The Revs. A.S. Umbertino and Karen J. Wheeler

Akron MCC's Umbertino, Wheeler ordained to ministry

AKRON The Rev. A. S. Umbertino and the Rev. Karen J. Wheeler, pastors of the Akron Metropolitan Christian Church, were consecrated for the lifetime ministry in the Rite of Ordination on Sunday, Sept. 23. The Rev. Robert J. Baldauf, pastor of the Grace UCC officiated.

The Revs. Umbertino and Wheeler have pastored in the Akron area for over two years meeting the requirement of active full-time pastoring for at least two years prior to ordination.

The Rev. Umbertino has a Th.B. from Samaritan Theological Institute, and is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She is spokesperson on Homosexuality and the Bible, specifically dealing with the Greek and Hebrew translations of the text. She served as a student minister in Santa Monica and Riverside, California.

The Rev. Karen J. Wheeler is a graduate of the Ohio State University and also attended and taught

at the California State University at Fullerton. She was a member of the faculty and Board of Trustees at Samaritan. She is a native of Parma Heights, Ohio, and met Umbertino at Samaritan. Their team ministry is the guiding force at AMCC. is the guiding force at AMCC.

Following the celebration of their ordination a chicken dinner was served in the social hall at the church.

Also this month the Akron Metropolitan Christian Church has been accepted as a charter member of the Akron Area Association of Churches, to which over 50 church bodies of various coordichurch bodies of various denominations belong. This organization coordinates workshops, and other sharing between churches in the greater Akron area.

In the near future an appearance on WEWS' shows, "The Morning Exchange" is also scheduled.

For further information, call (216) 929-2855.

Rains fail to dampen Cleveland's 1st Gay Festival

by Carlos Colon

CLEVELAND-Spirits were high as the gates to Meadow Ridge Farms opened, allowing a crowd of approximately 2000 persons to begin the first annual Cleveland Gay Festival. Food and beverage were plentiful, as well as good dance music and just plain fun.

The quality of and mixing of the music were attributed to Cleveland area DJ's Eric, Larry, Tony and Paul and E.B. The crowd's reaction to the music must have been favorable, as they kept dancing on the soggy field even during the heaviest downpour.

boots

but some chose to wear "highfashion" styles such as a leopard bikini and a chiffon see-thru happy coat.

The shows were great with such talented and wonderful performers as Mona Desmond, Melissa Ross and others. The crowds responded enthusiastically.

Group games, raffles and the various booths added to the day's: fun. All in all, a fun-filled memorable day was provided by the Greater Cleveland Gay Coalition's Festival '79 committees, proving that the "gay community" cares, can and did pull together in an atmosphere of love, friendship and

Jeans, T-shirts and seemed to be the dress of the day, unity.

March on Wash.

Cleve. benefits held

CLEVELAND-The Cleveland Committee for the March On Washington reports that Akron, Canton, Youngstown and Warden Bars all held benefits on Friday, Sept. 21, as did most of the Cleveland area bars. Exedra will be holding a drag show benefit on

Sunday, Sept. 30. They also will be holding a "Sendoff Party" for the buses the evening of Oct. 14th. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the March On Washington should call: in Cleveland, (216) 234-4446, and in Akron, (216) 867-6132.

GAY NEWS-Sept. 21, 1979

Frankie DeLee

Savannah Stone

Ohio Now-Toledo's dinner theater

AKRON-Congratulations to the Rev. A.P. Umbertino and Rev. Karen J. Wheeler on their recent ordination. They are pastors at the Akron Metropolitan Christian Church (MCC). Mike, manager of the Stagecoach Inn, is throwing a party for the buyers at the "Slave Auction" at his home following the event... To Steve Jobe, alias "Concerned for Ohio"-get your facts straight before putting them in print and dividing the gay community!... A hayride will be held Oct. 26 at Merestead Farms, at 8 p.m. and a Costime Ball is scheduled at the Stagecoach Inn, Oct. 31 with contest and prizes. There is a $2 donation at the door. The events are sponsored by the Akron MCC. Reservations are required for the hayride.; call, (216) 9292855.

CLEVELAND-Happy Birthday to David over at Exedra... Dining Notes-good food, atmosphere and service at the Crown Cafe in Ohio City and the Marlo II Restaurant in Lakewood... Watch for the up and coming "Mr. Bartender, Barmaid and DJ of the Year" finals to be held at Exedra. Cleveland, Columbus, Akron and Canton bars will be asked to send finalists. Rudy and Adam from Colorado's the Bunkhouse will be at Club Cleveland Oct. 20 with slides and movies. Refreshments will be served... Watch for a spectacular benefit coming up soon for the Cleveland Gay Community Service sponsored by Cleveland Gay News and Night Moves disco. COLUMBUS-Thanks to Jim

and George for their hospitality I need more information from the

Capitol City; send contributions to the address below.

PIQUA-Thanks to Lowell and Fred of The Watermain for the tour of their community... Keep the "Jockey Short Contest" going.

TOLEDO-There's a new conIcept in the dinner-theater entertainment at the Madison Park Dinner Theatre, starring Savannah Stone and Frankie DeLee every wekend with Denise Michaels and Jamie Alexander. MPDT is located in the Camel Lot Comples.

Send items, with contact person's name, address and phone number, to: Carlos Clon, "OhioNow," c/o 1281 West 105th Street, Cleveland, OH 44102. Deadline for nest issue is Oct. 10.