Appointment announced

Appointment announced
YOUNGSTOWN -- At the start of the new year, Dr. Richard Konzen of Mercer, Pa., will join St. John's Episcopal Church as its third organist-choirmaster in more than 80 years.
A church musician for more than three decades, Konzen earned an undergraduate degree from DePauw University and two master's degrees and a doctorate from Yale University. He has served Episcopal parishes in Mount Lebanon, Pa.; Springfield, Mass.; Wilton, Conn.; and Greencastle, Ind. For the past six years, he has served at the First United Methodist Church in Sharon, Pa.
Konzen joined the faculty of Grove City College in 1992 where he is an associate professor of music, teaches organ and directs the college orchestra. When he helped reorganize the Bach Society, a community choral group in Grove City, Pa., it grew from 20 singers to more than 60.
He follows Dr. Ronald L. Gould, who has served St. John's since 1960.
Live Nativity scene
NEWTON FALLS -- A live Nativity will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. next Saturday at First Christian Church. Visitors will drive by the scenes.
Musical drama
LEAVITTSBURG -- The Leavittsburg Church of God will present "No Other Name," a Christmas musical drama at 7 p.m. today and at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Christmas musical
AUSTINTOWN -- Four Mile Run Christian Church will present a Christmas musical at 6 p.m. Dec. 22. Refreshments will follow. Call (330) 799-7831.
Live outdoor Nativity
NILES -- An outdoor live Nativity will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. next Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Call (330) 652-6078.
Holiday concert
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Sunday School Ministry of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist will present a Christmas concert at 5 p.m. Sunday. The theme is "A Jesus For All Seasons." Call (330) 744-0232.
Healing service
YOUNGSTOWN -- Christ Church Presbyterian will have a healing prayer service at 7 p.m. Sunday. Time will be allowed for personal ministry.
Vespers service
YOUNGSTOWN -- Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church will have its 55th annual Vespers service, "Service of Music and Lights" at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Wassail will be served in the parlor from 3:30 to 4 p.m., at which time the instrumental and hand-bell prelude will begin.
Seasonal music
BOARDMAN -- The Wade Raridon Singers, a 26-voice chamber choir consisting of former members of the Dana Chorale or the Dana Madrigal Singers, will present a program of seasonal music at 4 p.m. Sunday in St. James Episcopal Church. The singers are directed by Professor Emeritus Wade Raridon. A reception will follow the performance.
Padre Pio meeting
HUBBARD -- The Sacred Heart Padre Pio Group will have a Family Holy Hour at 3 p.m. Dec. 22 in St. Patrick Church.
Flame Fellowship
BOARDMAN -- The Youngstown Chapter of Flame Fellowship will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in Boardman Park's community center. A dinner buffet will be served at 6 p.m. The dinner is $7. Call (330) 792-0832 for reservations.
After dinner, the guest will be Ms. Sherri Dawson, founder of The Unity Ministry. People attending the dinner are welcome to hear the speaker.
New pastor
LIBERTY -- Northside Baptist Church has named Brian Picard its new pastor. Picard has lived in the Youngstown area for 10 years and ministered to missions for 20 years in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. He is planning a revival in March. The 2002 Christmas program featuring children telling the Nativity story will be at 6 p.m. Sunday.