Religion news
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown will celebrate its 225th anniversary with a special service at 11 a.m. Sunday followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Past members, former pastors and members of the community are invited. The church began in a log cabin in downtown Youngstown on Sept. 1, 1799. It was the first church in the Western Reserve. Throughout the years, First Presbyterian Church has been involved in the formation of several agencies to help members of the community. The church supports many local missions, as well as hosting the annual Martin Luther King Jr. workshop.
CHURCH 110TH: Warren First Assembly of God, Parkman Road, Warren, will celebrate its 110th anniversary Saturday and Sunday. The celebration will include a meet and greet at 5 p.m., followed by a service at 6:30 p.m., Saturday and special service at 10 a.m. Sunday with guest speaker Doug Clay.
COMMUNITY DAY: Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren, will celebrate the community fun day 10 a.m. Sept. 8. The retired Rev. Anne B. Holly, Bishop in Ohio, will be marking her first visit to Warren. The Sunday fun day event includes a homestyle picnic, games, petting zoo, a bounce house, cookie and cupcake decorating, and seated volleyball.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: Operation Christmas Child will have speaker Mariya Tartarin present a program at 2 pm. Sept. 7 at Wildare Church, 7211 N. Park Ave., Champion. She is a native of Ukraine. When she was 12, she received a shoebox gift from Operation Christmas Child. She will share her story followed by a question and answer session. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
ECUMENICAL STUDY DAY: An Ecumenincal Study Day and Celebration will be Sept. 22 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Streetsboro. The event is the 25th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on Justification. Guest speakers are Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar, Bishop Laura Barbins, northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Dr. Joy Schroeder of Trinity Lutheran Seminary the and National Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue. Pre-registration is required at doy.org/lcc.
FIRST PRAYER BOOK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa., will offer the virtual series “Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book” with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger at 7 p.m. Wednesday via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the vmesc website. The program will review the Ten Psalms unit that Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav and many others in the Jewish world have found helpful for their lives. A free-will offering will be accepted. Registration is not required. Program information is available at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.
150 YEARS: Mass and dinner to honor the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown’s 150 years of ministry in the Mahoning Valley will be Sept. 22. Ursuline High School President the Rev. Richard Murphy will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave. Following Mass, guests will gather at Waypoint 4180, Canfield. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Tickets are $150 each. A link to purchase them can be found at ursulinesistersmission.org. The public also may call 330-793-0434, ext. 377. The event supports the Sisters’ “Fullness of Life, Future of Hope” campaign, which seeks to raise $10 million for three key initiatives. Of the funds raised, $4 million will provide for retirement needs of the Sisters, $3 million will sustain their essential ministries in education, spiritual growth and pastoral care, and $3 million will be used to update their facilities, especially with safety measures. Sister Mary McCormick, general superior of the Ursuline Sisters, and other Ursuline Sisters’ Leadership Team members will be available for comment. About 800 guests, including the Ursuline Sisters, are expected.
GETTING TO KNOW GOD: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 225 Villa Maria Road, will host an on-going series TaNaK Studies for Christians: Getting to Know God, Getting to Know All About God! with Fr. George Balasko 1 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Conference Center and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on our website. TaNaK is the total Jewish bible. A free will offering will be accepted. Participants need not attend all of the programs in this series. Program information is available at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.
RELIGIOUS AWARDS: The Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America invites all scouts to consider earning their religious award. Scouting America (BSA) offers awards for all faiths, denominations and creeds. Contact District REC (Religious Emblems Coordinator), Bob Granchie, at bobgranchie@sbcglobal.net for more information. Scouts of all ages are eligible. Younger scouts can do their awards in their homes. The Catholic Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII classes are being formed this fall. It’s a great way to have fun, learn more about your faith and get a medal.
Religion news
13TH ANNIVERSARY: Trinity Baptist Church, 235 Highland Ave. SW, Warren, will celebrate the 13th anniversary of Pastor Darryl Rodgers Sr. at 10 a.m. Sunday. Guest speaker is Bishop Leo Ferguson.
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown will celebrate its 225th anniversary with a special service 11 a.m. Sept. 1, followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Past members, former pastors and members of the community are invited.
The church began Sept. 1, 1799, in a log cabin in downtown Youngstown on Sept. 1, 1799. It was the first church in the Western Reserve. Throughout the years, First Presbyterian Church has been committed to remaining in the Mahoning Valley and has been involved in the formation of several agencies to help members of the community. The church supports many local missions as well as hosting the annual Martin Luther King Jr. workshop.
CHURCH 110TH: Warren First Assembly of God, Parkman Road, Warren, will celebrate its 110th anniversary Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The celebration will include a meet and greet at 5 p.m., followed by a service at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31 and special service at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 with guest speaker Doug Clay.
FIRST FRIDAY EVENT: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown’s 2024-25 Speaker Series new season will kick off Sept. 5 with guest speaker Sister Mary McCormick, OSU, superior general of the Ursuline Sisters and professor of systematic theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in Cleveland.
McCormick will present “Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown: 150 Years of Service” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.
McCormick has held her position at St. Mary’s Seminary in the Diocese of Cleveland since 1997. She also serves as academic dean of the seminary. She has been serving as the general superior of the Ursuline Sisters since 2014.
There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions following the talk. The luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call before Thursday at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit the website www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org for more information.
CATHOLIC MASS AT FAIR: On Sept. 1, the Rev. Kevin Peters will celebrate Mass at the Canfield Fair at 8 a.m. at the concourse stage near the grandstand.
FIRST PRAYER BOOK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, Pa., will offer the virtual series “Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book” with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the vmesc website.
The program will review the Ten Psalms unit that Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav and many others in the Jewish world have found helpful for their lives.
A free-will offering will be accepted. Registration is not required. Program information is available at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.
150 YEARS: Mass and dinner to honor the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown’s 150 years of ministry in the Mahoning Valley will be Sept. 22. Ursuline High School President the Rev. Richard Murphy will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave. Following Mass, guests will gather at Waypoint 4180, Canfield. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Tickets are $150 each. A link to purchase them can be found at ursulinesistersmission.org. The public also may call 330-793-0434, ext. 377. The event supports the Sisters’ “Fullness of Life, Future of Hope” campaign, which seeks to raise $10 million for three key initiatives. Of the funds raised, $4 million will provide for retirement needs of the Sisters, $3 million will sustain their essential ministries in education, spiritual growth and pastoral care, and $3 million will be used to update their facilities, especially with safety measures. Sister Mary McCormick, general superior of the Ursuline Sisters, and other Ursuline Sisters’ leadership leam members will be available for comment. About 800 guests, including the Ursuline Sisters, are expected.
RELIGIOUS AWARDS: The Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America invites all scouts to consider earning their religious award. Scouting America (BSA) offers awards for all faiths, denominations and creeds. Contact District Religious Emblems Coordinator Bob Granchie, at bobgranchie@sbcglobal.net for more information. Scouts of all ages are eligible. Younger scouts can do their awards in their homes. The Catholic Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII classes are being formed this fall. It’s a great way to have fun, learn more about your faith and get a medal.
Religion news
CELEBRATING YOUTH: Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave. SW, Warren, will host a citywide Celebration of Youth Day noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. The free event includes bike drawings, free shoes, school supplies, chair massages, a bounce house and health resources.
GOSPEL CONCERT: An Old School Gospel Concert will be 5 p.m. Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. The event will feature the Canton Spirituals and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Admission is $40 with doors opening at 4 p.m. For information, call 330-219-4428.
GRIEF SHARE: The Family Life Church Center, 610 S. Leavitt Road, Leavittsburg, will host a GriefShare session “Your Grief Journey” 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday. To register for the program, visit www.griefshare.org.
LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 225 Villa Marie Road, will offer a Guided Labyrinth Walk 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. The theme is “Living Life with Hope and Faith Through What We Do, Hope, Plan and Think.”
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. The event is held on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. Guided labyrinth walks are offered free, and registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or check the website for program status at vmesc.org.
FIRST FRIDAY EVENT: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown’s 2024-25 Speaker Series new season will kick off Sept. 5 with guest speaker Sister Mary McCormick, OSU, superior general of the Ursuline Sisters and professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in Cleveland.
McCormick will present “Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown: 150 Years of Service” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.
McCormick has held her position at St. Mary’s Seminary in the Diocese of Cleveland since 1997. She also serves as academic dean of the seminary. She has been serving as the General Superior of the Ursuline Sisters since 2014.
There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions following the talk. The luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call before Aug. 29 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit the website www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org for more information.
CATHOLIC MASSES AT FAIR: Catholic Mass opportunities will take place at county fairs this summer in order to serve rural families living on the fairgrounds, according to the Diocesan Office of Rural Life and Ministry. On Sept. 1, the Rev. Kevin Peters will celebrate Mass at the Canfield Fair at 8 a.m. at the Concourse Stage near the Grandstand.
POLISH YOUNGSTOWN: Polish Youngstown and St. Columba Cathedral will honor the feast day of Eastern Europe’s most beloved Marion icon, Our Lady of Czestochowa, with a special Mass 11 a.m. Aug. 25 at St. Columba Cathedral in downtown Youngstown.
Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, rector, will serve as celebrant and other Diocesan Slavic priests will be invited. Traditional Polish hymns will be part of the English-language Mass, including a community sing of “Czarna Madonna.” A reception will follow in the cathedral hall featuring a talk, musical entertainment by accordion player Luke Politsky, and a Polish-inspired breakfast. RSVP by calling the rectory at 330-744-5233. A free-will offering of $15 per person is suggested. Youngstown State University students are admitted free with their YSU IDs.
The Rev. Joseph Rudjak, retired Youngstown priest who most recently served at Holy Apostles Parish-SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Covington Street, will be the keynote speaker on the miracles associated with the “Black Madonna” and her role in Catholic lives today.
FIRST PRAYER BOOK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center will offer the virtual series “Introduction to Psalms, Our First Prayer Book” with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger 7 p.m. Sept. 4 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the vmesc website. The program will review the Ten Psalms unit that Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav and many others in the Jewish world have found helpful for their lives. A free-will offering will be accepted. Registration is not required. Program information is available at vmesc.org or by calling 724-964-8886.
Send notices to Bob Coupland at religion@vindy.com.
Religion news
PRAISE ON PATIO: First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard, 22 Westview Ave., will host “Praise on the Patio” at 7 p.m. Sunday. Simple Gifts Choir will host a hymn sing. The public can join the 45-voice choir in singing classic, gospel and contemporary hymn favorites. Guest musicians will accompany the choir and soloists. The event is free and will be outside on the church grounds, but will be moved inside in case of inclement weather. Some seating is available, but lawn chairs are welcome. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Hubbard Community Supply Pantry.
GOSPEL CONCERT: An Old School Gospel Concert will be 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. The event will feature the Canton Spirituals and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Admission is $40 with doors opening at 4 p.m. For information, call 330-219-4428.
LABYRINTH EVENT: The Ursuline Education and Wellness Center, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, is offering guided labyrinth walks at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Walks are about 30 minutes and are weather permitting. The theme is “Respecting the Tradition of Honoring Mary: Jesus’ Mother, Woman of Hope.”
CATHOLIC MASSES AT FAIR: Catholic Mass opportunities will take place at county fairs this summer In order to serve rural families living on the fairgrounds, according to the Diocesan Office of Rural Life and Ministry. On Sept. 1, the Rev. Kevin Peters will celebrate Mass at the Canfield Fair at 8 a.m. at the Concourse Stage near the Grandstand.
LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 225 Villa Marie Road, will offer a Guided Labyrinth Walk 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21. The theme is “Living Life with Hope and Faith Through What We Do, Hope, Plan and Think.” 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. The event is held on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. Guided labyrinth walks are offered free, and registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or check the website for program status at vmesc.org.
FIRST FRIDAY EVENT: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown’s 2024-25 Speaker Series new season will kick off Sept. 5 with guest speaker Sister Mary McCormick, OSU, Superior General of the Ursuline Sisters and Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and Graduate School of Theology.
McCormick will present “Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown: 150 Years of Service” at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield.
McCormick has held her position at St. Mary’s Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in the Diocese of Cleveland since 1997. She also serves as academic dean of the seminary. She has been serving as the General Superior of the Ursuline Sisters since 2014.
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 before Aug. 29 at 330-720-4498. Reservations are limited. Visit the website www.firstfridayclubofgreateryoungstown.org for more information.
POLISH YOUNGSTOWN: Polish Youngstown and St. Columba Cathedral will honor the feast day of Eastern Europe’s most beloved Marion icon, Our Lady of Czestochowa, with a special Mass at 11 a.m,. Aug. 25 at St. Columba Cathedral in downtown Youngstown.
Msgr. Robert J. Siffrin will serve as celebrant, and other Diocesan Slavic priests will be invited.
Traditional Polish hymns will be part of the English-language Mass, including a “community sing” of Czarna Madonna. A reception will follow in the Cathedral hall featuring a talk, musical entertainment by accordion player Luke Politsky, and a Polish-inspired breakfast. An RSVP requested for catering by calling the rectory at 330-744-5233. A free-will offering of $15 per person is suggested. Youngstown State University students are admitted free with their YSU IDs.
The Rev. Joseph Rudjak, retired Youngstown priest who most recently served at Holy Apostles Parish-SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Covington Street, will be the keynote speaker on the miracles associated with the “Black Madonna” and her role in Catholic lives today.
The icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa has been intimately associated with Poland for more than 600 years. In every Polish church, there is a reproduction of the Black Madonna. When Poles emigrated, they brought their devotion to the Mother of God, creating home altars and innumerable churches, chapels and shrines in her honor. Such a shrine is located in the former baptistry of St. Columba.
WOMAN’S DAY: The Hoyt Street Flourishing Ministries Church of God in Christ, 789 Hoyt St. SW, Warren, is hosting the annual Woman’s Day 4 p.m. Sunday. Special guest speaker is Sheila Terry-Cook of Toledo and Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ. The theme is “We’ve Got Work to Do…” The program includes local musical talent and praise dancers. Funds raised from this event will be used toward improving the church’s parking lot.
Religion news
CHURCH CELEBRATES 100: Summit Assembly of God, 2615 Salt Springs Road, Weathersfield, will mark the church’s 100th anniversary 11 a.m. Sunday.
PICNIC AT LAKE: Cortland Church of the Nazarene will host a potluck picnic 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the pavilion at Mosquito Lake Park. Pastor Chuck Hargenrater will host a baptismal service for those wishing to be baptized. Those taking part are asked to bring a change of clothes. Gospel singer Juanita Phillips will be ministering through music.
COMMUNITY FAITH LEADERS: A community faith leaders luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, 245 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. The meet-and-greet will discuss ways to assist local agencies with victims of human trafficking and violence. Host is the Rev. Kelly Lindsey. RSVP to 330-393-1524.
PRAISE ON PATIO: First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard, 22 Westview Ave., will host “Praise on the Patio” 7 p.m. Aug. 11. Simple Gifts Choir will host a hymn sing. The public can join the 45-voice choir in singing classic, gospel and contemporary hymn favorites. Guest musicians will accompany the choir and soloists. The event is free and will be outside on the church grounds, but will be moved inside in case of inclement weather. Some seating is available, but lawn chairs are welcome. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Hubbard Community Supply Pantry.
GOSPEL CONCERT: An Old School Gospel Concert will be 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. The event will feature the Canton Spirituals and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Admission is $40 with doors opening at 4 p.m. For information, call 330-219-4428.
LABYRINTH EVENT: The Ursuline Education and Wellness Center, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, is offering guided labyrinth walks at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15. Walks are about 30 minutes and are weather permitting.
CATHOLIC MASSES AT FAIR: Catholic Mass opportunities will take place at county fairs this summer In order to serve rural families living on the fairgrounds, according to the Diocesan Office of Rural Life and Ministry. Bishop David Bonnar will preside over a Catholic Mass at the Columbiana County Fair in Lisbon at 8 a.m. Sunday in the Arts and Crafts building near Gate A off Lee Avenue. On Sept. 1, the Rev. Kevin Peters will celebrate Mass at the Canfield Fair at 8 a.m. at the Concourse Stage near the Grandstand.
LABYRINTH WALK: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 225 Villa Marie Road, will offer a Guided Labyrinth Walk 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21. The theme is “Living Life with Hope and Faith Through What We Do, Hope, Plan and Think.” The event is held on the grounds of Villa Maria Community Center. Guided labyrinth walks are offered free, and registration is preferred. In the event of questionable weather conditions, call 724-964-8886 or check the website for program status at vmesc.org.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS
• Mount Olive Church of Christ, 410 South Range Road, North Lima — Community day camp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5 to 9 for children in kindergarten to seventh grade.
• Metro Assembly of God, 2530 South Ave., Youngstown — 5 to 8 p,.m. Aug. 5 to 8 with the theme “Game Over: Summer Adventure Camp.” Call 330-782-2070.
• Niles First Christian Church, 33 N. Arlington Ave.,Niles — 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 5 to 8 for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade. The theme is “Camp Firelight: A Summer Camp Adventure with God.” Call 330-652-5839.