Assembly planned

Assembly planned

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning Valley Association of Churches board will host the MVAC annual assembly at 6 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave. The event will include a rundown of the accomplishments of last year as well as setting plans for the coming year.

There will be a brief presentation on Ecumenism by the Rev. Joseph Witmer. New board members also will be voted on and installed.

Education series

VILLA MARIA, PA

Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen St., is offering Torah Studies for Christians with Rabbi Saul Oresky and the Rev. George Balasko, co-sponsored by Jewish/Christian Studies of Youngstown and the B’nai B’rith Guardian of the Menorah from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

This Bible education series, offered on the third Wednesday of each month through May, is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures under the guidance of a rabbi.

Working closely with the biblical text, participants will explore the methods and insights of the sages of the Jewish tradition, their love for Torah, their eye for detail, their incisive questions, debates and creative storytelling.

This program is offered at no charge. Free-will offerings are accepted.

Visit www.vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886 for information and registration.

‘Holy Fire’ series

NEW WATERFORD

Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 state Route 46, is launching a new Sunday night teaching series titled “Holy Fire” from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Sunday. Future dates will be announced.

Based on a 2014 book by the same name by R.T. Kendall, the series will offer a balanced and biblical perspective of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of followers of Jesus.

Senior Pastor Jeff Schoch will lead the series, which will be presented in lesson format with handouts highlighting key elements from the book along with scriptures and experiences. With the series, Schoch aims to address fears, misgivings, confusion and other issues related to the third person of the Trinity.

Each session will include a time for questions, answers and discussion as well as ministry.

Call the church office at 330-457-7317 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday if in need of a book so enough will be available. No child care will be provided during this event.

Grant for diocese

YOUNGSTOWN

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown is announcing that the Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions has awarded the Diocese of Youngstown a grant of $70,000 for six programs across the Diocese for 2017.

These programs include: Migration and Refugee Services (Catholic Charities, Youngstown), Building Bridges Outreach (St. Anthony Parish, Canton), First Step to Service (Catholic Charities, Youngstown), A Communication Bridge for Hispanic Students/Parents/Schools (Our Lady of Peace School, Canton), “Un Puente De Recepcion para las Familias Hispanas” (Holy Cross Academy, North Canton) and Parish Evangelization and Community Enculturation (St. Patrick, Youngstown).

The subcommittee is a grant-making agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offering financial support to missionary activities that strengthen the Catholic Church in the United States and in its current and former territories.

For information, contact Nikole Kelley at 330-744-8451, ext. 323, or email nkelley@youngstowndiocese.org.