Contemplative service planned
Contemplative service planned
MINERAL RIDGE
A contemplative Christmas service is planned at 5 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 3654 Main St. Refreshments will follow.
The constant refrain on the radio and television, from shopping malls to churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had.
The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending time with others.
The service will provide a quiet time with prayer, Scripture and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is forever with us and that God’s word comes to shine light into our darkness.
Live Nativity
NILES
The youth of New Hope United Methodist Church, 21 Fairview Ave., will present a live Nativity from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Niles First United Methodist Church also will participate.
During and after the event, refreshments will be served in fellowship hall.
Christmas cantata
GIRARD
Girard First United Methodist Church, 22 N. Market St., will present the Christmas cantata “Were You There on That Christmas Night?” at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Christmas story
VIENNA
“The 3 1/2 Stories of Christmas” will be presented at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 4453 Warren-Sharon Road.
The program for children and adults will tie together parts of the Christmas story including the light of creation, manger in Bethlehem, origin of St. Nicholas and secret of the Christmas angel.
A free-will offering will be taken.
Blue Christmas
POLAND
Heritage Presbyterian Church 1951 Mathews Road, will conduct a Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The service, which is open to the community, will offer quiet reflection, prayer, music and Scripture.
First Friday Club
boardman
Dr. Michael Downey will be the featured speaker when the First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown meets Jan. 5 at Antone’s Banquet Centre, 8578 Market St.
He is director of theological and spiritual formation at Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, Calif.
His topic will be “Magnificent Distractions: Hurdles to Living Contemplatively.”
The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $16. Reservations must be made by calling 330-720-4498 or visiting www.firstfridayclubofgreater-youngstown.org.
About marriage
VIENNA
Hugh Owen will speak on marriage and creation during a presentation planned at 7 p.m. Thursday in the hall of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 291 Scoville Ddrive.
Owens is director of the John Paul II Institute of Christian Spirituality and the founder and director of the Kolbe Center for the Study of Creation in Mount Jackson, Va.
He is a writer, editor, teacher and lecturer and has written many books and articles on Catholic and secular topics.
He has been published by Catholic Distance University, Seton Home School, Apostolate for Family Consecration and Latin Mass Magazine.