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Religion news

KWANZAA EVENT: Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., Youngstown, will host a Kwanzaa program at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The theme is Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility. The event will include music, dancing and cultural expression with the Beulah Baptist Youth Department and Vincent Shivers.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: New Reed’s Chapel AME Church. 1939 Jacobs Road, Youngstown, will host a New Year’s Eve service at noon Dec. 31 with the Rev. Shane Floyd.

FINAL MASS: St. Brendan Church, 2800 Oakwood Ave., Youngstown, will celebrate its final Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. John Jerek will be the celebrant, along with the Rev. Paul Marich, O.P., a son of St. Brendan who now is pastor of St. Patrick Church in Columbus.

The church is closing at the end of the year. Diocesan officials previously announced St. Brendan and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish-St. Matthias Church, will merge with St. Christine Church in 2026.

BURNING BOWL SERVICE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host its burning bowl service at 11 a.m. Sunday with Pastor Larry Etheredge.

The ceremony symbolizes the release of negative patterns and thinking and the start of new beginnings. The paper is safely burned with the flame of a candle symbolizing its end.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet at noon Jan. 8 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield with guest Sister Jeanne Thurin, HM.

She will present “Jesus, the Recipe for Life: Vignettes in Mime,” narrated by Sister Mary Ann Spangler, HM.

Thurin, a sister of the Humility of Mary, accompanies young adults and adults on their spiritual journeys.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. Cost is $25 with reservations needed by Jan. 1 at 330-720-4498.

CHURCHES HELP ORGANIZATION: LOAF (Lakeview Outreach and Fellowship) hosted a recent community Christmas concert at Lakeview High School.

The choir and the orchestra were people from the area who volunteer their time and talents for this event.

Proceeds for this year’s concert are going to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which is a local nonprofit organization funded solely by donations and run by volunteers.

They provide beds for needy children in the area. The beds are twin size and constructed with raw wood. The organization delivers the beds to the children’s home and comes complete with a mattress, a pillow and bedding.

Religion news

CANFIELD COOKIES AND COCOA: Canfield Christian Church, 123 S. Broad St., will host free cookies and coffee or hot chocolate to those who want to stop in 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday after viewing the Christmas displays around the city, including light displays on Fairview Avenue.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 440 N. Broad St. Canfield, will host a Blue Christmas service at 10:15 a.m. Sunday to help those dealing with loss and grief at the holidays.

A CHILD IS BORN: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host a program “A Child is Born…All is Well Musical” at 6 p.m. Sunday. The event is free.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will host a Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Tuesday to help those dealing with loss and grief at the holidays.

FESTIVAL OF LESSONS: Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren, will host the annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Sunday. The tradition weaves together scripture readings, choral music and congregational carols. The concert will be conducted by Jamie W. Shiell, director of music at Christ Episcopal Church. The free event will be followed by a cookie reception in the parish hall.

LIVE NATIVITIES:

• Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Road, will have a live nativity 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

• Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Youngstown, will host a live nativity at 5 p.m. Sunday.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Hubbard Church of the Nazarene, 1815 Cherry Lane Drive, will present its Christmas program at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The Christmas choir will present a cantata, “Christmas… Sing the Joyful Song!” A soup luncheon will follow the service.

KWANZAA EVENT: Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., Youngstown, will host a Kwanzaa program at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 28. The theme is Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility. The event will include music, dancing and cultural expression with the Beulah Baptist Youth Department and Vincent Shivers.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet at noon Jan. 8 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield with guest Sister Jeanne Thurin, HM. She will present “Jesus, the Recipe for Life: Vignettes in Mime,” narrated by Sister Mary Ann Spangler, HM. Thurin, a sister of the Humility of Mary, accompanies young adults and adults on their spiritual journeys.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. Cost is $25 by Jan. 1 at 330-720-4498.

HOLIDAY SERVICES

• Bethel Friends Church, 2771 Spitler Road, Poland, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Calvary Bible Church, 3737 Warren Road NE, Cortland, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St., 5:30 and 10 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren, 4 and 7 p.m. Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. Christmas Day.

• Central Christian Church, 2051 E. Market St., Warren, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 140 Cherry Ave. NW, Warren, 5:30 p.m Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. Christmas Day

• First Presbyterian Church. 256 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, 5 and 10 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Grace Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Howland Community Church, 198 Niles Cortland Road, 7 and 11 p.m. Christmas Eve

• St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave, Boardman, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 440 N. Broad St., Canfield, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Niles First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 33 N. Arlington Ave., 7 p.m. Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. Christmas Day

• Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, 3, 4 and 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mt. Carmel, Youngstown, 5:30 and 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve and 9 and 11 a.m. Christmas Day.

• Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. SW, Warren, Christmas service, 10 a.m. Dec. 21 and end of year service, 10 a.m. Dec. 28.

• St. Anthony of Padua, 1125 Turin Ave., Youngstown, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve

• St. Blaise Parish-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., 6 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. Christmas Day

• St. Blaise Parish-St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road. Austintown, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve, and 9 a.m. Christmas Day

• St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown, 4 and 10 p.m. Christmas Eve and 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day.

• St. Edward Parish, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and 9 a.m. Christmas Day.

• St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 463 Robinson Road, Campbell, divine liturgy 9 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. Christmas Day

• St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2860 E., Market St., Warren, 6:45 p.m. Christmas Eve

• St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave. NE, Warren, 6 p.m. Christmas Eve liturgy and 11 a.m. divine liturgy Christmas Day

• St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 4 and 9 p.m Christmas Eve

• St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. James Church, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. Christmas Day

• St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. Mary Church, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and midnight Christmas Day

• Wildare Church, 7211 N. Park Ave., Champion, 6 p.m. Christmas Eve

• Zion Lutheran Church, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Christmas Eve

Religion news

FINAL LESSONS AND CAROLS: The congregation of St. James Episcopal Church will return to its historic building in Boardman Park, St. James Meeting House, 10 a.m. Sunday for its final service of Advent Lessons and Carols. The historic St. James Meeting House has been decorated by the Holborn Herb Growers Guild. The people of St. James have been gathering as a community to worship God since 1809, making it the oldest congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. For 142 years, from 1829-1971, folks met in what is now known as St. James Meeting House. In 1972, its current building on Glenwood Avenue was consecrated. Due to a decline in attendance and income, the congregation of St. James will hold its final service on Feb. 15.

FREE CONCERT: Grace Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, will host the Cortland Community Band as it performs Christmas selections at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

CANFIELD COOKIES AND COCOA: Every Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 20, Canfield Christian Church, 123 S. Broad St., will host free cookies and coffee or hot chocolate to those who want to stop in after viewing the Christmas displays around the city, including light displays on Fairview Avenue Canfield.

A CHILD IS BORN: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host a program “A Child is Born…All is Well Musical” at 6 p.m. Dec. 21. The event is free.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Mecca Community Church, 5920 Phillips Rice Road, will host the fifth annual Winter Wonderland walk-through 6 to 9 p.m. Monday to Dec. 20. There will be more than 100 trees on display decorated by local residents, church members and local businesses. This is a free event unless guests want to try to win a tree and buy tickets or purchase the church’s traditional ornaments. Events planned are a Guess Who event with Bob and Cat Critters on Tuesday, Candy Car-A-Van at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19, which is similar to Trunk or Treat, but Christmas style, and free drive-in movie, “The Polar Express,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 20.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will host a Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Tuesday to help those dealing with loss and grief at the holidays.

FESTIVAL OF LESSONS: Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St NE, Warren, will host the annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Dec. 21. The tradition weaves together scripture readings, choral music and congregational carols to celebrate the Christmas season. The concert will be conducted by Jamie W. Shiell, director of music at Christ Episcopal Church. The free event will be followed by a cookie reception in the parish hall.

LIVE NATIVITY: Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Youngstown, will host a live nativity at 5 p.m. Dec. 21.

CHESS NIGHT: New Covenant Baptist Church, 1606 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host a chess night at 6 p.m. Friday.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Hubbard Church of the Nazarene, 1815 Cherry Lane Drive, will present its Christmas program at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 21.The Christmas choir will present a cantata, “Christmas… Sing the Joyful Song!” ” A soup luncheon will follow the service.

FAREWELL EVENT: Howland United Methodist Church will host a farewell to Pastor Matt Darrin at 10 a.m. Dec. 21. Darrin has been reassigned to another church starting in January. He and his family will be at the church Dec.21 when a church cantata will take place.

SOLSTICE DRUMMING CIRCLE: Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor-Lloyd Road, will host a winter solstice drumming circle 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the center. The event, Drums and Yums, will be led by Dan Susany, a local drummer who has led regional drumming events since 1997. You may bring your own drum or drums will be available. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. For questions, call 330-539-0122.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet at noon Jan. 8 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield with guest Sister Jeanne Thurin, HM. She will present “Jesus, the Recipe for Life: Vignettes in Mime,” narrated by Sister Mary Ann Spangler, HM. Thurin, a sister of the Humility of Mary, accompanies young adults and adults on their spiritual journeys.

Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. Cost is $25 by Jan. 1 at 330-720-4498.

NEW PARISH NAME: In November, Bishop David Bonnar announced the merger of St. Jude (Columbiana), Our Lady of Lourdes (East Palestine) and St. Patrick (Leetonia) parishes in the Columbiana County Deanery. The newly formed community will bear the name St. Carlo Acutis, honoring a young Italian saint whose life exemplifies modern holiness and devotion to the Eucharist. The new name takes effect Jan. 1.

St. Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, and throughout his short life, he demonstrated a great love of God and church teachings. Acutis showed profound devotion to the poor and championed the dignity of those with disabilities. He died in 2006, at the age of 15 after battling leukemia and was canonized a saint on Sept. 7, 2025, by Pope Leo XIV.

Religion news

CONCERT SET: New Covenant Baptist Church, 1606 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will have Jenah Shank ministering in song at the free concert. Shank is a Christian singer / songwriter who has shared her music and testimony at coffee houses, churches, festivals, jails, youth meetings and various venues throughout the country.

She has recorded several albums and participates in various outreach and benefit efforts.

Shank’s music royalties have helped send disadvantaged youth to summer camp and provide essential supplies to those in need.

MADRIGAL CONCERT: Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 420 Clearmont Drive, Youngstown, will host a free Madrigal concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. The performance will include Medieval and Renaissance music.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Drive, Boardman, will host a free community Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 with the 50-plus member Canfield Community Concert Band.

HOLIDAY DISPLAY: Every Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 20, Canfield Christian Church, 123 S. Broad St., will host free cookies and coffee or hot chocolate to those who want to stop in after viewing the Christmas displays around the city, including light displays on Fairview Avenue in Canfield. There will be a live nativity, Journey to Bethlehem, 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 put on by church members.

CHOIR SHOW: Hubbard First Presbyterian Church, 22 Westview Ave., will have the Simple Gifts Interfaith Choir perform “In Joyous Song” at 4 p.m. Sunday. The hour-long program features the 60-voice choir singing traditional and contemporary anthems observing the Advent and Christmas season. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Hubbard Community Supply Pantry. Admission is free.

A CHILD IS BORN: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host a program “A Child is Born…All is Well Musical” at 6 p.m. Dec. 21. The event is free.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Mecca Community Church, 5920 Phillips Rice Road, Cortland, will host the fifth annual Winter Wonderland walk-through 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15 to 20. There will be more than 100 trees on display decorated by local residents, church members and local businesses. This is a free event unless guests want to try to win a tree and buy tickets or purchase the church’s traditional ornaments.

Events planned are a Guess Who event with Bob and Cat Critters Dec. 16, Candy Car-A-Van at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19, which is similar to Trunk or Treat, but Christmas style, and free drive-in movie, “The Polar Express,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 20.

GINGERBREAD FEST: Champion Presbyterian Church, 4997 Mahoning Ave. NW, will host a Gingerbread Fest at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

LIVE NATIVITY: Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Youngstown, will host a live nativity at 5 p.m. Dec. 21.

FAREWELL EVENT: Howland United Methodist Church will host a farewell to Pastor Matt Darrin at 10 a.m. Dec. 21. Darrin has been reassigned to another church starting in January. He and his family will be at the church Dec. 21 when a church cantata will take place.

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