Local churches plan to mark global event

The ecumenical, international event will be observed in 170 countries.
World Day of Prayer observances are planned Friday. Church Women United and World Day of Prayer USA co-sponsor the ecumenical, international movement whose prayers follow the sun across the globe during the day of celebration. About 170 countries and regions will participate.
This year's theme is "Sign of the Times." Women of South Africa wrote the prayer service that focuses on the healing work of Jesus. They are highlighting the fact that millions of South Africans have HIV/AIDS and the health crisis continues to grow. An offering to support World Day of Prayer and the HIV/AIDS ministries in South Africa and the United States will be taken.
What's planned
Events are planned at:
First Presbyterian Church, Robbins Avenue, Niles. A luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. with registration at 11. The program, which will follow, will be presented by First Christian Church of Niles. A special collection will be taken for the Hattie Larlham Foundation. Reservations must be made by Monday by calling (330) 652-1471.
First Presbyterian Church, East State Street, Sharon, Pa. A service is planned at 1 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 48 Church St., Hubbard. There will be a luncheon at noon with the service afterward.
Grace United Church of Christ, 140 S. Main St., Columbiana. A service is planned at 1 p.m. with participants from First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, St. Jude and Zion Hill churches. Featured speaker will be Dr. Joseph Mersol, a retired family practitioner, who treated one of the first AIDS patients in the area.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St. (state Route 46), Canfield. The service is planned at 11 a.m. with a light luncheon to follow. Participating churches are St. Michael, Canfield Presbyterian, Canfield United Methodist, Canfield Christian and Western Reserve United Methodist.
Mahoning United Methodist Church, 2214 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. A service will be at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow.
Mount Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Road, North Lima. A service will follow a noon luncheon.
St. James Church, 50 Rosemont Road, North Jackson. A service is scheduled for 11 a.m. with lunch to follow.
St. Vincent de Paul Church, 4453 Warren-Sharon Road, Vienna. A service will be at 11 a.m. with a luncheon afterward.
The Salvation Army at Austintown Westside Chapel, 6431 Mahoning Ave. A program is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. For more information call Capt. Patricia Musgrove at (330) 270-1751.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Drive, Boardman. A service is scheduled at 1 p.m. with a tea to follow.