Religion news

FOUR CHAPLAINS SERVICE: A Four Chaplains Service will be presented by Howland American Legion Post 700 at 10 a.m. Feb. 4 at Howland Community Church, 198 Niles Cortland Road SE, and will be included within the church's morning service. The service commemorates the selfless sacrifice of four U.S. Army chaplains of different faiths, who gave up their lives to save others when the USS Dorchester was torpedoed on Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II. The chaplains helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets. They joined arms and were last seen praying together as the ship went down.

GUEST SPEAKER: Remnant Lighthouse Ministries Inc. will host a special service 11:30 a.m. Sunday for the community's youth at the Quality Inn Conference Room, 3200 S. Hermitage Road, Hermitage, Pa. Speaker is Zyaion Mosley, a senior at Sharon High School. He is part of the Young Life Christian Ministry and Army National Guard and will be attending college in the fall. He will be giving his testimony and sharing his relationship with God. Zyaion is the son of Adryaanne Williams and Quinton Mosley.

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: The Clergy Association of Mahoning County will host the blessing of the waters at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Lake Glacier lower parking lot in Mill Creek MetroParks. There will be prayers and blessings for the Youngstown area.

NEW PASTOR: Wildare Church, 7211 N. Park Ave., Champion, will welcome new pastor Steven Anderson and his wife Leslie and son Ehren at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 11. Anderson will speak during the service.

MEET AND GREET: The Friendship Baptist Church Women's Ministry will celebrate its annual Women's Meet and Greet at 8 a.m. Feb. 10 at the church, 1954 Brier St., Warren. Cost is $25 per person, which covers breakfast and materials. The theme is "Kingdom Women Walking Closer with Him in Love." RSVP with registration and payment at 330-369-1290 or email fbcwarren1954@gmail.com

WHITE MASS: The Diocese of Youngstown will host the annual White Mass at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. The recognition celebrates the ministry of all health care, mental health and other healing professionals. Bishop David Bonnar will preside at the event. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The 18th First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet Feb. 1 with guest Jimmy Sutman, director of Iron and String Life Enhancement Inc. (ISLE) and the Purple Cat.

Sutman will present "The Washing of Feet in Youngstown, Ohio" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.

For nearly 25 years, Sutman has made it his mission to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities in the Mahoning Valley.

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. Cost is $20. Call 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Beulah Baptist Missionary Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., Youngstown, will celebrate Black History Month in February.

The schedule:

4 p.m. Feb. 4 -- Rev. Henry McNeil of Akron who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967 and up to his death in 1968. McNeil will speak on where we are now and what we should be doing in the future.

4 p.m. Feb. 18 -- Lee Green from Mercy Health will speak on staying well in 2024 and Kenneth King will speak on black history in 2024.

4 p.m. Feb. 25 -- Gospel concert with different churches singing, miming, dancing and black history reading.

WARM HEARTS: Catholic Charities created the Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign, formerly known as Keep the Kids Warm, in 2008 in response to the economic recession impacting many local families. The need for the annual campaign continues 15 years later. Warm Hearts for Warm Homes aims to provide utility assistance during cold winter months to families with children, working poor adults and older adults on fixed incomes. To donate and for other information, visit www.doy.org.

JOURNEY TO HEALING: Journey Toward Healing, an eight-week grief support group hosted by the Rev. John Bower, chaplain, will be 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday through March 19 at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2432 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown. Registration is needed at 330-899-0180 or jbower@harmonycares.com

SELF GUIDANCE: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergeen Road, Villa Maria, Pa., will offer self guidance tools for stressful times with lee Ann Heitzel and Dena Deluco. The retreat will be 5 p.m. Feb. 9 to 3 p.m. Feb. 11. There will be guided meditation, group discussion and support, and nature walks (weather permitting).

Registration available at vmesc.org or 724-964-8886.

Religion news

NEW PASTOR: Farmington Community Church is welcoming Pastor Adam Rising and his wife Tanya and their four daughters. Adam Rising comes from Freedom Fellowship Church in Apple Creek. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

BLESSING OF WATER: The annual Blessing of Waters service, sponsored and assisted by the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Mahoning County, will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lake Glacier in Mill Creek Park

MEET AND GREET: The Friendship Baptist Church Women's Ministry will celebrate its annual Women's Meet and Greet at 8 a.m. Feb. 10 at the church, 1954 Brier St., Warren. Cost is $25 per person, which covers breakfast and materials. The theme is "Kingdom Women Walking Closer with Him in Love." RSVP with registration and payment at 330-369-1290 or email fbcwarren1954@gmail.com.

ACTION OFFICERS: The Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing our Neighborhoods has elected new officers for the board of directors, who will lead the organization in 2024. These individuals, committed to community transformation and social justice, bring experience and passion for their roles. The Rev. Todd Johnson, president; Tina Cvetkovich, vice president; Mark Hrabe, secretary; and Sonya Davenport, Treasurer.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The 18th First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet Feb. 1 with guest Jimmy Sutman, director of Iron and String Life Enhancement Inc. and the Purple Cat.

Sutman will present "The Washing of Feet in Youngstown, Ohio" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.

For nearly 25 years, Sutman has made it his mission to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities in the Mahoning Valley. After graduating from Grove City College with a degree in journalism, he worked in a sheltered workshop.

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. Cost is $20. Call by Jan. 26 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit www.firstfriday clubofgreateryoungstown.org.

WARM HEARTS: Catholic Charities created the Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign, formerly known as Keep the Kids Warm, in 2008 in response to the economic recession impacting many local families. The need for the annual campaign continues 15 years later. Warm Hearts for Warm Homes aims to provide utility assistance during cold winter months to families with children, working poor adults and older adults on fixed incomes. To donate and for other information, visit www.doy.org.

JOURNEY TO HEALING: Journey Toward Healing, an eight-week grief support group hosted by the Rev. John Bower, chaplain, will be 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Jan. 30 to March 19, at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2432 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown. Registration is needed at 330-899-0180 or jbower@harmonycares.com.

SPEAKER SERIES: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will host the First Sunday speaker, Nickola Ceglia, at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 4. He is a member of Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, which is an organization under the umbrella of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

Ceglia is a licensed independent social worker who has enjoyed a long career of more than 45 years in the field.

Specializing in child welfare, mental health and addictions, he has held both clinical and administrative positions, most recently as an instructor for the Behavioral Health Institute at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown and former executive director of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

In 2006, at the height of his career, Nick was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, forcing him into early retirement and disability.

Religion news

MASS FOR LIFE: Bishop David Bonnar will celebrate a Diocesan Mass for Life at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown. All are invited to pray for a greater respect for human life at every stage and in all circumstances. At the Mass, expectant mothers, fathers and their families will be invited to receive a blessing for their unborn babies. The "Blessing of a Child in the Womb" was created to encourage prayer and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. In addition, there will be a blessing of pilgrims who will attend the National March for Life on Friday in Washington, D.C.

The Mass for Life will be followed by a reception in the parish hall that will include displays of information on respect for life and support groups available for new mothers. Donations are appreciated.

MISSIONARY TO SPEAK: Daniel Liebriek, a missionary from Belgium with United World Mission, will be the pulpit speaker at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at Pleasant Valley Church, 2055 Pleasant Valley Road, Niles.

MEET AND GREET: The Friendship Baptist Church Women's Ministry will celebrate its annual Women's Meet and Greet at 8 a.m. Feb. 10 at the church, 1954 Brier St., Warren. Cost is $25 per person, which covers breakfast and materials. The theme is "Kingdom Women Walking Closer with Him in Love." RSVP with registration and payment at 330-369-1290 or email fbcwarren1954@gmail.com

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB: The 18th First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series will meet Feb. 1 with guest Jimmy Sutman, director of Iron and String Life Enhancement Inc. (ISLE) and the Purple Cat.

Sutman will present "The Washing of Feet in Youngstown, Ohio" at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.

For nearly 25 years, Sutman has made it his mission to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities in the Mahoning Valley. After graduating from Grove City College with a degree in journalism, he worked in a sheltered workshop.

The Purple Cat was founded in 2003, about five years after the founding of ISLE. The Purple Cat operates at several locations in the area to include Farmer Casey's Ranch in Coitsville, Gallagher's Lunch Bucket, St. Lucy's in Campbell, and a Boardman location.

While the Purple Cat works with clients on vocational and training skills, it also offers a creative arts program, including the Feral Cats, a band made up of Purple Cat clients. Most recently, the Purple Cat has begun development of Gabba Camp, a campground and resort on 30 acres of land in Coitsville. It will be the first all-accessible camp of its kind in the Mahoning Valley.

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. Cost is $20. Call by Jan. 26 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org

25TH ANNIVERSARY: Pathways Sober House is celebrating its 25th anniversary 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Divieste's Banquet Centre, 754 North River Road, Warren. There will be a formal banquet to celebrate the anniversary. Tickets are $40 per person and $75 per couple. Any questions, donations or interest in buying tickets, call 330-369-2504. All proceeds go to Pathways Sober House.

WARM HEARTS: Catholic Charities created the Warm Hearts for Warm Homes campaign, formerly known as Keep the Kids Warm, in 2008 in response to the economic recession impacting many local families. The need for the annual campaign continues 15 years later. Warm Hearts for Warm Homes aims to provide utility assistance during cold winter months to families with children, working poor adults and older adults on fixed incomes. To donate and for other information, visit www.doy.org.

SPEAKER SERIES: First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue, Warren, will host the First Sunday speaker, Nickola Ceglia, at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 4. He is a member of Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, which is an organization under the umbrella of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

Ceglia is a licensed independent social worker who has enjoyed a long and distinguished career of more than 45 years in the field.

Specializing in child welfare, mental health and addictions, he has held both clinical and administrative positions, most recently as an instructor for the Behavioral Health Institute at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown and former executive director of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

In 2006, at the height of his career, Nick was diagnosed with both Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis, forcing him into early retirement and disability.

FAMILY CONCERT SET: The General Assembly Church of God, 2021 E. River Road, Newton Falls, will host a concert by the Stevens family, pictured above, at 11 a.m. Sunday. The Stevens family is from Warren and has been traveling in music ministry since 1985. Family members have shared their ministry in 35 states.

VILLA MARIA PROGRAMS: Villa Maria Education & 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. 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 "The Historical Jesus is Jewish." A free-will 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 a variety of 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. Tuesday 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.

Religion news

WHITE STONE CEREMONY:The Unity Spiritual Centre, 1226 Naylor Lloyd Road in Liberty, will offer a white stone ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Rose Houston said the service is about new beginnings. The white stone ceremony actually originated in ancient Rome. When a person was released from prison, they were given a white stone as a symbol of their freedom. Participants will use the white stone as a tangible reminder of their freedom from those negative elements.

CONCERT SET: The Cortland Church of the Nazarene, 293 E. Main St., Cortland, will have the Stevens Family, in concert at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The Stevens Family from Warren has been traveling in music ministry since 1985. They have had opportunities to share their ministry in more than 4,000 concerts in 35 states. The Christ-centered, family-oriented music ministry offers hope through the message of God's Word in song. There will be a potluck dinner following the concert.

MEET AND GREET: The Friendship Baptist Church Women's Ministry will celebrate its annual Women's Meet and Greet at 8 a.m. Feb. 10 at the church, 1954 Brier St., Warren. Cost is $25 per person, which covers breakfast and materials. The theme is "Kingdom Women Walking Closer with Him in Love." RSVP with registration and payment by Tuesday at 330-369-1290 or email fbcwarren1954@gmail.com

BLESSING OF THE WATERS: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Warren will host a Blessing of the Waters at 2 p.m. Sunday 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.

MASS FOR LIFE: Bishop David Bonnar will celebrate a Diocesan Mass for Life at 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 West Wood St., Youngstown. All are invited to pray for a greater respect for human life at every stage and in all circumstances. At the Mass, expectant mothers, fathers and their families will be invited to receive a blessing for their unborn babies. The "Blessing of a Child in the Womb" was created to encourage prayer and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. In addition, there will be a "Blessing of Pilgrims" who will attend the National March for Life on Jan. 19 in Washington, D.C.The Mass for Life will be followed by a reception including displays of information on respect for life and Walking with Moms in Need. Donations are accepted and appreciated.

For information, contact the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at 330- 744-8451.

FOOD COLLECTION: St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown will collect nonperishable food items to support the needs of its parish community and those at St. Edward Parish, also in Youngstown, this weekend. Donation bins will be located at the back and front entrances of the church. Anyone wanting to make a cash donation or donate a gift card to local grocery stores can place their donation in an envelope marked "food donation" and put it in the collection basket. The collection will take place the first weekend of every month.

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

VILLA MARIA PROGRAMS: Villa Maria Education & 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 free will 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 a variety of 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 from 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.