Blessing of Animals at St. James church

May 24, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

BOARDMAN

St. James’ Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., will have its annual Blessing of Animals on the church’s front lawn at 3 p.m. Sunday. Rogation Sunday — the sixth Sunday after Easter — is a traditional time to give thanks for God’s creation. In a time more focused on rural life, Rogation Sunday was a day to bless the fields as the year’s crops were being planted and to bless the farm animals. St. James’ Church retains aspects of this old custom by blessing the animals whose presence enriches our lives.

Attending again this year will be Princess, a 16-year-old brown tabby cat, who was diagnosed with lymphoma more than a year ago. Her owner, Barbara Jones of Austintown, said that she is doing well despite having arthritis and being treated for lymphoma and a thyroid condition. Princess has been her faithful companion for many years, and she is hoping to have her around for several more.

All animals are welcome. For the safety of all, dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. Owners of animals that do not travel well are welcome to bring photos of their pets to be blessed.

Each animal will receive an individual blessing from Father John Wigle, retired priest associate. Treats for people and animals will be served after the blessing. All are welcome

For information, call 330-758-2727 or email secretary@stjamesboardman.com.

Appreciation day and anniversary

WARREN

Coleman Chapel CME Church, 1102 Highland Ave. SW, will celebrate Pastor’s Appreciation Day and its 57th anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The guest speaker will be Rev. Tersa Leigh of Patton Memorial CME Church, Cleveland. A dinner will be served after the program. Host pastor is Rev. Walter Gibson.

Clothing drop-off shed is installed

WARREN

A clothing drop-off shed has been installed at Grace United Methodist Church, 1725 Drexel NW (off Parkman Road at the Rite Aid), to collect useable clothing, shoes, belts, purses, linens, blankets and drapes for distribution throughout the United States and the world to those who can use the items. The community is invited to use the site, which will help keep clothing out of landfills while helping those in need. The program also is a fundraiser for the church, which will receive 4 cents per pound of clothing donated. The proceeds will be used to help the food pantry and other church projects. Donations are tax-deductible, and receipts are available at the shed.

Bicycling 68 miles for church pantry

WARREN

On June 7, Don Cherry, 55, of Grace United Methodist Church will participate in the 68-mile World of Wildlife Bicycle Tour for the fifth year in a row.

Cherry’s goal is to raise $1,000 for the church’s food pantry, which serves more than 55 families in need each month, and is under the direction of Shirley Frazier. To donate to his ride, send a check, payable to Grace UMC, to the church at 1725 Drexel NW, Warren, OH 44485. Write Pedal for the Pantry on the check’s memo line.

The church will have a Blessing of the Bikes on June 1 at the beginning of the worship service at 9:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome to ride or bring trikes, bikes or motorcycles for the blessing. For information, call 330-395-5231.