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Religion news

50 YEARS OF SERVICE: Calvary Presbyterian Church in Warren recently celebrated Pastor David Robert Black and his wife Bernice Starr Black for their 50 years of service to the Calvary congregation and Warren community. The Blacks came to Calvary in September of 1975 and have been ministering to the people for a half-century. A gathering took place following worship on Sept. 21 to thank the pastor and Mrs. Black for their lengthy and impactful service.

10TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Second Baptist Church, “A House of Hope,” will celebrate the 10th pastoral anniversary of Rev. Todd A. Johnson and First Lady Shameika Johnson. The milestone event will be observed on Sunday, providing the church and the wider Warren community an opportunity to honor a decade of faithful service and leadership. Under Johnson’s leadership over the past 10 years, the church has experienced significant growth in membership , spirituality, community engagement and financial stewardship. Johnson has spearheaded community initiatives, engaged in international missions support and played significant roles in the Northern Ohio Baptist District Association

The anniversary celebration begins with worship at 10 a.m., featuring guest preacher Rev. Dr. Richard Wingfield of Unity Baptist Church in Braddock, Pa. The celebration will culminate with a formal anniversary gala at Packard Music Hall with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by the banquet at 6 p.m. The featured speaker for the gala is Bishop Timothy Clarke, senior pastor of First Church of God in Columbus:

Tickets are $70 per person and available through the church office or online via CashApp: $SecondBaptistWarren, PayPal: @SecondBaptistWarren, or at www.secondbaptistwarren.com.

42ND ANNIVERSARY: Agape Assembly Church, 426 Nevada Ave. SW, Warren, will celebrate the church’s 42nd anniversary and Pastor George Johnson’s 32nd anniversary. The service will be at 11 am. Sunday with guest speaker District Elder Phillip Shealey of Atlanta, Ga.

CHURCH HOSTS CONCERT: The Sojourner Quartet of Findlay will be in concert at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at New Covenant Baptist Church, 1606 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown. Sojourner Quartet has been singing gospel music for 30 years in many locations throughout the United States and Canada. A free-will offering will be taken.

BABY SHOWER: Trinity Lutheran Church in Howland will host a fundraiser baby shower at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Those attending the lunch are asked to bring a donation of diapers, wipes, baby clothes or a monetary donation to help fill Katharina’s Closet.

NEW MEMBERS SOUGHT: Catholic Collegiate, a local organization for Catholic women with degrees, is accepting new members. Catholic Collegiate’s annual dues are used to support local charities and college scholarships. The next meeting will be 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at The Lake Club. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by brunch. For information, contact Barbara Banks at 330-757-4584.

PRAYER GATHERING: Flourish, a Mother’s Heart Praying for Our Prodigals, second annual prayer gathering will be Oct. 10 to 13 at Chestnut Ridge Church of God, 7215 Chestnut Ridge Road, Hubbard. The weekend retreat will include hope, prayer and sisterhood. Speakers include Rebecca Keys Gentzler, founder of Mothers Praying for Prodigals, Leighanne McCoy, national speaker and author, the Rev. Justin Lamison of Adult Teen Challenge and Phil Bechtel, author of “Hell and Back.” For information and registration, contact Rebecca at rebgentz@aol.com

TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa. will offer Taize Prayer at 7 p.m. Oct. 7. The theme is “Ordinary Time” and will feature a service of prayer, song and contemplation by candlelight. 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. The event is free. For information, call 724-964-8886 or visit the website at vmesc.org.

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JAPANESE EXPERIENCE: New Covenant Baptist Church, 1606 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will have guest speaker Barbara Dunbar, a Southern Baptist missionary, at 11 a.m. Sunday. Dunbar will share her experiences in Japan. The public is invited.

MEN’S WEEK OF CELEBRATING: The men of Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave. SW in Warren, are hosting events that feature food, music and worship for its Men’s Week of Celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday. This year’s theme is “Operation Uplift.” Warren Mayor Doug Franklin will be in attendance. Founded in 1874, Grace AME Church is Trumbull County’s longest running African American congregation, led by Pastor Shane K. Floyd.

INSTALLATION SERVICE: McKinley Community Church, 1524 Elm Road NE, Warren, will host an installation service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday during the morning worship service for Pastor David Lyons. Former pastor Dan Smith resigned. Lyons has been there since last September as the church piano player, but also has 36 years experience as a pastor. Charles Jarvis will have a Gideon message Sunday and Brenda Jarvis will perform the “special music” song.

HYMN SING: Trinity Lutheran Church in Howland will host a hymn sing and Oktoberfest themed picnic 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Participants should bring their favorite food to share.

NEW MEMBERS SOUGHT: Catholic Collegiate, a local organization for Catholic women with degrees, is accepting new members. Catholic Collegiate’s annual dues are used to support local charities and college scholarships. The next meeting will be 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at The Lake Club. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by brunch. For information, contact Barbara Banks at 330-757-4584.

PRAYER GATHERING: Flourish, a Mother’s Heart Praying for Our Prodigals, second annual prayer gathering will be Oct. 10 to 13 at Chestnut Ridge Church of God, 7215 Chestnut Ridge Road, Hubbard.

The weekend retreat will include hope, prayer and sisterhood. Speakers include Rebecca Keys Gentzler, founder of Mother’s Praying for Prodigals, Leighanne McCoy, national speaker and author, the Rev. Justin Lamison of Adult Teen Challenge and Phil Bechtel, author of “Hell and Back.” For information and registration, contact Rebecca at rebgentz@aolc.om

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown will welcome the Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, at noon Oct. 2 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. “That All May Be One” is the episcopal motto of Bonnar, who was appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown by Pope Francis in 2020 and was installed in January 2021. There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions following the talk. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Reservations are limited and must be made by Thursday at 330-720-4498.

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NEW PASTOR: Girard First United Methodist Church has named the Rev. Jennifer Wellington as its new pastor. She was first ordained as a United Methodist clergywoman in 1996 and served churches on the westside of Cleveland until 2007. Wellington also has worked as a licensed social worker and public school educator. She is also the pastor of Niles First United Methodist Church.

PRAYER GATHERING: Flourish, a Mother’s Heart Praying for Our Prodigals, second annual prayer gathering will be Oct. 10 to 13 at Chestnut Ridge Church of God, 7215 Chestnut Ridge Road, Hubbard. The weekend retreat will include hope, prayer and sisterhood. For information and registration, contact Rebecca at rebgentz@aolc.om

GOOD, BAD AND UGLY: “Dave Dravecky: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Jefferson St., New Castle, Pa. Dravecky, a Boardman High School graduate, former Major League Baseball pitcher, bestselling author and motivational speaker, will share his journey of heartbreak, healing, faith and triumph. At the height of his career, he was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in his pitching arm and had half of his deltoid muscle removed. Despite being told he’d likely never pitch again, he made a miraculous return to Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants — only to have his arm tragically break on the mound days later. Ultimately, he underwent amputation. Dravecky now travels across the nation sharing his message of adversity, hope, and true worth, grounded not in accomplishment, but in who we are.

Admission is free, with donations accepted to benefit the Dravecky Foundation. For information, email Chad Ubry at cubry@yahoo.com or call the church office at 724-652-7706.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown will welcome the Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, at noon Oct. 2 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield.

“That All May Be One” is the episcopal motto of Bonnar, who was appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown by Pope Francis in 2020 and was installed in January 2021. There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions following the talk. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Reservations are limited and must be made by Sept. 25 at 330-720-4498.

DRUMMING CIRCLE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor-Lloyd Road, Girard, will host a fall equinox drumming circle 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Sept. 19 at the Centre. The event, Drums and Yums, will be led by Dan Susany, a local drummer, who has led regional drumming events since 1997. Participants may bring their own drum or drums will be available. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. For questions, contact the centre at 330-539-0122.

HYMN SING: Trinity Lutheran Church in Howland will host a hymn sing and Oktoberfest themed picnic 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Participants should bring their favorite food to share.

INSTALLATION SERVICE: McKinley Community Church, 1524 Elm Road NE, Warren, will host an installation service at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 21 during the morning worship service for Pastor David Lyons. Former pastor Dan Smith resigned.

Lyons has been there since last September as the church piano player, but also has 36 years experience as a pastor. Charles Jarvis will have a Gideon message Sunday and Brenda Jarvis will perform the “special music” song.

CHEFS FOR CHARITY: Chefs for Charity, a fundraiser for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown, will be 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Tickets are $75, which includes specialty tastings from more than 20 of the area’s finest restaurants and chefs. In addition to food, there will be fellowship, raffles and entertainment. To purchase tickets visit: https://www.ccdoy.org/2025/06/01/chefs-for-charity/

NEW DEACONS SOUGHT: Bishop David J. Bonnar is calling for a new class of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Youngstown after consultation with the Presbyteral Council. The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is now accepting inquiries from men, whether married or single, between the ages of 30 and 60, who perceive the Holy Spirit’s call to serve the Church.

The intellectual formation will take place in partnership with the Diocese of Cleveland and St. Mary Seminary. The first class for this program will begin in August 2026. The formation program includes human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions and takes five years of part-time study to complete. Contact Deacon William Bancroft, Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, via email at wbancroft

@youngstowndiocese.org, or 330-744-8451, Ext. 369. You can also find information at doy.org/deacons.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: The Diocese of Youngstown is sponsoring a wedding anniversary celebration at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist Church, 627 McKinley Ave. NW, Canton.

The celebration honors couples observing their 25th, 40th, 50th and over wedding anniversaries in 2025. The celebration includes Mass with Bishop David J. Bonnar, renewal of marriage vows, a personalized certificate for each couple and a reception for the couple and their families.

Couples planning to attend this celebration need to register at their parish office as soon as possible, but no later than Sept. 29. Limited spaces are available. For information, contact the Very Rev. John Sheridan, Director, Office of Marriage and Family Life, at 330-744-8451, Ext. 252;

marriageoffice@youngstown

diocese.org

GUIDED LABYRINTH: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a Guided Labyrinth Walk 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The theme is “Finding the Way Out of Shadows and Into Gratitude​.” Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. The free event is held on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. 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/.

Religion news

BAPTISM AT THE POND: Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Road, will host a Baptism at the Pond and service at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Schwartz Farm, 3909 Everett Hull Road, Cortland. Those who want to be baptized are asked to call the church at 330- 637-6312. The church will host a women’s spiritual retreat day 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

INSTALLATION SERVICE: McKinley Community Church, 1524 Elm Road NE, Warren, will host an installation service at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 21 during the morning worship service for Pastor David Lyons. Former pastor Dan Smith resigned.

Lyons has been there since last September as the church piano player, but also has 36 years experience as a pastor.

Charles Jarvis will have a Gideon message Sunday and Brenda Jarvis will perform the “special music” song.

CHEFS FOR CHARITY: Chefs for Charity, a fundraiser for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown, will be 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Tickets are $75, which includes specialty tastings from more than 20 of the area’s finest restaurants and chefs. In addition to food, there will be fellowship, raffles and entertainment. To purchase tickets visit: https://www.ccdoy.org/2025/06/01/chefs-for-charity/

RALLY DAY: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren, will host a Rally Day celebration Sunday with a devotion, meal and fellowship as part of its Sunday worship service.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY: The Heart to Heart Women’s Ministry at Hubbard Church of the Nazarene invites women of all ages to the “Clean Hands, Pure Heart” program 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13. Rebecca Gentzler will be the guest speaker with the Rev. Rob McFarland leading the worship music. The cost is $15 (due Sunday) and includes any materials, light refreshments, lunch, door prizes and gifts. Checks should be made payable to Hubbard Church of the Nazarene and mailed to 1815 Cherry Lane Drive SE, Hubbard, OH 44425. Put “Heart to Heart Fall Event” on the memo line. Call the church at 330-534-3111 for more information.

GUEST SPEAKER: Operation Christmas Child will host Basit Hammad at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at New Life Church, 2250 E. Western Reserve Road, Poland. Hammad also will speak at 5 p.m. Sept. 12 at Burkholder Farm, 15978 Newcomb Road in Middlefield. The public is invited to hear how receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at age 13 was like a treasure to Basit. Hear how an unconditional gift inspired him to grow in his faith and pursue God’s calling to bring the Gospel where it has never gone. RSVP is needed by Saturday and those leaving an RSVP should give the number of people attending and at what church they are members. Email rbraydichdds@gmail.com or text 330-651-3554.

OUTREACH: Bishop David J. Bonnar is calling for a new class of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Youngstown after consultation with the Presbyteral Council. The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is now accepting inquiries from men, whether married or single, between the ages of 30 and 60, who perceive the Holy Spirit’s call to serve the Church.

The intellectual formation will take place in partnership with the Diocese of Cleveland and St. Mary Seminary. The first class for this program will begin in August 2026. Permanent deacons are ordained to a ministry of service, word and liturgy. They serve, as assigned by the Bishop, to preach the Gospel, baptize, witness marriages, preside at funerals and perform outreach to the poor. The formation program includes human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions and takes five years of part-time study to complete. Contact Deacon William Bancroft, Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, via email at wbancroft@youngstowndiocese.org, or 330-744-8451; ext. 369. You can also find information at doy.org/deacons.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY The Diocese of Youngstown is sponsoring a wedding anniversary celebration at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist Church, 627 McKinley Ave NW, Canton.

The celebration honors couples observing their 25th, 40th, 50th and over wedding anniversaries in 2025. The celebration includes Mass with Bishop David J. Bonnar, renewal of marriage vows, a personalized certificate for each couple and a reception for the couple and their families.

Couples planning to attend this celebration need to register at their parish office as soon as possible, but no later than Sept. 29. Limited spaces are available. For information, contact the Very Rev. John Sheridan, Director, Office of Marriage and Family Life, (330) 744-8451, ext. 252; marriageoffice@youngstowndiocese.org

JEWISH-CHRISTIAN STUDIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer an ongoing series Jewish Christian Studies 101 with the Rev. George Balasko 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 in person and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center’s website. This program will be in the Mother Madelaine Room. The Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures using video resources from various scripture scholars. Free will offerings will be accepted. Registration is not required.

GUIDED LABYRINTH: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a Guided Labyrinth Walk 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 14. The theme is “Finding the Way Out of Shadows and Into Gratitude.” Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. The free event is held on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. 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/.

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