April 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

MISSION: SERVE THE COMMUNITY

Harvestime Apostolic Temple

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

Harvestime Apostolic Temple’s mission is to serve the community in many capacities, making sure everyone feels safe, welcome, and loved. The church strives to be a place where anyone can come and find peace and rest from life’s hardships.

Harvestime, located in Hartville, has long offered ministries for the special needs community. Two of the largest events are Make ‘m Smile Ohio and the Princess Within noncompetitive pageant. Make ‘m Smile is a big party that celebrates kids of all ages with all types of disabilities. It is filled with family entertainment, games, characters, animals, food, helpful resources from the community, a friendship stroll, and tons of smiles! The Princess Within pageant celebrates the inner beauty of every girl. Each princess is escorted across a wheelchairaccessible stage and given a tiara.

Like many other organizations, Harvestime had several setbacks during COVID, including pausing building a new church with a wing for the special needs department. However, the church is determined to continue the Make ‘m Smile and Princess Within programs. To continue, the church fundraises all year. On April 1, 2023, Harvestime will host a benefit dinner from 5pm to 8pm at the Uniontown Community Park.

Before the COVID shutdown, Harvestime had a growing and thriving special needs Sunday School program that included class time, the Angels Sign Team that performed regularly in the community which included singing and fun for all. The church hopes to resume these programs soon as more people return to in-person worship.

Harvestime’s heritage dates back to 1938, when Pastor Delmar White and his wife, Mary, built and founded the first Apostolic church in Akron. Their daughter, Ruth, and her husband, Raymond Smith, felt called to begin a new church in the North Canton/Uniontown/Hartville area. In March of 1978, services began and the congregation quickly grew. Different meeting places were used as the church continued to grow. On January 18, 1986, the congregation voted to purchase the current church building in Hartville. The Smith family legacy continues as Raymond II and his wife, Linda, were voted in as pastors in 2022.

Harvestime has had many ministries. They include a Christian school, a daycare, a bus ministry, and a softball league. The church currently supports foreign and home missions, the special needs ministries, and offers various outreaches throughout the year, meeting the needs of the homeless, children at back-to-school time, and those in need during the Christmas season.

“We want everyone to know they are welcome here,” said Shelly Keller, church secretary. “If you are looking for a church home, we have a lot of love to give. If you have a special needs loved one, or are a part of the special needs community, please remember you are welcome here. We truly are all-inclusive. Jesus loves the whole world and we do too.”

Harvestime describes itself as apostolic in doctrine, Pentecostal in experience, holiness in lifestyle, and evangelistic in mission and its worship style is just like the book of Acts in the Bible.

Harvestime is located at 136 E. Maple St., Hartville Ohio, 44632. More information can be found at www.harvestimeonline.com or by calling 330-877-6544.