reports to creating the yearly budgets while maintaining financial efficiency.
I became a member of our church in the mid 1990’s and got involved in church leadership as a member of the Finance Committee due to my accounting background. I have also held other positions within church such as Leadership Chairman and I am also currently the scribe for all of the official leadership team meetings, compiling the monthly minutes for distribution.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite scriptures because it reminds me to listen to God and trust him, especially during uncertain times. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Karl Sommer
Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair
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I serves as a vital bridge between the pastor, the congregation, and the denomination, offering support and encouragement to the pastor, as well as help maintain healthy communication within the church, oversee staff‑related matters, and work closely with denominational leadership when needed.
I’ve been a member of CWMC since 2023 and got involved with church leadership because I felt God leading me into it, and while I enjoy working with others, it seemed like a natural place to be. Maintaining open communications between our leadership team and the CWMC members is essential for our church growth. I'm grateful to God for the opportunity of helping bring Christ's love to our church and our larger community. It's exciting to see God at work here at CWMC and witnessing HIS will as we grow as a church.
My favorite hymn is, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” It was my mother's favorite.
My favorite scripture is John 3:16. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal live.”
Therein is our eternal hope!
Charlene Nutter
Missions Committee Chair
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​I’ve been at CWMC since 2021
Early on I attended a couple of Leadership Team meetings to learn more about the "workings" of the church. Soon after I was asked to consider being the Chair of the Missions team. After prayerful consideration I agreed to do so.
My Favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own its own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” A friend I worked with gave me a plaque with this Bible verse on it before I got married. I loved it and my best friend then read it at our wedding.
Michael McKinney
Outreach Committee Chair
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I’ve been at CWMC since September of 2024
I was invited to join the Leadership Team by the pastor and have been in the position since March of 2025.
My favorite hymns are, “A Might Fortress is our God” and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
My favorite scripture is Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Because in difficult or crazy times, we need God as our armor and shield.
Sarita Bower
Congregational Events Chair
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I’ve been at CWMC since the late 1980’s
My husband was chairman of the trustees, and I coordinated and organized fundraisers over the over the years. At one point, I was the chairman of the Methodist women’s group and assisted in planning many other events of the church. I was asked to consider joining the Leadership team because of my past involvement, so I accepted the official position I’m currently serving in now.
My favorite Hymns are, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” “In the Garden” “How Great Thou Art” & “Amazing Grace.” Their words and lyrics soothe your soul.