Religion news

MEN'S RALLY IN THE VALLEY: The Men's Rally in the Valley will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave. Youngstown. The theme is "To God Be the Glory." Various speakers include actor Kevin Sorbo Pastor Randy Gobley of Celebrate Recovery and Darnell Dinkins of Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints. For information, visit mensrally.org

CHURCH PROGRAM: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, is sponsoring an indoor / outdoor program for children ages 3 to 12 at noon today at the church. There will be an Easter skit, a live lamb and bunnies to pet, a bounce house for the children, bike giveaway, crafts, games, candy and lunch.

HONORING ST. STANISLAUS: Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown will host a prayer service at 1 p.m. April 2 at St. Columba Cathedral to honor the legacy of St. Stanislaus Parish. There will be a program for people who once belonged to the parish and is being held in thanksgiving for the parish that served many Polish families and others of the area from 1902 until its closing in 2021. The program will include a short video history of the parish, a report on parish archivesand will include the distribution of materials from the church, including those that relate to the Polish culture.

BENEDICTINE SERVICE: Gorzkie Zale and Benediction Service will be at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday during Lent at Holy Apostles Parish-SS. Peter & Paul Church, 421 Covington St., Youngstown. Translated as the bitter lamentation, this ancient, multilingual service reflects on Christ's passion through hymns and prayer intentions. Free will offerings are accepted. The service will be in English and Polish.

LENTEN SERIES: St. Edward Parish on Tod Avenue in Youngstown will host a weekly "Simple Supper" Lenten series on Tuesdays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. The Tuesday talk will be presented by Sister Regina Rogers and the topic will be "Why do we give alms?" On April 4, there will be no talk, but the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series season will welcome Taylor Tripodi on April 6. Tripodi, 25, of Cleveland, will present "And the Greatest of These Is ... Hope," at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $20. Call by Friday at 330-720-4498 or www.firstfridayclubofgreater

youngstown.org

FAMILY DAY: Mount Olive Baptist Church. 385 Martin Luther King Blvd., Warren, will have a Family / Friends Day at 10 a.m. Sunday with dinner to follow.

CHURCH MILESTONE: Bristol Community Church, state Routes 45 and 88, marked another milestone in its church life on March 19, as it hosted a "membership Inclusion" ceremony as part of the morning service. Opportunity was given for all those who wish to be part of the ministry as members. The church officially became an independent church as of July 2022. It has seen steady growth as it has begun a new phase of its history. Pastor Shirley Frantz is the interim pastor, assisting the leadership team members as they guide the church through this transition period.

EASTER EVENT: Pleasant Valley Church, 2055 Pleasant Valley Road, Liberty, will host "He is Alive" Family Easter event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1. The event will include a petting zoo, activities, candy, games and entertainment by Epic Ministries. The event is free.

EGG HUNTS: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host an Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 to 10 from 10 a.m. to noon April 1 with registration beginning at 9:45 a.m.

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2742 North Road NE, Warren, will host an Easter egg hunt at 12:30 p.m. April 2.

NILES INTERFAITH: The Niles Interfaith Brunch will take place 1 p.m. April 16 at Ciminero's Banquet Centre in Niles. The Rev. Sam Mohn of Vienna United Methodist Church and Coalburg United Methodist Church and president of the Interfaith Committee, will discuss his trip to the Holy Land. Three scholarships will be awarded to local seniors. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at participating Niles church offices with a deadline of April 9.

MEN OF FAITH: Trumbull County Men of Faith breakfast has moved to 9 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at Aulizio's Banquet Center, 4359 Youngstown Road SE, Warren. Various guest speakers address issues men deal with in their Christian walk.

On Apirl 1, the discussion will focus on The Men's Rally in the Valley in Youngstown on April 8. For information call, text or email Bob Faver, 330-770-6675, bobfaver101@gmail.com.

To submit an item for the Religion section, email it to religion@tribtoday.com. The deadline is Wednesday for the Saturday newspaper.

RELIGION NEWS

BISHOP IN EAST PALESTINE: Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown will celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in East Palestine, 210 E Main St., at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Our Lady of Lourdes Church was in the original evacuation zone after the Feb. 3 train derailment and has served as a location for the distribution of water and other needed products, as well as the host of a Feb. 18 community meal. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown has provided support to the parish in its efforts during the disaster.

LENTEN SERIES: St. Edward Parish on Tod Avenue in Youngstown will host a weekly "Simple Supper" Lenten series on Tuesdays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. The Tuesday talk will be presented by the Rev. Matthew Zwilling, and the topic will be "Why do we fast during Lent?" The March 28 topic will be presented by Sister Regina Rogers, and the topic will be "Why do we give alms?" On April 4, there will be no talk, but the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series season will welcome Taylor Tripodi on April 6. Tripodi, 25, of Cleveland, will present "And the Greatest of These Is ... Hope," at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $20. Call by March 31 at 330-720-4498 or www.firstfriday

clubofgreateryoungstown.org

CHURCH PROGRAM: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown is sponsoring an indoor/outdoor program for children ages 3-12 on March 25 starting at noon at the church. There will be an Easter skit, a live lamb and bunnies to pet, a bounce house for the kids, bike giveaway, crafts, games, candy and lunch.

NILES INTERFAITH: The Niles Interfaith Brunch will be at 1 p.m. April 16 at Ciminero's Banquet Centre in Niles. The Rev. Sam Mohn of Vienna United Methodist Church and Coalburg United Methodist Church and president of the Interfaith Committee, will be the speaker discussing his trip to the Holy Land. Three scholarships will be awarded to local graduating seniors. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at participating Niles church offices with a deadline of April 9.

BENEDICTINE SERVICE: Gorzkie Zale and Benediction Service will be at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday during Lent at Holy Apostles Parish-SS. Peter & Paul Church, 421 Covington St., Youngstown. Translated as the bitter lamentation, this ancient, multilingual service reflects on Christ's passion through hymns and prayer intentions. Free will offerings are accepted. The service will be in English and Polish.

REVIVAL SET: One National Kingdom Ministries will host a citywide revival at 3 p.m. April 1 and 10 a.m. April 2 at the Focus Building, 2041 Niles Road SE, Warren. Guest is evangelist Michael Vance of South Carolina.

GRIEF SHARE: Bristol Community Church will sponsor a series of Grief Share gatherings beginning Sunday. The series will be facilitated by Pastor Shirley Frantz, who has been leading grief support groups for the past 20 years. Sessions will last from 4 to 6 p.m. in the lower level of the church at state Routes 45 and 88 in Bristolville. Each session includes a brief video and interactive discussion of the topic.

CHURCH CELEBRATION: McKinley Community Church, 1524 Elm Road NE, Warren, is hosting a celebration of a lifetime of Christian service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Warren Mayor Doug Franklin will give the opening prayer and present Rev. John Griffith a proclamation honoring his life of service as a Christian and 89-year member of the church.

The Golden Street Singers will provide the praise and worship, and there will be a luncheon at the church. Griffith also has served as a pastor at the church for 19 years and a board chairman until last year when he stepped down. He and his wife Janice have been married for 67 years, serving side by side at the church.

BLACK WOMEN STRUGGLE: The Warren Civic League will present "A Celebration of Women's History Month" at 4 p.m. Sunday at Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave., Warren. Guest speaker will be Dr. Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich who will speak on "Too Heavy a Yoke: Why Black Women Struggle in Silence." Jackson Leftwich is a professor of political science and international relations at Youngstown State University, where she serves as the urban internship coordinator for the program.

HEALING SERVICE: First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave NW, Warren, will host a Healing and Wholeness Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The stations of the cross will be on display in the church sanctuary.

To submit an item for the religion section, email to religion@tribtoday.com. The deadline is Wednesday for the Saturday paper.

Religion news

ORGAN RECITAL: An organ recital of varied repertoire featuring members of the Youngstown American Guild of Organists Chapter, including three of the directors in the Youngstown Diocese, will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. A light reception will follow.

PARISH MISSION: The St. Christine Church Parish Mission, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, will be at 6 p.m. today and Sunday and will feature a return of prolific musical artist David Kauffman. He is the founder of Good For the Soul Music, a singer, songwriter, recording artist, screenwriter, and movie producer. His mission is song and story for healing and hope. The public is welcome.

STORY OF THE LEPER: Grace United Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, presents "He Touched Me, the Story of the Leper" at 11 a.m. Sunday. Pastor Barry French will portray the leper in the presentation.

WOMEN'S DAY: Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave SW, Warren, will celebrate Women's Day at 10:45 a.m. Sunday with guest speaker Sherry Jordan Arnold. The theme for the day is "Stepping High into our Destiny." A special women's day choir has been formed for the occasion. The Rev. Shane K. Floyd is the pastor.

102 YEARS: Friendship Baptist Church, 1954 Brier St. SE, Warren, will celebrate the 102nd church anniversary at 10:30 a.m. March 19. The Rev. Vincent Peterson, pastor of the Providence Baptist Church in Akron, will be the guest speaker.

BENEDICTINE SERVICE: Gorzkie Zale and Benediction Service will be 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday during Lent at Holy Apostles Parish SS. Peter & Paul Church, 421 Covington St., Youngstown. Translated as the Bitter Lamentation, this ancient, multilingual service reflects on Christ's passion through hymns and prayer intentions.

The service was an annual part of the calendar at Polish-founded parishes worldwide, as it was at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish on Youngstown's South Side. That parish was canonically suppressed and celebrated its final Sunday Mass in June 2020. Free will offerings are accepted. The service will be in English and Polish.

LENTEN SERIES: St. Edward Parish on Tod Avenue in Youngstown will host a weekly "Simple Supper" Lenten series on Tuesdays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. On Tuesday, the talk will be presented by Monsignor Robert Siffrin and the topic will be, "Why do we pray the stations of the cross?" The March 21 talk will be presented by the Rev. Matthew Zwilling and the topic will be "Why do we fast during Lent?" The March 28 topic will be presented by Sister Regina Rogers and the topic will be "Why do we give alms?" On April 4, there will be no talk, but the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered after the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

FAMILY EVENT: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host a family friendly game night 4 to 7 p.m. today. Various board games for all ages will be available. The event is free.

SPIRITUAL ENERGY: The Unity Church Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will host spiritual energy healer Bryan Baskett 12:30 p.m. the second Sunday of each month after the Sunday service.

BLACK WOMEN STRUGGLE: The Warren Civic League will present "A Celebration of Woman's History Month" 4 p.m. March 19 at Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave., Warren. Guest speaker is Dr. Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich who will speak on "Too Heavy a Yoke: Why Black Women Struggle in Silence." Jackson Leftwich is a professor of political science and international relations at Youngstown State University where she serves as the urban internship coordinator for the program. Host pastor is the Rev. Shane Floyd.

GRIEF SHARE: Bristol Community Church will sponsor a series of Grief Share gatherings beginning Sunday. The series will be facilitated by Pastor Shirley Frantz, who has been leading grief support groups for the past 20 years. Sessions will last from 4 to 6 p.m. in the lower level of the church at state Routes 45 and 88 in Bristolville. Each session includes a brief video and interactive discussion of the topic. There is no charge for the series and workbooks will be provided.

TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spiritual Center, 2067 Evergreen Road, Villa Maria, Pa. will hold Taize Prayer on Tuesday at Magnificent Chapel with music ministers Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn. The prayer service will be offered four times this year. For information visit https://vmesc.org/Web/ home/programs-retreat?id=892

ITALIAN NIGHT: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles will host an Italian Night at 6 p.m. March 18 at Vernon's Cafe in Niles. The evening will include dinner, Dominic Tocco and the Brotherhood Band and a 50/50 raffle. Cost is $60 per person by calling 330-652-2811.

TORAH STUDIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa. will host the ongoing series "Torah Studies for Christians: What Christians Need to Know," with the Rev. George Balasko, Deacon Jesse McClain and Rabbi Joseph Schonberger at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the conference center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the website.

This month's topic: "The Holocaust--Never Again? The Holocaust and Ken Burns Series Yearning to Breathe Free (1938-1942)." This Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures using video resources from various scripture scholars. Free will offering. Registration is not required. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series season will welcome Taylor Tripodi on April 6. Tripodi, 25, from Cleveland, is on a mission to put people in an encounter with truth, goodness and beauty. Tripodi graduated from Franciscan University in 2016 as a Catechetics and theology major and, after doing youth ministry for two years, is now a full-time musician, singer, songwriter and worship leader.

Tripodi will present "And the Greatest of These Is ... Hope," at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $20. Call by March 31 at 330-720-4498 or www.firstfridayclubofgreater youngstown.org

To submit an item for the religion section, email to religion@tribtoday.com. The deadline is Wednesday for the Saturday paper.

Religion news

MEN OF FAITH: Trumbull County Men of Faith will meet at 9 a.m. today at Aulizio's Banquet Center, 4359 Youngstown Road SE, Warren. Various guest speakers will address issues men deal with in their Christian walk. Rick Blair with Hope for Renewal will speak to those living in the Glenwood corridor on the South Side of Youngstown, which is also known as the Idora neighborhood. Hope for Renewal seeks to serve, build relationships and share the love of Christ in tangible ways by building relationships and sharing the truth of His gospel. For information, call or text Bob Faver at 330-770-6675.

BIRTHDAY SUNDAY: Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1013 Emerson Ave., Farrell, Pa.. will host a gospel musical celebrating the life of the Rev. Aaron Griffin Jr. of Youngstown at 4 p.m. Sunday. Host pastor is the Rev. Troy Hunter.

BENEDICTINE SERVICE: Gorzkie Zale and Benediction Service will meet 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday during Lent at Holy Apostles Parish Sts. Peter & Paul, 421 Covington St., Youngstown. Translated as the Bitter Lamentation, this ancient, multilingual service reflects on Christ's passion through hymns and prayer intentions.

The service was an annual part of the calendar at Polish-founded parishes worldwide, as it was at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish on Youngstown's South Side. That parish was canonically suppressed and celebrated its final Sunday Mass in June 2020. Free will offerings are accepted. The service will be in English and Polish.

A LIGHT IS ON: Parishes in the Diocese of Youngstown will host "The Light is on for You" on Wednesday evening when the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available throughout the diocese. The sacrament is celebrated throughout Lent and the entire year in local parishes. During Lent, Catholics are reminded to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their Lenten observance in preparation for Easter. For times in all six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown, visit doy.org/thelightisonforyou/

PURIM EVENTS: The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, 505 Gypsy Lane, will host a Purim Carnival at noon Sunday. The family event will include carnival games, food, prizes, a bounce house and a costume contest. Admission is free. Carnival games and food will be from noon to 2 p.m. A costume contest will be at 2 p.m. Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an Achaemenid Persian Empire official who was planning to kill all Jews in the empire, as recounted in the Book of Esther.

ORGANIST HONORED: Bonnie Hood, organist for the Girard First United Methodist Church, marked her 50th year as a church organist this year. Hood retired as a history and French teacher at Maplewood High School and is active with the Harriet Taylor Upton Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

LENTEN SERIES: St. Edward Parish on Tod Avenue in Youngstown will host a weekly "Simple Supper" Lenten series on Tuesdays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. The Tuesday talk by Deacon Sylvester Frazzini will be, "Why do we pray the rosary?" On March 14, the talk will be presented by Monsignor Robert Siffrin on "Why do we pray the stations of the cross?" The March 21 talk will be presented by the Rev. Matthew Zwilling on "Why do we fast during Lent?" The March 28 topic will be presented by Sister Regina Rogers on "Why do we give alms?" On April 4, there will not be a talk, but the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered after Mass.

STORY TOUR: Found and Favored Ministries and Pleasant Valley Church in Liberty will present "The Story Tour" at the church on Friday. The Story Tour shares a powerful truth about God through stories, songs and video testimonies. For tickets, visit www.the storytour.org.

AUTHOR TO SPEAK: The Diocese of Youngstown will host author Dawn Eden Goldstein for a special talk: "Journeying Through Lent with Father Ed Dowling, S.J." The event will be of interest to anyone wishing to explore the faith dimensions of Alcoholics Anonymous, and broader issues of human dignity. It will take place 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 3430 St. Michaels Blvd NW, Canton.

TORAH STUDIES: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa., will host the ongoing series "Torah Studies for Christians: What Christians Need to Know," with Father George Balasko, Deacon Jesse McClain and Rabbi Joseph Schonberger at 1 p.m. March 15 in the conference center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the website.

This month's topic: "The Holocaust--Never Again? The Holocaust and Ken Burns Series Yearning to Breathe Free (1938-1942)." This Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures using video resources from scholars. Free will offering. Registration is not required. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

To submit an item for the religion section, email to religion@tribtoday.com. The deadline is Wednesday for the Saturday paper.