SEND NEWSLETTERS TO THE RELIGION EDITOR

Send newslettersto the religion editor
All churches, synagogues, mosques and ministries are invited to send their newsletters to The Vindicator. Send to Religion Desk, The Vindicator, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown, OH 44501. Electronic versions may be sent to religion@vindy.com. The newsletters provide a valuable source of information on services and activities at area places of worship.
Pastor anniversary
YOUNGSTOWN -- Pastor Kevin Crum Sr. will mark his third anniversary at New Hope Baptist Church, 437 Albert St., during a program at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Guest speaker will be Dr. Leon Thompson, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Warren.
Grief recovery sessions
NEW WATERFORD -- Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 state Route 46, will sponsor a grief recovery program for adults and children called Grief Share. Three separate Christian-based sessions will start in February and continue for six weeks. Sessions for adults and children will be at 9 a.m. Sundays, starting Feb. 4; for adults only from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Feb. 6; and for children only from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, starting Feb. 8. Jay Radman and Betty Welker, church members, will lead the programs. Registration is not required but appreciated. Call the church office at (330) 457-7317.
Dinner, doctrine program
YOUNGSTOWN -- Catholic Connection will hold a dinner and doctrine program, "Marriage: Getting In, Getting Out," on Monday at Nancy's Place, 3650 Shady Run Road, with the Rev. John Keehner. Dinner is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with participants ordering and paying for their own meals. No reservations are required. The free program on exploring the basics of the Catholic faith is at 7.
Grief seminar
GREENFORD -- Greenford Christian Church, 11767 Lisbon Road, will sponsor GriefShare, a seminar and support group, at 7 p.m. Mondays, starting Feb. 5. The nondenominational group features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics including "When Your Spouse Dies" and "Your Family and Grief." Workbook cost is 12. Child care will be provided but advance arrangements must be made by calling the church at (330) 533-3278.
Gospel brunch
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Black Alumni Chapter of Youngstown State University is sponsoring its second annual Gospel Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Salvation Army, 1501 Glenwood Ave. Tickets are 20, and only advance tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at Youngstown State University's Office of Associate Degree and Tech Prep Programs, (330) 941-7262. Among artists to perform will be Mark Jackson and Final Call and Ina Madison. Other performers are being scheduled. Proceeds will benefit the Black Alumni Chapter/YSU Foundation Scholarship Program.
Program on pope's trip
BOARDMAN -- Jack Figel, president of the Society of St. John Chrysostom and publisher of Eastern Churches Journal, will present a video and commentary on the trip of Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey this past November when the group meets at 11 a.m. next Saturday at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 7782 Glenwood Ave. Figel attended several of the events, including the Divine Liturgy in St. George's Cathedral celebrated by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Spiritual society
CANFIELD -- Youngstown Spiritual Society will hold a message and meditation service from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday at the Ursuline Center, 4300 Shields Road. Vince Lisi will present "How Cool God Is!" followed by meditation and shared prayer.
Bible study planned
NEW WATERFORD -- New Waterford United Methodist Church, 46927 S. State St., will begin a Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The first session will be "Death and Resurrection of the Messiah."
At Smith Corners
AUSTINTOWN -- Smith Corners United Methodist Church, 3000 S. Canfield-Niles Rd. (corner of Route 46 and Kirk Road), will hold a talent show featuring church members at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Baptist association
YOUNGSTOWN -- Shenango Valley Baptist Association's Sunday school department plans a free program with the theme of reconciliation at 7 p.m. Friday at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 747 Willow St. The speaker will be the Rev. G. Wilkins, pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 328 S. Forest St.
Singer to be at church
Youngstown -- Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliffe Ave., will host Justin Morris, a national recording artist, at its 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship service. He is the lead singer of the Soul Stirrers of Chicago.
Testimony night
CANFIELD -- Testimony night is planned at 7 p.m. Monday at Lucille Orr Ministries Inc., 5357 Raccoon Road, with speaker Debra Hoyman. Bible study is scheduled at at 7 p.m. Mondays, intercessory prayer at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and healing, hope and miracle meetings at 7 p.m. Fridays.