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.