Religion news

BURNING BOWL: The Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road in Liberty, will offer two unique services. At 11 a.m. Sunday, the Burning Bowl Ceremony will take place and at 11 a.m. Jan. 7, the White Stone Ceremony will occur. The Rev. Rose Houston said both services are about new beginnings. The Burning Bowl Ceremony consists of writing down or materializing some negative thing in your life that you want to be over. That paper is then burned with the flame of a candle as a way of symbolizing the end. The White Stone Ceremony originated in ancient Rome. When prisoners were released, they were each given a white stone to symbolize freedom. Participants will use the white stones as a tangible reminder of freedom from negative elements that were dispelled during the Burning Bowl or some other quality or detail that detracts from a positive life. Services are open to the public.

NEW YEAR'S EVE REVIVAL: A New Year's Eve revival hosted by One Nation Kingdom Ministries will be 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Focus Building, 2014 Niles Road SE, Warren. Evangelist Michael Vance of South Carolina will be the guest speaker.

NEW YEAR'S DAY services:

• Agape Assembly Church, 426 Nevada Ave. SW, Warren, 10 p.m. Sunday

• Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road, Austintown, 9 a.m. Monday

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, noon Monday

• Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. SW, Warren, 10 a.m. Sunday

• Trinity Baptist Church, 235 Highland Ave., Warren, 6 p.m. Sunday

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Warren will host a Blessing of the Waters at 2 p.m. Jan. 7 at Perkins Park by the Mahoning River and amphitheater. The waters will be blessed for the celebration of Theophany. Bottled holy water will be available. A reception will follow at the Mocha House.

FIRST FRIDAY: The 18th First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2023-24 Speaker Series season will start the new year on Thursday with guest speaker William "Guy" Burney, executive director for the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence for the city of Youngstown. This initiative is a partnership with law enforcement and social service agencies. The mission of the initiative is to create an effective delivery system which offers individuals a circle of support enabling them to choose a nonviolent path in life.

Burney will present "Managing Complex Change and Reducing Violence" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield.

An opportunity for participants' questions will follow the talk. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $20. Call 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit www.first

fridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org.

INSTALLATION: Champion Christian Church will host the installation of the Rev. Julie Ann Western on Jan. 7 during worship service. She will be the new pastor of the church. Western grew up in the Disciple of Christ family and her father also is a Disciple of Christ minister. She graduated from Memphis Theological Seminary and was ordained in January 2004.

VILLA MARIA PROGRAMS: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will host an ongoing series, TaNaK Studies for Christians: Jesus, the Torah Made Flesh with Father George Balasko 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 in the conference center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the website. TaNaK is the total Jewish Bible. This month's topic is "The Historical Jesus is Jewish." A freewill offering will be taken. Participants need not attend all of the programs in this series. Registration is not required.

Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

• Coffee and Contemplation, a series that focuses on spiritual and holistic topics, provides participants with input from a presenter and includes time for reflection and discussion. Rebecca Mickler will present this month's session in person and via Zoom. The topic is "Ordinary Time is Extraordinary Time" and will be at 10 a.m. Jan.16 in Begel Hall. This program will be available via Zoom 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. on the day of the event only.

Cost is $10 (optional lunch is an additional $6). Registration and further information are available online at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.

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Religion news publishes each Saturday and includes information on special events, speakers, house of worship milestones and programs for all denominations.

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For questions, call religion writer Bob Coupland at 330-841-1773.

Deadline is Wednesday for inclusion in the Saturday edition.

Religion news

DEDICATION AT CATHEDRAL: Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown will bless the newly renovated sanctuary space at St. Columba Cathedral during a 4 p.m. Mass today.

As part of the Diocese of Youngstown's celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, the Cathedral's sanctuary -- which encompasses the altar, ambo (or pulpit) and cathedra (the Bishop's chair), as well as locations for the deacons, additional priests and cantor -- has been renovated to bring about greater harmony between the elements of the space and their liturgical importance. The renovations also enhance the cathedral's prominent mosaic, along with additional aesthetic improvements.

FIRST FRIDAY: The 18th First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown 2023-24 Speaker Series season will start the new year Jan. 4, with guest speaker William "Guy" Burney, executive director for the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence for the city of Youngstown. This initiative is a partnership with law enforcement and social service agencies. The mission of the initiative is to create an effective delivery system that offers individuals a circle of support enabling them to choose a nonviolent path in life.

Burney will present "Managing Complex Change and Reducing Violence" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.

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 $20. Call by Friday at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org.

BURNING BOWL: The Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road, Liberty, will offer two unique services for the new year. One, at 11 a.m. Dec.31, is the Burning Bowl Ceremony.

At 11 a.m. Jan. 7 will be the White Stone Ceremony. Both services are about new beginnings.

BOOKS AND GIFTS: St. Paul's Books and Gift Store has moved to a new location at St. Paul's Monastery, 9531 Akron Canfield Road (U.S. Route 224), Canfield. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 pm. Saturday and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

• Bethel Friends Church, 2771 Spitler Road, Poland, 10:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday.

•Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St., Canfield, 10 a.m. Sunday and candlelight worship, 10 p.m. Sunday.

• Central Christian Church, 2051 E. Market St., Warren, 10 a.m.Sunday and candlelight service, 7 p.m. Sunday.

• Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday.

• Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 140 Cherry Ave. NW, Warren, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.

• First Baptist Church, 2640 S. Canal St., Newton Falls, 5 p.m. Sunday.

•First Baptist Church of NIles, candlelight service, 5 p.m. Sunday.

• First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, 5 p.m. Sunday and candlelight service, 10 p.m. Sunday.

• First United Church of Christ, 280 E. Market St., Warren, 6 p.m. Sunday.

• Grace Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel Ave. NW, Warren, 6:30 p.m. Sunday with harp and flute and 7 p.m, candlelight service.

•Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

• Immaculate Heart of Mary, 4490 Norquest Blvd, Austintown, 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. Monday.

• Leavittsburg Baptist Church, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, candlelight service.

•McKinley Community Church, 15224 Elm Road, Warren, Christmas Carol service, 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

• Niles First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 33 N. Arlington Ave, Niles, 7 p.m. Sunday, candlelight service and 10 a.m. Monday.

• Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield, candlelight services 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.

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

• Our Lady of Sorrows, 915 Cornell St., Youngstown, 4 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. Monday.

• Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road, Austintown, 7 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday.

• Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. SW, Warren, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1125 Turin Ave., Youngstown, 4 p.m. Sunday

• St. Brendan's Parish, 2800 Oakwood Ave., Youngstown, 4 p.m. Sunday..

• St. Christine Parish, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, 4, 6 and 10 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday.

• St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown, 4 and 10 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. Monday

• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Warren, 4 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday

• St, Joseph Catholic Church, 4545 New Road, Austintown, 4 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday.

• St. Luke Episcopal Church, Niles, 11 a.m. Sunday

• St, Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 463 Robinson Road, Campbell, 9 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. Monday.

• St, Paul Lutheran Church, 2860 E. Market St., Warren, candlelight service, 7:15 p.m. Sunday.

• St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave. NE, Warren, 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 and 10 a.m. Monday

• St Patrick Catholic Church, 225 N. Main St., Hubbard, 4 p.m. and midnight Sunday and 8:30 and 10 a.m. Monday.

Religion news

QUARTET TO PERFORM: New Covenant Baptist Church, 1606 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will have the Sojourner Quartet from Findlay singing at 6 p.m. Sunday. The quartet has been singing gospel music for 30 years in the United States and Canada. A free-will offering will be accepted.

NIGHT OF HOPE: Second Baptist Church " A House of Hope," in partnership with Trumbull County Children Services, will host Night of Hope 2023 at 6 p.m. today at the church, 1519 Main Ave. SW, Warren. The event is a night of advocacy for youth and families focusing on foster care and adoption in Trumbull County. Presentations will highlight the need for displaced children to find loving homes, especially among the African American population. The event will feature several gospel artists. Free admission.

LESSONS AND CAROLS: Christ Episcopal Church, Warren, will host the annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Sunday. The concert will feature the parish choir, who will be joined by the handbell choir. A reception will follow.

BLESSING OF CHRISTMAS: Hubbard Church of the Nazarene, 1815 Cherry Lane, Hubbard, will have the choir present the "A Promise Kept: Blessing of Christmas" at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Soup and sandwiches will be served afterward.

LIVE NATIVITY: Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Road, will host a live Nativity 4 to 7 p.m. today. Guests can drive by various scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Cortland Community Band and Choir will host a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lakeview High School, 300 Hillman Drive. Following the concert, members of Lakeview Outreach and Fellowship (LOAF) will serve more than 1,000 baked cookies. LOAF is an organization of eight churches in the Cortland Bazetta area. which works to enhance the spiritual life of the community and engage in outreach and fellowship. Donations at the concert will be given to the Animal Welfare League.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield will host a Blue Christmas worship service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. This worship service is designed for those who have a difficult time during the holiday season because of grief, loss or other life struggles. For anyone who isn't feeling festive this holiday season, this worship service gives worshippers a quieter, more reflective way to hear and celebrate the good news of Jesus' birth. It includes Scripture, song, prayer and prayerful activity, Holy Communion and candlelight.

YOUTH AT CHRISTMAS: The collaborative efforts of "Collective Paths," which include Trumbull County Panthers, ALS NEMT, LLC, Lena Mason Christian Foundation and the Kenmore Neighborhood Group provide support to youth groups for weekly practice and workshops support was a task taken on by Grace A.M.E Church and Pride & Joy Today.

The youth have been working hard in each session to practice caroling songs, design ugly Christmas ssssssssssssssssssssweaters and plan activities for the upcoming youth Christmas Celebration.

Youth will perform Christmas caroling at Community Skilled Health Care Center, 1320 Mahoning Ave. NW,

Warren at 4 pm. Today. Once the community volunteer project for the youth is completed, they will travel to 1137 Main Ave. Warren, where they will host a Christmas party 6 to 9 p.m. Fifty youth from the community will enjoy music, bingo, art design, live session, food games and presents.

This event was organized by the youth of the community and the gifts have been supplied by a collection of funds donated through the Lena Mason Christian Foundation.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Upcoming events for the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, Pulaski, Pa., include:

"TaNak Studies for Christians: Jesus, the Torah Made Flesh"with Father George Balasko 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday in the conference center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the website. TaNak is the total Jewish bible. This month's topic is "Who was Mary, the Mother of Jesus?" A free-will offering will be accepted.

news@vindy.com

Religion news

ADVENT LESSONS/ CAROLS: The congregation of St. James Episcopal Church will return to its historic building in Boardman Park at 10 a.m. Sunday. The Advent Lessons and Carols worship will be at the St. James Meeting House. The Rev. Maureen Major, priest-in-charge, will preside over the ancient liturgy. The meeting house is decorated by he Hoborn Herb Growers Guild. It has become a tradition to hold the service at the meeting house during Advent each year.

ADVENT PROGRAM: St. Columba Cathedral will present its annual Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Sunday. The service will feature the Cathedral choir under the direction of Ralph Holtzhauser,

The event is free, but a freewill offering will benefit the Cathedral music program. There will be a reception afterward in the parish hall.

CHURCH CONCERT: Zion Hill Church, New Buffalo Road, Columbiana, will host a free concert at 6 p.m. Sunday. A free-will offering will be taken.

BLESSING OF CHRISTMAS: Hubbard Church of the Nazarene, 1815 Cherry Lane, Hubbard, will have the choir present "A Promise Kept: Blessing of Christmas" at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 17. Soup and sandwiches will be served afterward.

LIVE NATIVITY: Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Road, will host a live Nativity from 4 to 7 p.m Dec. 16. Guests can drive by various scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.

TOY GIVEAWAY: Behind Closed Doors Minstries LLC will celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a toy giveaway noon to 2 p.m. Friday at East Library in Youngstown, 430 Early Road. There will be a Christmas program and storytelling 3 to 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Niles First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., will host a Christmas canata at 6 p.m. today and Sunday.

DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will host a drive-thru Nativity scene 5 to 7 p.m. today. The public can see the story of Christmas from their vehicle. There will be a hot chocolate and cookie reception.

12 DAYS OF MECCA CHRISTMAS: Mecca Community Church and Mecca Township will present the third annual 12 days of Merry Mecca Christmas. There will be a Winter Wonderland walk 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Dec. 17 at the church, Christmas candy car-a-van 6 p.m. Thursday and Sleigh Ride to tour the lights of Mecca on Dec. 16.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Upcoming events for the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, Pulaski, Pa., include:

• Taize Prayer -- 7 p.m. Tuesday in the surroundings of Magnificat Chapel. Taize is a form of Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. One is invited to rest in God through the singing of psalm verses and other simple chants, alternating with periods of silent reflection. The theme is "Advent."

Music ministers are Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn. Call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org for information.

• "Quest For the True Self: The Holiness of Self-Acceptance with Cheryl Rose, HM," from 7 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday. The Empty Bowl retreat will consider Thomas Merton's concept of True Self / False Self, and the necessary path of spiritual growth that leads to acceptance and compassion for the self. The retreat, which is the 10th in this series, includes input, time for personal reflection, guided exercises, prayer and some gentle sharing. Cost: $205. For program information and registration, visit vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

• "TaNak Studies for Christians: Jesus, the Torah Made Flesh" with Father George Balasko 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 20 in the conference center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the website. TaNak is the total Jewish bible. This month's topic is "Who was Mary, the Mother of Jesus?"

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Religion news

MESSIAH: The Diocese of Youngstown is partnering with the Warren Civic Chorus to bring Handel's "Messiah" to St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. This concert will feature a collaboration with the Warren Civic Chorus Singers and music directors from the diocese.

The concert will be performed 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A freewill offering will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

The Warren Civic Chorus will perform Handel's "Messiah" 6 p.m. Sunday at Blessed Sacrament Church in Warren.

2024 RALLY IN VALLEY PLANS: The Trumbull County Men of Faith breakfast has moved to Aulizio's Banquet Center, 4359 Youngstown Road SE, Warren.

Breakfast is still on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. with various guest speakers addressing issues men deal with in their Christian walk.

Discussion today will be on plans for the Men's Rally in the Valley in Youngstown on April 8. The rally highlights ministries in the area.

For information about the Trumbull Men of Faith Breakfast in Warren call, text or email Bob Faver, 330-770-6675, bobfaver101@gmail.com.

ADVENT PROGRAM: St. Columba Cathedral will present its annual Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. The service will feature the Cathedral choir under the direction of Ralph Holtzhauser, cathedral lectors coordinated by Laura Elder, and families of the parish led by Sister Martha Reed. Bishop David Bonnar will preside.

The event is free, but a freewill offering will benefit the Cathedral music program. There will be a reception afterward in the parish hall.

SEASON OF GIVING: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, will host the annual Season of Giving campaign. The annual 60-day campaign benefits those in need throughout the six-county Diocese of Youngstown. There are many ways to engage with Catholic Charities during the annual celebration, including in-person events and online at https://www.ccdoy.org/season-of-giving/.

VILLA MARIA EVENTS: Upcoming events for the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Evergreen Road, Pulaski, Pa., include:

• The virtual series "Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book" with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger, 7 p.m. Tuesday via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the center's website. This month's topic is Chanukah Music.

• Taize Prayer, 7 p.m. Dec. 12 in the surroundings of Magnificat Chapel. Taize is a form a Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. One is invited to rest in God through the singing of psalm verses and other simple chants, alternating with periods of silent reflection. The theme is "Advent."

Music ministers are Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn.

Call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org for information.

• Quest For the True Self: The Holiness of Self-Acceptance with Cheryl Rose, HM from 7 pm Friday to noon Dec. 10. The Empty Bowl retreat will consider Thomas Merton's concept of True Self/False Self, and the necessary path of spiritual growth that leads us to acceptance and compassion for the self. The retreat, which is the 10th in this series, includes input, time for personal reflection, guided exercises, prayer and some gentle sharing Cost: $205. Program information and registration at vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

∫ TaNaK Studies for Christians: Jesus, the Torah Made Flesh with Father George Balasko 1 to 3 p.m. Dec 20 in the Conference Center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on th website. TaNaK is the total Jewish bible This month's topic: Who was Mary, the Mother of Jesus? Freewill offering.

CHURCH NAMES MINISTER: The Cortland Church of Christ has named Larry Siegle as their full-time minister. Larry and his wife Linda, recently moved to from Hawaii to join the church. Larry has been involved in ministry work at multiple churches across the United States for the past 20 years and is a graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching in Memphis, Tennessee. He will be focused on outreach and evangelism in the community. Siegle replaes Terry Siverd who is retiring after more than 30 years working at the church. The church will welcome the Siegles at 10 a.m. Sunday.

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: The Community Church Of God In Christ will be celebrating the 25th pastoral appreciation for "Pastor Auston Shaw III" 6 p.m. today. Guest Speaker for today is Bishop Alvin McCoy of Greater New and Living Way Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ from Sharon, Pa. Continued Pastoral Celebrations will take place 4 p.m. on Sunday with guest speaker Pastor Archie McMillion of Because Of Him Ministry from Warren.

The anniversary will conclude 4 p.m. Dec, 10 with guest speaker Supt. Elder Tyrone Humphries of Inspirational House Of Prayer, from Freeport Harbor.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Greater Apostolic Faith Church, 3571 Tod Ave. NW, Warren, will hold a leadership conference 9:45 a.m. Dec. 9.

Guests are Pastor Jeffery Ball of Ritman, Pastor N. Strange of Canton, Pastor Steve Kline of Warren and Pastor Dewey Salyers of Niles.

LIVE NATIVITY: Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Road, will hold a live nativity from 4 to 7 p.m Dec. 16 with the public able to drive by and see different scenes showing the story of the birth of Christ.

CHRISTNAS MUSICAL: Niles First Baptist Church, 26 E Church St, will hold a Chrustmas musical canata 6 pm. Dec. 9 and 10.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Mahoning Avenue, will hold a Blue Christmas service 7 p.m. Tuesday helping people to deal with our various losses amid a season of celebration,

DRIVE THRU NATIVITY: Harvest Point Church, 2121 Salt Springs Road, Lordstown, will hold a drive thru nativity from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9. The public can see the story of Christmas from their vehicle. There will be hot chocolate and cookie reception.

12 DAYS OF MECCA CHRISTMAS: Mecca Community Church and Mecca Township will present the 3rd annual 12 days of Merry Mecca Christmas Day. Free Christmas community dinner 6 p.m. today at Mecca Community Church; Christmas tree lighting ceremony 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Mecca Circle, Christmas concert 7 p.m. Thursday at Maplewood High School. Christmas spectacular free drive-in movue 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at church, and Winter Wonderland walk 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11-17 at church, Christmas candy car-a-van 6 p.m. Dec. 14 and Sleigh Ride, tour the lights of Mecca Dec. 16.

FOOD DRIVE: The third annual food drive to benefit the people of Grahn, Kentucky, is taking place at the churches of Trumbull North, including St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland, St. William in Champion and St. Thomas the Apostle in Vienna.

Items can be dropped off in the churches' halls or basements during service hours. Suggested items include but are not limited to peanut butter, cereal, canned goods, baking supplies, rice and boxed potatoes.

For information, contact Bob Ochtyun at 330-397-3656.