Breaking News
Lifestyles

Religion news

5 min read

CHRISTMAS IN JULY: Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St., Youngstown, will have a special Christmas in July service at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. The service will feature music by Park Avenue Brass with sounds of Christmas. There will be music, prayer and reflection as the congregation celebrates the hope and peace the Christmas story offers.

FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown speaker series will host a program at noon Aug. 6 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield. Guest speaker is George Beelen, retired professor and chair of the Department of History at Youngstown State University who will present "Glimpses of the Holy Land."

In 1987, Beelen founded the Ohio Cultural Alliance, a community organization dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering connections across backgrounds. His work inspired his new book, "Genius Knows No Boundaries," which chronicles the Alliance's nearly 40-year history and highlights stories of empathy, collaboration and shared humanity.

Beelen continues to promote cultural understanding through public events, lectures and programs in partnership with the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, emphasizing that people are far more alike than different.

There will be an opportunity for participants' questions following the talk. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by July 30 at 330-720-4498.

CHURCH HOSTS LADIES EVENT: Southington Christian Church, 3285 state Route 534, will host an "In the Garden" ladies event honoring a Legacy of Faith immediately following the service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The event is hosted by Ashley Morrow in loving memory of her grandmother, Gwendolyn Irene Arnold, to celebrate the quiet strength and lasting legacy of faithful women. The theme is "Consider the Lillies," reminding people to trust God's care and provision. The event is free and cosponsored by Philip Clingerman and will include refreshments, music, a short devotional and seed packets to take home.

MASSES AT FAIRGROUNDS: In order to serve rural families living on area fairgrounds during fair weeks, the Diocesan Office of Rural Life and Ministry announces opportunities to celebrate Catholic Mass at county fairs. The Rev. Kevin Peters will celebrate Mass at the Trumbull County Fair at noon Sunday at the Historical Stage.

GROW CAMP: Registrations are now being accepted for two GROW Camps for children ages 5-12 at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center. The two sessions of GROW Camp will be Monday to Thursday​ from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include hands-on learning experiences with plants, animals and insects, exploring forests, ponds and wetlands, playing games and swimming. Lunch and snacks will be provided during both camps. Register online at vmesc.org.

SERBIAN DAY: The 93rd annual Serbian Day will take place noon to 8 p.m. July 26 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 39 Laird Ave., Youngstown. The event will include a picnic, musical entertainment, 50-50 raffle and children's activities. Admission is free.

AN EVENING OF QUARTET SINGING: Deliverance Temple Church Apostolic of Faith, 1849 West Ave. NW, Warren, will host a musical service titled "An Evening of Quartet Singing" at 6 p.m. July 25. Featured musical guests are the Supreme Angels of Youngstown and the Mighty Golden Wonders of Warren.

LABYRINTH WALK: The Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4290 Shields Road, are hosting their 16th year of guided labyrinth walks. The next walks are 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20. This year's theme honors the 350th Jubilee of the Sacred Heart. Each month's theme will focus on a unique expression of love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including compassion, mercy and forgiveness. Walks are free and take place weather permitting.

Vacation Bible Schools

• Niles First Christian Church, 33 N. Arlington Ave. -- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug, 2-6 for preschool to sixth grade. Register at 330-652-5839.

• Cortland Trinity Baptist Church, 2576 McCleary Jacoby Road -- 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday for kids in kindergarten to grade 6. This year's theme is "Emerald Crossing."

• Orwell United Methodist Church, 80 S. Maple St., Orwell -- 6 to 8:15 p.m. July 27 to 31 for ages 4 to sixth grade. This is the Grand Valley Community VBS. Preregister at the Grand Valley Library or call 440-437-8225.

VILLA MARIA PROGRAM: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center offers the 13th annual Nostra Aetate at 7 p.m. July 30 with Rabbi Efraim Palvanov, who will present "Jesus in the Talmud: What did the ancient Jewish Sages actually think about Jesus and Christianity?"

The event is cosponsored by Rev. George Balasko and Rabbi Joseph P. Schonberger. This program also will be available via Zoom, and the link will be on the center's website.

Palvanov is among the world's most sought-after Torah educators, and is celebrated for his unique blend of scholarly depth and engaging delivery.

Free-will offerings will be accepted. For information, visit vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886.

ARISE YOUNG ADULTS: Registration is now open for the fourth annual ARISE Young Adult Summer Festival 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 12 at St. John Neumann Parish-St. Joseph Campus, 2643 Waterloo Road, Mogadore. ARISE is the largest, fastest-growing diocesan event of the year for young adults throughout the Diocese of Youngstown.

It is a day-long gathering designed to deepen faith, cultivate authentic community and celebrate the Eucharist with young adults ages 18-39 from across the Diocese. The day includes speakers, small group discussion, reflection, worship, live music, a catered dinner, meaningful fellowship through outdoor games and activities, Eucharistic adoration and Mass with Bishop David J. Bonnar. For information, call the Rev. William Wainio, director of the Office of Vocations, 330-744-8451, Ext. 368.

Starting at /week.