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Religion news

COMMUNITY CONCERT: The Joyful Connections Community Choir will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at Newton Falls First Baptist Church, 2640 S. Canal St.. The concert is “Music Through the Decades” and will feature songs from the 1950s to the present. The choir includes singers from the Warren and Youngstown areas.

RELEASED TIME: Released Time, which is Bible education during school hours, will host a year-end celebration and a parent meet-and-greet 5:30 to 7 p.m. June 27 at Warren First Assembly of God, 2640 Parkman Road NW. Warren. The school ministries team will be there to answer questions, and there will be food and games. RSVP to Don James at 330-647-3457 or djames1oh@gmail.com

102 YEARS: The 102nd anniversary of New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown, where the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon has served as pastor for more than 30 years, will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. June 28.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

• Corner House Christian Church, 6954 Chestnut Ridge Road, Hubbard — 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 18 to 20 for ages kindergarten to seventh grade. The theme is “The Master’s Workshop.” To register, email janegainard@yahoo.com or call 330-534-4665.

• Hubbard Christians in Action — 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 15 to 19 for ages 4 to sixth grade at First Presbyterian Church, 22 Westview Ave., Hubbard. The theme is “Rainforest Falls.”

• First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., Niles — 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday for ages 3 to sixth grade. The theme is “Emerald Crossing.” Call 330-652-4370.

* Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 to 19 for ages kindergarten to fifth grade. The theme is “Brave Hearts Camp.”

• Trinity Baptist Church, 235 Highland Ave., Warren — 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 8 to 11 for ages 5 to 17. The theme is “Hooked-Reeled in to Serve God.” Registration is Tuesday to Thursday 330-399-6733, or stop by the church to register.

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MEMORIAL DAY MASS: St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 3900 Villa Marie Road, Lowellville, will celebrate a Memorial Day Mass at 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel. The Mass is for anyone who has family or friends buried in the cemetery. Refreshments will be served immediately following the service.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

• Corner House Christian Church, 6954 Chestnut Ridge Road, Hubbard — 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 18 to 20 for ages kindergarten to seventh grade. The theme is “The Master’s Workshop.” To register, email janegainard@yahoo.com or call 330-534-4665.

• Hubbard Christians in Action — 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 15 to 19 for ages 4 to sixth grade at First Presbyterian Church, 22 Westview Ave., Hubbard. The theme is “Rainforest Falls.”

• First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St.. Niles — 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. May 31 to June 4 for ages 3 to sixth grade. The theme is “Emerald Crossing.” Call 330-652-4370.

• Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 to 19 for ages kindergarten to fifth grade. The theme is “Brave Hearts Camp.”

GUEST SPEAKER: Unity Spiritual Center, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host guest speaker historian Robin Perry who will speak on pivotal moments of the LGBTQ+ community from 7 to 9 p.m. May 29. The program will include historical education with community dialogue and is free, but a love offering will be accepted..

LABYRINTH WALK: Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will host its 16th year of guided labyrinth walks. This year’s theme honors the 350th Jubilee of the Sacred Heart, as Youngstown Diocese Bishop David J. Bonnar has called on Catholics to do. Each month’s theme will focus on unique expressions of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including compassion, mercy, forgiveness, presence, sacrifice and unconditional respect for every person. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks last about a half hour. The next walk is at 6:30 p.m. June 18.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series next program and luncheon will be at noon June 4 with guest speaker David Gibson, Ph.D., who will present “American Pope, American Church: What Leo XIV Means for U.S. Catholicism ” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. Gibson is an award-winning journalist and the director of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by May Thursday at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org

VOCATION EVENTS: The Diocese of Youngstown is hosting a series of Praise & Worship Nights for Vocations at various sites within the diocese through June. These nights are meant for people to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. The final session is at 7 p.m. June 25 at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren.

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES: St. Columba Cathedral in downtown Youngstown will present the final concert in the organ concert series at 6:30 p.m. June 26, with Loreto Aramendi of Spain. The performance is free.

GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a free Guided Labyrinth Walk 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the center grounds. The theme is “God’s Magnificent Creation: What are You Creating?” The labyrinth is a tool that allows people to explore their inner space and discover the sacred within and around us. Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. Registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or visit https://vmesc.org/.

Religion news

136 YEARS: First Baptist Church of Niles will celebrate 136 years at 10:45 a.m. Sunday with a special worship service. The church was established in 1890.

SPRING HYMN: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren, will host the annual spring hymn sing at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The event will include a potluck breakout and hymn sing.

49TH ANNIVERSARY: The Mighty Golden Wonders will host its 49th anniversary celebration at 5 p.m. Sunday at Phillips Chapel Church of God in Christ, 3903 Jacobs Road SE, Hubbard. There will be several featured musical guests, including the Disciples of Christ from Columbus, The Supreme Angels of Youngstown and the Voice of Faith of Alliance.

GUEST SPEAKER: William Federer, a Christian historian, speaker and author with American Minute.com, will be guest speaker at 11 a.m. May 23 at the Jericho Center, 2878 Warren Meadville Road, Bazetta. The event is free, but reservations are needed at 330-638-2959 or text 330-883-6620.

LABYRINTH WALK: Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will host its 16th year of guided labyrinth walks. This year’s overarching theme honors the 350th Jubilee of the Sacred Heart, as Youngstown Diocese Bishop David J. Bonnar has called on Catholics to do. Each month’s theme will focus on unique expressions of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including compassion, mercy, forgiveness, presence, sacrifice and unconditional respect for every person. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks are about a half hour. The next walk is 2 p.m. Sunday.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series season’s next program and luncheon will be at noon June 4 with guest speaker David Gibson, Ph.D., who will present “American Pope, American Church: What Leo XIV Means for U.S. Catholicism” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. Gibson is an award-winning journalist and the director of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by May 28 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited! Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will celebrate a special Mass at 2 p.m. June 28 at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St. in Youngstown. The celebration honors couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th and over wedding anniversaries in 2026.

The Wedding Anniversary Celebration includes renewal of marriage vows at Mass and a personalized certificate. A reception for the honored couples and their families following the Mass will be in the Cathedral Hall.

In May 2025, 109 couples were honored for a total of 5,094 years of wedded life ranging from 25 to 67 years.

Couples planning to attend this celebration need to register at their parish as soon as possible, but before May 22.

For more information, contact the Reverend John Sheridan, Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 330-744-8451 ext. 252 or via email at marriageoffice@youngstowndiocese.org.

VOCATION EVENTS: The Diocese of Youngstown is hosting a series of Praise & Worship Nights for Vocations at various sites within the diocese through June. These nights are meant for people to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.

• 7 p.m. May 28 at Our Lady of Peace Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula (bilingual celebration).

• 7 p.m. June 25 at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren.

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES: St. Columba Cathedral in downtown Youngstown will present an organ concert series at the church. The final concert is 6:30 p.m. June 26, with Loreto Aramendi of Spain. The performance is free.

GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a free Guided Labyrinth Walk 2 to 4 p.m. May 24 at the center grounds. The theme is “God’s Magnificent Creation: What are You Creating?” The labyrinth is a tool that allows people to explore their inner space and discover the sacred within and around us. Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. Registration is preferred.

In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or visit https://vmesc.org/.

COFFEE AND CONTEMPLATION: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 225 Villa Marie Road, will offer Coffee and Contemplation 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. This series focuses on a variety of spiritual and holistic topics.

The program provides participants with input from a presenter and includes time for reflection and discussion. Cindy Wilpula will present “Catholic Social Teaching: Living Our Faith in a Global Society” in person and via Zoom. The program will explore questions and delve deeper to discern our rights and responsibilities as Catholic citizens. As time allows, Wilpula will share about her recent experience in the Holy Land. This program will be available via Zoom on the day of the event only. Cost is $10 (lunch is optional at an additional $6).

Registration and further information are available online at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.

Religion news

MENS RALLY IN VALLEY: The 2026 Mens Rally in the Valley will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 23 at the Covelli Centre, Youngstown. The free event will include a concert with Christian artist Michael W. Smith. Guest speakers will include Bishop Timothy Clarke, Chris Holm, Billy Hartwig and Dave Kohout. Men’s Rally in the Valley exists

to reach out to unchurched men to bring them together in Christian unity for prayer, fellowship, worship and teaching.

COMMUNITY REVIVAL: Orwell North Presbyterian Church, Orwell United Methodist Church and Resurrection Life Church, all in Orwell, will host community revival services with Billy Huddlestone on Sunday. Huddleston will be at Orwell North at 10 a.m., Orwell United at 11 a.m. and Resurrection at 6:30 p.m. Additional services are 7 p.m. Monday at Orwell United, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Orwell North and 7 p.m. Wednesday at Resurrection Life.

MOTHER’S DAY: New Reed’s Chapel AME Church, 1939 Jacobs Road, Youngstown, will have guest speaker Pastor Carol Hewlett at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. There will be a luncheon with tickets costing $30 per adult by calling 330-770-0750.

SPRING HYMN: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren, will host the annual spring hymn sing at 5:30 p.m. May 16. The event will include a potluck breakout and hymn sing.

49TH ANNIVERSARY: The Mighty Golden Wonders will host its 49th anniversary celebration at 5 p.m. May 17 at Phillips Chapel Church of God in Christ, 3903 Jacobs Road SE, Hubbard. There will be several featured musical guests, including the Disciples of Christ from Columbus, The Supreme Angels of Youngstown and the Voice of Faith of Alliance.

GUEST SPEAKER: William Federer, a Christian historian, speaker and author with American Minute.com, will be guest speaker at 11 a.m. May 23 at the Jericho Center, 2878 Warren Meadville Road, Bazetta. The event is free, but reservations are needed at 330-638-2959 or text 330-883-6620.

LABYRINTH WALK: Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, will host its 16th year of guided labyrinth walks. This year’s overarching theme honors the 350th Jubilee of the Sacred Heart, as Youngstown Diocese Bishop David J. Bonnar has called on Catholics to do. Each month’s theme will focus on unique expressions of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including compassion, mercy, forgiveness, presence, sacrifice and unconditional respect for every person. All persons of faith are invited to participate in these free, weather-permitting events. Walks are about a half hour. The next walk is 2 p.m May 17.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series season’s next program and luncheon will be at noon June 4 with guest speaker David Gibson, Ph.D., who will present “American Pope, American Church: What Leo XIV Means for U.S. Catholicism ” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. Gibson is an award-winning journalist and the director of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture. There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions following the talk. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by May 28 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited! Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org

VOCATION EVENTS: The Diocese of Youngstown is hosting a series of Praise & Worship Nights for Vocations at various sites within the diocese through June. These nights are meant for people to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.

• 7 p.m. May 28 at Our Lady of Peace Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula (bilingual celebration).

• 7 p.m. June 25 at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren.

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES: St. Columba Cathedral in downtown Youngstown will present an organ concert series at the church. The final concert is 6:30 p.m. June 26, with Loreto Aramendi of Spain. The performance is free.

TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa. will offer Taize Prayer at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Taize is 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. For information, call 724-964-8886 or visit the center’s website at vmesc.org.

GUIDED LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer a free Guided Labyrinth Walk 2 to 4 p.m. May 24 at the center grounds.

The theme is “God’s Magnificent Creation: What are You Creating?” The labyrinth is a tool that allows people to explore their inner space and discover the sacred within and around us. Participants prayerfully walk the outdoor grass path after receiving thematic instructions from the presenter. Registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or visit https://vmesc.org/.

Religion news

WOMEN’S DAY SERVICE: First Baptist Church, 2640 Canal St., Newton Falls, will have a special Women’s Day service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The women of the church will be leading the service. Guest speaker is Brenda Jarvis, who has served as a missionary to Mexico City, is an author and, along with her husband, Charles Jarvis, is part of the singing duo, “The Golden Street Singers.”

CHURCH DEDICATION: Warren First Assembly of God Church on Parkman Road will host a dedication of the renovated worship center at 10 a.m. Sunday. The church had a major interior renovation done in the sanctuary and parishioners returned to worship there in March. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with current and past ministers.

FIRST SUNDAY SPEAKER: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren, will have guest speaker Douglas Doyle from Direction Home of Eastern Ohio discuss resources for aging and disabilities at 11:15 a.m. Sunday for its First Sunday Speaker series.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Hubbard Christians in Action will recognize the 75th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer at 7 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church, 111 Hall Ave., Hubbard. The annual observance takes place on the first Thursday in May. People attending will be asked to pray for the nation. This year’s theme is “Glorify God among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.”

DAY OF PRAYER: National Day of Prayer will be marked at 7 a.m. Thursday at The Hippodrome, 150 High St., Warren. The event features Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson as the invited speaker. There will be prayers for the nation and government leadership. The National Day of Prayer was moved to the first Thursday in May in 1988 after President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment to the original legislation.

MOTHER’S DAY: New Reed’s Chapel AME Church, 1939 Jacobs Road, Younsgtown, will have guest speaker Pastor Carol Hewlett at 2:30 p.m. May 10. There will be a luncheon with tickets costing $30 per adult by calling 330-770-0750.

SPRING HYMN: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren, will host the annual spring hymn sing at 5:30 p.m May 16 The event will include a potluck breakout and hymn sing.

49TH ANNIVERSARY: The Mighty Golden Wonders will host its 49th anniversary celebration at 5 p.m. May 17 at Phillips Chapel Church of God in Christ, 3903 Jacobs Road SE, Hubbard. There will be several featured musical guests, including the Disciple of Christ from Columbus, The Supreme Angels of Youngstown and the Voice of Faith of Alliance.

GUEST SPEAKER: William Federer, a Christian historian, speaker and author with American Minute.com, will be guest speaker at 11 a.m. May 23 at the Jericho Center, 2878 Warren Meadville Road, Bazetta. The event is free, but reservations are needed at 330-638-2959 ot text 330-883-6620.

VOCATION EVENTS: The Diocese of Youngstown is hosting a series of Praise & Worship Nights for Vocations at various sites within the diocese through June. These nights are meant for people to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.

• 7 p.m. May 28 at Our Lady of Peace Parish-Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula (bilingual celebration).

• 7 p.m. June 25 at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren.

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES: St. Columba Cathedral in downtown Youngstown will present an organ concert series at the church. The final concert is 6:30 p.m. June 26, with Loreto Aramendi of Spain. The performance is free.

TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa. will offer Taize Prayer at 7 p.m. May 12. Taize is 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. For information, call 724-964-8886 or visit the center’s website at vmesc.org.

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