Religion news
MARCH FOR JESUS: The March for Jesus Mahoning Valley will be held at 10 a.m. June 7 and begin at the former South High School, 1833 Market St., on the city’s south side.
Vacation Bible schools:
• Niles First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., will hold VBS 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. June 8 to 12 for ages 3 to sixth grade. For information call 330-652-4370.
• First Presbyterian Church in Warren, Mahoning Avenue, will hold a Warren Kids’ Kamp 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 22 to 26 for children in kindergarten to fifth grade. The theme is “What a Mess.” Call 330-393-1524.
• Grace Lutheran Church, 111 Hall Ave., Hubbard, will hold VBS 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 23 to 27 for ages 4 to sixth grade. The theme is True North 2025. Call 330-534-3168 or 330-534-1928. Youth at VBS will help with mission efforts to benefit Hubbard Community Food Pantry and the Blue Coats of Hubbard. Participating churches for the VBS are Grace Lutheran Church, St. Patrick Church, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church.
CHURCH TO MARK 101 YEARS: Pastor Kenneth L. Simon and the congregation of the New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown, will be celebrating the church’s 101st anniversary of its service to God at 10:30 a.m. June 22. The theme for the celebration is “Advancing the Kingdom of God, through Our Witness, The Word, and Our Worship.” The scripture is Acts 1:8.
TORCH CONFERENCE: A Torch conference, with the theme “Taking our Relationship with Christ Higher,” will be 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11 to 13 at Warren First Nazarene Church, 4179 Parkman Road. The youth enrichment program will provide classes on financial literacy and money management, character building, etiquette and basic human manners for society, and basic car maintenance. To register, visit www.torchconference.com.
LAUGHING THROUGH LIFE: The J. Newman Levy speaker series will be 11 a.m. June 22 at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown. Rabbi Daniel Roberts is the guest speaker. Register by June 18 at jccyoungstown.org
DRUMS AND YUMS: The Drums and Yums event for the June 2025 summer solstice will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 20. The Solstice this year occurs at 10:42 p.m. Eastern Time so participants drumming on the exact day of the Solstice. Weather permitting, the event will be outside with a bonfire; otherwise, inside in the foyer. The event will be facilitated by Dan Susany, who is a local drummer. Drums and percussion instruments such as rattles will be provided for those without their own instruments. Please bring your own drum, flute or percussion instrument if you have them.
LABYRINTH SCHEDULE: The Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will begin its 15th year of guided labyrinth walks. This year’s overarching theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” in honor of the Jubilee Year 2025. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks take about a half hour and are set at 6:30 p.m. June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18 and Oct. 19. Printed guides are found at the labyrinth’s entrance, giving suggestions for following the path. For information, call Sister Nancy Pawlen at 330-793-0434, ext. 351.
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngtown, will mark the 101st church anniversary at 10:30 a.m. June 22. Pastor Kenneth L.Simon and the congregation will celebrate the church’s anniversary of its service to God, the Youngstown community and to the Mahoning Valley. The theme for the celebration is “Advancing the Kingdom of God, through Our Witness, The Word and Our Worship.”
SOJOURNER QUARTET: The Church at Warren, 3179 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Bazetta, will host the Sojourner Quartet at 11 a.m. June 22. The event is free.
JOINING VOICES: The Joining Voices for Jesus worship service will be held 2 to 4 p.m. June 21 at SEBO Stadium, 824 E./ Pershing St. in Salem. Joining Voices For Jesus is a community event to proclaim and celebrate Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. This event will bring together churches, organizations and believers throughout Columbiana County and the surrounding counties and areas. Throughout the event there will be activities such as art, prayer walks, motorcycle cruises, and worship.
Religion news
CAMPFIRE HYMN: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road, Howland, will host a campfire hymn sing at 5:30 pm. Saturday. The event will include a dinner and singing around the campfire.
CEMETERY SERVICE: St. John the Baptist Cemetery on Villa Maria Road in Lowellville is having a Memorial Day Mass at 10 a..m. Monday in the cemetery chapel hosted by Christ the Good Shepherd Parish-St. John the Baptist Church in Campbell.
SHAVUOT EVENT: The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown will celebrate Shavuot at 1 p.m. May 27 at the JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane. Barb Wilson, JCC director of cultural arts and Jewish engagement, will share how Shavuot is celebrated and Rabbi Seth Sternstein of Temple El Emeth will lead a special teaching about the 10 Commandments. The luncheon will include kugel, blintzes and cheesecake.
Shavuot is a two-day Jewish holiday (celebrated this year June 1-3) that commemorates the date when God gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai more than 3,000 years ago.
Preceded by 49 days of counting in eager anticipation, Shavuot is celebrated through disengaging from work, candle-lit dinners, staying up all night to study the Torah, listening to the reading of the Ten Commandments in synagogue, enjoying dairy foods and other festivities.
The cost is $9 for JCC members and $12 for nonmembers. This program is for ages 18 and over. Registration is required at jjccyoungstown.org/holiday.
FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2024-25 Speaker Series season will continue June 5 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Guest speaker is Sister Judy Dohner, H.M., of the Youngstown Diocese’s Haitian Migrant Ministry, who will present “They Are Our Teachers: The Values People Who Are Poor Can Teach Us.”
Lunch will be served 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by May 29 at 330-720-4498. Visit firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org.
60th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Progressive Baptist Church, Colonial Avenue, Warren, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The theme is “Moving Forward by Faith.”
Pastor Cornelius Morgan of Mount Olive Baptist Church was the recent guest speaker. Church pastor is Daniel Johnson and First Lady Jackie Johnson.
TORCH CONFERENCE: A Torch conference, with the theme “Taking our Relationship with Christ Higher,” will be 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11 to 13 at Warren First Nazarene Church, 4179 Parkman Road. The youth enrichment program will provide classes on financial literacy and money management, character building, etiquette and basic human manners for society, and basic car maintenance. To register, visit www.torchconference.com.
LABYRINTH SCHEDULE: The Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will begin its 15th year of guided labyrinth walks.
This year’s overarching theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” in honor of the Jubilee Year 2025. All people of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks take about a half hour and are set at 6:30 p.m. June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18 and Oct. 19. Printed guides are found at the labyrinth’s entrance, giving suggestions for following the path.
For information, call Sister Nancy Pawlen at 330-793-0434, ext. 351.
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngtown, will mark the 101st church anniversary at 10:30 a.m. June 22. Pastor Kenneth L.Simon and the congregation will celebrate the church’s anniversary of its service to God, the Youngstown community and to the Mahoning Valley. The theme for the celebration is “Advancing the Kingdom of God, through Our Witness, The Word and Our Worship.”
SOJOURNER QUARTET: The Church at Warren, 3179 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Bazetta, will host the Sojourner Quartet at 11 a.m. June 22. The event is free.
Religion news
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Valley Missionary Baptist Church, 405 Depot St., Niles, will celebratePastor Larry Scott and First Lady Flora Scott’s 36th pastoral anniversary at 11 a.m. Sunday. Guest speaker is Pastor James Bowell of Greater Friendship Baptist Church of Youngstown.
CONCERT SET: Niles First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., will host a concert by Calvary’s Love at 2 p.m. Sunday. The church also is celebrating 135 years.
SCULPTURE DEDICATION: World-renowned sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz will visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in downtown Youngstown at 4 p.m. Wednesday for the dedication of the “Last Supper” sculpture, which is one of the artist’s seven sculptures in the city.
An invitation-only presentation and reception will be at 1 p.m.
FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2024-25 Speaker Series season will continue June 5 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Guest speaker is Sister Judy Dohner, H.M., Haitian Migrant Ministry, who will present “They Are Our Teachers: The Values People Who Are Poor Can Teach Us.”
Lunch will be served 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by May 29 at 330-720-4498. Visit firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org
LABYRINTH SCHEDULE: The Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will begin its 15th year of guided labyrinth walks. This year’s overarching theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” in honor of the Jubilee Year 2025. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks are about a half hour.
The first walk is 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by 6:30 p.m. June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18 and Oct. 19. Printed guides are found at the Labyrinth’s entrance, giving suggestions for following the path. For information, call Sister Nancy Pawlen at 330-793-0434, ext. 351.
MIGHTY GOLDEN WONDERS: The Mighty Golden Wonders will celebrate their 48th annual concert at 5 p.m. Sunday at Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ, 939 Elm St., Youngstown. Doors open at 4 p.m. Special guest is George Dean and the Gospel 4 of Memphis, Tennessee, along with other musical guests. Tickets in advance are $30 and at the door are $35. Children 12 and under are free. For information, call Charles Brown at 330-979-8121 or Lionel Saulsberry at 330-787-6726.
CAMPFIRE HYMN: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road, Howland, will host a campfire hymn sing at 5:30 pm. May 24. The event will include a dinner and singing around the campfire.
GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK; Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a guided labyrinth walk 2 to 4 p.m.Sunday at the center, 225 Villa Maria Road. The theme is “Walking the Labyrinth with Mother Mary.” The labyrinth is a tool that allows us to explore our inner space and discover the sacred within and around us. Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. This event is held on the picturesque grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. Guided Labyrinth Walks are free. Registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or check the website for program status at https://vmesc.org/.
SOJOURNER QUARTET: The Church at Warren, 3179 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Bazetta, will host the Sojourner Quartet 11 a.m. June 22. The free event is open to the public.
SHROUD ENCOUNTER: The Shroud Encounter will be 7 p.m. Thursday at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa. Admission is free for the virtual or in-person event. Program information and registration are available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.
Religion news
WOMEN’S DAY: Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Cortland, will host Women’s Day 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday for the women of the community. The church’s men’s group will host the event.
CONCERT SET: Niles First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., will host a concert by Calvary’s Love at 2 p.m. May 18. The church also is celebrating 135 years.
BENEFIT EVENT: Behind Closed Doors Ministries LLC of Ohio will present the Arlessa R. Douglass’ family reconnection event 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Jones Room in Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University. Cost is $25 per person. Call or text 330-502-4188 for information.
SCULPTURE DEDICATION: World-renowned sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz will visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in downtown Youngstown at 4 p.m. May 21 for the dedication of the “Last Supper” sculpture, which is one of the artist’s seven sculptures in the city.
An invitation-only presentation and reception will be at 1 p.m.
CELEBRATING MARRIAGE: Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown will celebrate a special Mass at 2 p.m. May 18 at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., in Youngstown. The celebration honors couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th and over wedding anniversaries. The Wedding Anniversary Celebration includes renewal of marriage vows at Mass and a personalized certificate.
FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2024-25 Speaker Series season will be June 5 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Guest speaker is Sister Judy Dohner, H.M., Haitian Migrant Ministry, who will present “They Are Our Teachers: The Values People Who Are Poor Can Teach Us.”
Lunch will be served 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by May 29 at 330-720-4498. Visit firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org.
LABYRINTH SCHEDULE: The Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will begin its 15th year of guided labyrinth walks. This year’s overarching theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” in honor of the Jubilee Year 2025. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks are about a half hour.
The first walk is 2 p.m. May 18, followed by 6:30 p.m. June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18 and Oct. 19. Printed guides are found at the Labyrinth’s entrance, giving suggestions for following the path. For information, call Sister Nancy Pawlen at 330-793-0434, ext. 351.
MIGHTY GOLDEN WONDERS: The Mighty Golden Wonders will celebrate their 48th annual concert at 5 p.m. May 18 at Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ, 939 Elm St., Youngstown. Doors open at 4 p.m. Special guest is George Dean and the Gospel 4 of Memphis, Tennessee, along with other musical guests. Tickets in advance are $30 and at the door are $35. Children 12 and under are free. For information, call Charles Brown at 330-979-8121 or Lionel Saulsberry at 330-787-6726.
CAMPFIRE HYMN: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road, Howland, will host a campfire hymn sing at 5:30 pm. May 24. The event will include a dinner and singing around the campfire.
MEN’S RALLY: The annual Men’s Rally in the Valley will be May 24 at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. The free event’s theme this year is “Reflection of Christ” and includes guests Brant Hansen, Brian Welch, Chris Brock, Jim Loboy and Brandon Lewis.
GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a guided labyrinth walk 2 to 4 p.m. May 18 at the center, 225 Villa Maria Road. The theme is “Walking the Labyrinth with Mother Mary.” The labyrinth is a tool that allows us to explore our inner space and discover the sacred within and around us. Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. This event is held on the picturesque grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. Guided Labyrinth Walks are free. Registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or check the website for program status at https://vmesc.org/.
SOJOURNER QUARTET: The Church at Warren, 3179 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Bazetta, will host the Sojourner Quartet 11 a.m. June 22. The free event is open to the public.
LIVING MUSICALLY: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer “Living Musically: Creating an Intentional Relationship With Music” with Michelle Muth, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17. The day-long workshop is for anyone interested in exploring how music, used intentionally, can have a positive effect on our lives and those around us. Participants can expect engagement with other retreatants through facilitated music making, discussion and activities.
Cost is $90. Information and registration are at vmesc.org, or call 724-964-8886.
SHROUD ENCOUNTER: The Shroud Encounter will be 7 p.m. May 22 at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road in Villa Maria, Pa. Admission is free for the virtual or in-person event.
Program information and registration are available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.
Religion news
PORTRAYAL OF THOMAS: Grace Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW in Warren, will have Pastor Barry French lead a special service at 11 a.m. Sunday of his portrayals of people in the Bible. He has portrayed Pontius Pilate and the leper, and on Sunday, he will portray the disciple Thomas, who doubted Jesus’ resurrection. Refreshments will be provided.
TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer Taize prayer at 7 p.m. May 6. The theme is Easter. Taize is a form a Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. Music ministers are Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn.
For information, call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org.
GUEST SPEAKER: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will host speaker Stacey Altiere, a family support specialist with the Trumbull County Combined Health District, 11:15 a.m. Sunday. Alterie founded the ORRIN Collaborative to end human trafficking in 2021. The topic will be “Medical Marijuana in Our Community.”
MIGHTY GOLDEN WONDERS: The Mighty Golden Wonders will celebrate their 48th annual concert at 5 p.m. May 18 at Nevels Temple Church of God in Christ, 939 Elm St., Youngstown. Doors open at 4 p.m. Special guest is George Dean and the Gospel 4 of Memphis, Tennessee, along with other musical guests. Tickets in advance are $30 and at the door are $35. Children 12 and under are free. For information, call Charles Brown at 330-979-8121 or Lionel Saulsberry at 330-787-6726.
MEN’S RALLY: The annual Men’s Rally in the Valley will be May 24 at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. The free event’s theme this year is “Reflection of Christ” and includes guests Brant Hansen, Brian Welch, Chris Brock, Jim Loboy and Brandon Lewis.
CHURCH HOLDS COLLECTION: Katharina’s Closet donation dropoff will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Howland. If you are unable to drop off donations during that time or have other questions, call the church pastor at 330-647-6402 or pastortrinitywarren@gmail.com. Do not leave donations on the narthex porch or by the parking lot entrance because they will have to be discarded. Donations of diapers, baby wipes and baby clothes are being sought. The distribution will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 22.
GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK; Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a guided labyrinth walk 2 to 4 p.m. May 18 at the center, 225 Villa Maria Road. The theme is “Walking the Labyrinth with Mother Mary.” The labyrinth is a tool that allows us to explore our inner space and discover the sacred within and around us. Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. This event is held on the picturesque grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. Guided Labyrinth Walks are free. Registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or check the website for program status at https://vmesc.org/.