3 religious services available to fairgoers

By Linda M. Linonis

A Mass and ecumenical and contemporary services will be offered Sunday.

CANFIELD — People who participate in outdoor worship services often say they feel closer to God. Maybe it’s being under a blue sky.

Fairgoers have three opportunities Sunday to give thanks to God for being able to enjoy the fun-filled fair days, which showcase God’s creatures such as horses, cows, goats, pigs, chickens and rabbits; the bounty of the earth including flowers, pumpkins, sunflowers and apples; and God-given talents such as painting, quilting, smocking and baking.

A Mass is scheduled for 8 a.m. followed by an ecumenical service at 9:30 and a contemporary service at 11, all taking place on the west side of the grandstand on the concourse.

The Mass, with the Rev. Edward Noga, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Youngstown, as celebrant, is unique because of Richard Koker’s involvement. He provides a sign language interpretation of the Mass and hymns. Koker has been signing the fair Mass for about a decade.

“I feel that the signing is very expressive. It’s a second way of praying,” he said.

Father Noga said the service is informal, and Jim Johnston from St. Patrick often plays his guitars and sometimes there are drums. “Signing adds another element to the Mass,” he said.

Koker, who retired from Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities as a work procurement specialist, said he took a sign language class in 1979 at Choffin Career and Technical Center. “I just had a desire to learn ... maybe it was an avocation,” he said. “I worked with some nonverbal clients.”

Koker expanded his knowledge by “learning a lot on my own.”

He was quite active as a sign language interpreter until a double hip replacement about a year and a half ago. “I’m just starting to resume it now,” he said.

Koker said he regularly did sign language interpretation at St. Michael Church in Canfield and began that effort in 1998. He also has signed during Masses at his church, Sts. Peter and Paul Croatian Catholic Church in Youngstown, and at a Veterans Day service there and also at St. Patrick.

During visits by Al Gore in 2002 and John Edwards in 2004, Koker was the sign language interpreter. “I’ve been busy all my life,” he said of his special ministry.

Koker said participants in the Mass at the fair have often thanked him for his effort. Those with normal hearing and those who are hearing impaired have expressed their appreciation.

Tom and Kelly Scurich, professional musicians and local educators, have volunteered in the musical part of the ecumenical service for some 20 years. “It’s giving back as a Christian and sharing our gifts,” he said.

“We liked to do something related to what the scripture reference and message will be,” he said.

This year, the spiritual “I Shall Not Be Moved” and “The Old Irish Blessing” will be the sung. Scurich said the rehearsal is quick so the choices have to be something the participants, usually about 40 people, can pick up quickly. “We picked the Irish blessing because it was a favorite of Kay Sittig,” he said, and noted she directed the fair choir for many years. She is now deceased.

Scurich said he understood the ecumenical service was begun for those who stayed overnight with their animals at the fairground. “It gives people an opportunity to worship and enjoy the fair,” he said, and “being outdoors makes it special.”

T.J. Hammer, senior high pastor at Old North Church of Canfield, said high school students conduct a contemporary worship service and he gives the message, which this weekend will focus on putting one’s heart into worship. Hammer said he has been at Old North for nine years and the church has been involved in the service for more than a decade.

“We’ll present a simple drama,” Hammer said, noting it will feature five characters. “The kids rehearse and prepare for it. It’s an opportunity for participation before the school year begins,” he said.

It’s also a chance for fellowship among the youth, as they meet for breakfast at the fair, present the service and spend time at the fair. “What’s a better way to spend the day ... worship, fair food and spending time with family and friends,” Hammer said.

The services, like the tradition of the fair itself, reflect the strong faith tradition of many denominations in the Mahoning Valley.