Purim celebration

Purim celebration

liberty

A joint Purim celebration for Temple El-Emeth, Congregation Ohev Tzedek and Warren Beth Israel is planned March 19 at Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way.

The Mincha service will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a salad bar and hot-dog dinner at 7. There is no charge for dinner, but reservations are required.

Maariv and Havdallah will be at 8 p.m. with the Megillah reading beginning at 8:15. Everyone is invited to come in costume and join in the parade during the Megillah reading.

There will be prizes for all children and a special contest for the best adult costume.

A Hamantashen bar and music will round out the evening. Reservations are requested to El Emeth at 330-759-1429 or to the individual temple offices by March 17.

Taiz prayer

VILLA MARIA, Pa.

A Taiz prayer service is planned from 7 to 8 p.m. March 15 at Magnificat Chapel at Villa Maria Community Center.

The Taiz prayer service is based on a ritual developed by an ecumenical community in France dedicated to prayer and simplicity. Taiz is a Christian interdenominational prayer form that incorporates music, Scripture and silence.

Musicians from the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, Pa., will provide the music. Refreshments will be served after the service.

There is no registration or fee, but a good-will offering will be accepted. For information or directions, call 724-964-8886 or visit www.villaprograms.org.

Pastor anniversary

YOUNGSTOWN

The 17th pastoral anniversary of Superintendent Ross Johnson will be celebrated next weekend by Bethel Church of God in Christ, 3147 Glenwood Ave.

Elder Greg Jordan of Calvary C.O.G.I.C. in Cleveland will be the guest speaker for the event at 7:30 p.m. Friday; and speaking at 10 a.m. March 13 will be Elder Jimmy Hooks.

St. Anthony novena

CAMPBELL

St. Lucy Church, 394 Tenney Ave., will begin a novena to St. Anthony on March 15 with 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Masses and novenas.

The services will continue until June 7. The Feast Day Mass will be at 10 a.m. June. 13.

Pastor to be honored

YOUNGSTOWN

The eighth anniversary of the Rev. Larry Alexander will be celebrated March 13 at Phillips Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 1407 Victor Ave.

Speaking at the 10:50 a.m. service will be Elder Marquis Green of Columbus, and the speaker for the 4 p.m. service will be Pastor Larry Scott of Valley Baptist Church of Niles.

The pastor’s Aide Committee is compiling an anniversary booklet.

Gospel concert

AUSTINTOWN

United Methodist Women will host a concert of gospel music to be presented by the Rev. George L. Lee, pastor, at 4 p.m. Sunday at West Austintown First United Methodist Church, 6749 Mahoning Ave. at Turner Road.

The concert will celebrate 45 years of pastoral ministry. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall.

Night of praise

HUBBARD

The Circle of Love will present a night of praise and Scripture reading at 6 p.m. March 13 at St. Patrick Church., 375 N. Main St.

Morning Star will lead songs of praise and thanksgiving, and the guest speaker will be the Rev. Bob Edwards.

Calendar tea set

YOUNGSTOWN

Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, 566 W. Indianola Ave., will have its annual calendar tea at 5 p.m. Sunday. This 55th-year anniversary memorial tea honors Georgianna Lynch, founder. The theme will be “Remembering God’s Help.”

Guest speaker will be Dione Eldridge, and host pastors will be Elder Ernest and Lenore Walker. Program coordinator is Patricia Kitchen-Cook, and Linda Sutton-Hawkins is in charge of publicity.

Pianist in concert

POLAND

Pianist Chuck Dorsey of Boardman will present a concert of hymns, semiclassical and classical selections at 6 p.m. today at Poland United Methodist Church on Route 224.

Women’s Day event

WARREN

The Women’s Day Committee of Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1137 Main Ave. SW, will present the play “Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock” at 4 p.m. today at the church.

The play will be followed by a Feast of Salads.

The ticket donation is $10 for adults and children 12 and older. Tickets for children 3 to 11 are $5. Tickets can be purchased by calling the church office at 330-394-5058.

The committee will celebrate Women’s Day during a 10:40 a.m. service March 13. The theme will be “Order My Steps.” Guest speaker will be Kathleen M. Reid.

St. Joseph novena

NORTH JACKSON

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, 2759 Lipkey Road, will have its annual St. Joseph novena from Friday to March 19.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 7 p.m., and novena prayers will follow on weekdays. Benediction and novena prayers will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Solemn vespers and benediction will follow the 7 p.m. March 19 novena, and there will be a special blessing of the St. Joseph’s table in Cedars Hall.

Covered dishes will be appreciated. For more information, call 330-538-3351.

Family to sing

CORTLAND

The Singing Weavers, three generations of one family, will present a concert at 6 p.m. Sunday at Calvary Bible Church, 2878 Warren-Meadville Road.

The family began traveling and singing 40 years ago and has eight albums available.

A nursery will be available, and a free-will offering will be accepted.

Community forum

youngstown

Lighthouse Christian College, based at EB Life Center, 7 S. Garland Ave., will start a community forum at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and continue for six weeks.

The topic will be “Women’s Issues as Seen Through God’s Eyes.” Call Dr. Carolyn O’Neil at 330-701-3729 for information.

World Day of Prayer

greenford

A free-will offering designated for world hunger will be taken in conjunction with World Day of Prayer at Greenford Lutheran Church, 7450 W. South Range Road, during a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Betty Jean Willis, organist- pianist, will accompany youths as they present special music. The adult choir also will sing.

Food and fellowship will follow with different countries being represented by families of the church.

Zion Hill concert

columbiana

Tia Ciferno and her daughter, Julia, will be in concert at 6 p.m. March 13 at Zion Hill Church of the Brethren, 14550 New Buffalo Road. This will be the first of a seven-concert series this year.

An offering will be received.

Ignatian retreat

canfield

The Ignatian retreat in daily life is unlike other retreats because it lets you continue with your everyday activities. It does require 30 minutes daily private time for personal prayer and 30 to 45 minutes once each week for eight weeks in the company of a spiritual director who will help you to discover your personal relationship with Jesus.

Eileen Novotny, who received a certificate in spiritual direction from John Carroll University, is spiritual director.

To get information, pick up resource materials and schedule sessions with the retreat director, participants may stop between 11 a.m. to noon or 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday or from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at the Ursuline Motherhouse, 4280 Shields Road.

There is an $80 donation. For more information, call 330-533-3831 or send e-mail to ewalshnovotny@zoominternet.net.