Religion Offerings: 11-09

11/9/2013

Episcopalians convene

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio is holding its 197th convention, which started yesterday at the Grand Plaza Hotel and ends today. Provided that clergy and lay delegates stuck to the printed schedule, special guest Bishop Philip Wright of Belize spoke yesterday and Ohio's Bishop Mark Hollingsworth Jr. gives his address before lunch today. Ohio's Church has companion diocese relationships with both Belize and Tanga, Tanzania.

Wesleyans learn forgiveness

Whiteford Wesleyan Church has a special focus on forgiveness at its 10 a.m. service on Sunday. Misty Wallace and Keith Blackburn will speak at the church, at 10285 Sylvania Petersburg Rd., Ottawa Lake, Mich. Though they are friends now, they were far from that in 1992 when 17-year-old Mr. Blackburn shot 18-year-old Ms. Wallace in the face while stealing her car. He was convicted of attempted murder and a gun charge, and served more than eight years. After his release, he eventually became a prison chaplain. In 2010 Ms. Wallace found and forgave him via Facebook. At Whiteford, they will talk about that life-changing gesture.

Veterans pray for healing

Tuesday, the day after Veterans Day, Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Centerl Ave., presents Marine veteran Teresa Hillis of Napolean as the speaker for its monthly service of healing and wholeness at 7 p.m. Though the focus of the November service is on veterans, all are welcome. A representative of the Arms Forces—a Maumee organization that helps veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury—will also be at the service, and the Arms Forces will be the recipient of the freewill offering. For more information, contact Beth Irwin at beth@epworth.com or 419-531-4236, ext. 226.

Lectures according to Father Bacik

The University of Toledo's Murray/Bacik chair of Catholic studies, Peter Feldmeier, will deliver the annual Murray/Bacik lecture in Catholic studies Wednesday at 7 p.m. in room 2592 of the university's student union, 2965 W. Centennial Dr. This year's topic is “Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism.” With change in the global church expected under Pope Francis and change in the Diocese of Toledo with Bishop Leonard Blair becoming archbishop of Hartford, Mr. Feldmeier has plenty of material to discuss. Visitors can park for free in lot 13 or the west ramp.

Coincidentally, the Rev. Jim Bacik will give another of his own lectures in a series sponsored by the Sylvania Franciscan Village on Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m. at Queen of Peace Chapel at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. The talk, “Elizabeth Johnson on the Quest for the Living God,” will be followed by Mass. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To reserve space or get more information, go to www.sylvaniafranciscanvillage.org, call 419-824-3533, or email jdoyle@sistersosf.org.

Leaders watch a simulcast

The America's Best Hope conference, an event in Indianapolis sponsored by Truth@Work and Edge Mentoring that presents Christian authors, pastors, and performers, will be simulcast in Toledo for the first time on Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Genesis Village, 2429 S. Reynolds Rd. Jim Lange, chapter president for Truth@Work in Toledo, said, “We can now view the conference as it happens in our own back yard and have the opportunity to develop our leadership skills and connect with other leaders in our community.” Information and $30 tickets are available at www.abhtoledo.eventbrite.com.

Dinner and a talk

The Evening Alliance and Layman's League of First Unitarian Church of Toledo will host Sister Paulette Schroeder, founder of Project Peace, as the speaker for its William Wine Lecture Series on Nov. 18. Her topic is “Building a New Consciousness Toward Palestine.” Check-in with refreshments begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner ($10) is at 6, and the program is at 7. Those who wish to attend only the program can enter for free at 7. Reservations are due by Friday, to Louise Bankey at 419-882-1343 or the church office at 419-381-6999.