http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:14:55 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/02/local-churches-join-worldwide-season-of-creation/stories/20260902093 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/02/local-churches-join-worldwide-season-of-creation/stories/20260902093#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:10:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/02/local-churches-join-worldwide-season-of-creation/stories/20260902093 Christians around the world will be celebrating the Season of Creation during the month of September. The theme for 2026 is Living Water. The Season of Creation is a time for believers of all denominations to renew their relationship with their creator and all creation through prayer and action to Pope Francis leaves at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in 2019. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/30/traveling-holocaust-exhibit-makes-first-ohio-stop-in-toledo/stories/20260828002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/30/traveling-holocaust-exhibit-makes-first-ohio-stop-in-toledo/stories/20260828002#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:54:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/30/traveling-holocaust-exhibit-makes-first-ohio-stop-in-toledo/stories/20260828002 The closest Holocaust museum to Toledo is in Farmington Hills, Mich., but for the next two months, it’s coming even closer. The Zekelman Holocaust Center's new traveling exhibit, The Holocaust: History, Memory, and Michigan Voices, on display at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich. The Zekelman Holocaust Center new traveling exhibit, The Holocaust: History, Memory, and Michigan Voices, on display at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. The Holocaust: History, Memory, and Michigan Voices on display at Macomb Community College, the traveling exhibit's first host location. Community members attend the opening event for the Pop-Up Holocaust Museum in Lenawee County, hosted by the Adrian Diversity Event Fund and featuring the Zekelman Holocaust Center's new traveling exhibit. The Holocaust: History, Memory, and Michigan Voices on display at Macomb Community College, the traveling exhibit's first host location. Senior education manager Rick Schaffner and cirector of museum operations Brennden Bernard lead an education workshop in partnership with the Adrian Diversity Event Fund, hosts of the Zekelman Holocaust Center's traveling exhibit. Christian and Jewish decor hangs on the wall at the Church at Lion of Judah in Toledo on July 29. A “Stand with Israel” sign sits on the altar at the Church at Lion of Judah in Toledo on July 29. Tom Baur, left, and Pastor Matthew Hartman pose for a photo in the sanctuary at the Church at Lion of Judah in Toledo. The church is hosting the Zekelman Holocaust Center's traveling exhibit in September and October. Christian and Jewish decor hangs on the wall at the Church at Lion of Judah in Toledo on July 29. Education Associate Kait Albert leads an educational program in partnership with the Westland Public Library, former host of the Zekelman Holocaust Center's new traveling exhibit. The Zekelman Holocaust Center's new traveling exhibit, The Holocaust: History, Memory, and Michigan Voices, on display at the Westland Public Library in Westland, Mich. The Westland Public Library displays the Art as Resistance content expansion of the Holocaust: History, Memory, and Michigan Voices exhibit. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/27/religious-offerings-temperance-church-to-install-new-pastor/stories/20260827002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/27/religious-offerings-temperance-church-to-install-new-pastor/stories/20260827002#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:23:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/27/religious-offerings-temperance-church-to-install-new-pastor/stories/20260827002 ■ St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Temperance welcomes a new pastor on Sunday. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/20/religious-offerings-olivet-lutheran-to-install-pastor-to-engage-with-wider-commu/stories/20260820002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/20/religious-offerings-olivet-lutheran-to-install-pastor-to-engage-with-wider-commu/stories/20260820002#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/20/religious-offerings-olivet-lutheran-to-install-pastor-to-engage-with-wider-commu/stories/20260820002 ■ The Rev. Bill Pavuk will be installed as pastor of community life at Olivet Lutheran Church on Tuesday. The Olivet Lutheran Church sits in the sunset in Sylvania in 2015. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/13/in-the-kitchen-with-rev-shares-lord-s-word-through-food-and-joy/stories/20260807096 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/13/in-the-kitchen-with-rev-shares-lord-s-word-through-food-and-joy/stories/20260807096#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/13/in-the-kitchen-with-rev-shares-lord-s-word-through-food-and-joy/stories/20260807096 It began with eggs, cooked over easy — that was the first time Thomas Bell ever wanted to learn to cook.  Pastor Bell, as he is known to his congregation at Agape Love Fellowship Baptist Church, is a tall man with a booming laugh that spills over his kitchen.  His friends admire Thomas Bell begins his cooking class during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev' at ProMedica Ebeid Institute/Market on the Green in UpTown Toledo. Thomas Bell shows the ingredients for Cajun cornbread during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev' at ProMedica Ebeid Institute/Market on the Green in UpTown Toledo. Thomas Bell makes Cajun cornbread during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev' at ProMedica Ebeid Institute/Market on the Green in UpTown Toledo. Thomas Bell makes Cajun cornbread during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev' at ProMedica Ebeid Institute/Market on the Green in UpTown Toledo. Thomas Bell makes Cajun cornbread during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' Thomas Bell talks to his students during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' Thomas Bell pours the Cajun cornbread into a pan during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' A bible sits on the counter as Thomas Bell cooks during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' Thomas Bell adds noodles to the pot to make dirty spaghetti during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' Thomas Bell goes live on TikTok during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev' at ProMedica Ebeid Institute/Market on the Green in UpTown Toledo. Thomas Bell prays before starting a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' People watch as Thomas Bell cooks during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' Thomas Bell butters a pan for Cajun cornbread during a live show of 'In the Kitchen with Rev.' https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/13/religious-offerings-st-paul-s-episcopal-gets-new-priest-after-28-years/stories/20260813005 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/13/religious-offerings-st-paul-s-episcopal-gets-new-priest-after-28-years/stories/20260813005#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/13/religious-offerings-st-paul-s-episcopal-gets-new-priest-after-28-years/stories/20260813005 ■ The Rev. Patricia Rose has been called to serve as interim priest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Maumee following the December retirement of the Rev. Paul Board, who served the parish for 28 years. St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Maumee on Aug. 21, 2011. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/06/religious-offerings-multi-faith-pride-worship-will-follow-pride-weekend/stories/20260801091 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/06/religious-offerings-multi-faith-pride-worship-will-follow-pride-weekend/stories/20260801091#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:48:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/06/religious-offerings-multi-faith-pride-worship-will-follow-pride-weekend/stories/20260801091 ■ Equality Toledo is offering a Multi-Faith Pride Worship service on Aug. 20. Zoar Lutheran Church. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/01/methodist-congregations-serve-community-nonprofits/stories/20260801088 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/01/methodist-congregations-serve-community-nonprofits/stories/20260801088#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:06:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/08/01/methodist-congregations-serve-community-nonprofits/stories/20260801088 For local Methodists, worship followed them outside of the sanctuary Saturday morning. Sara Beck and her daughter Carmen, 7, listen during a brief prayer service at the Church of St. Andrew United Methodist before volunteering at the Victory Center on Aug. 1 in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. Elaine Dunn helps pack 350 meals for Connecting Kids to Meals on Aug. 1 at the Church of St. Andrew United Methodist in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. Amy Kuhlman, left, prays during a brief service before helping pack 350 meals for Connecting Kids to Meals on Aug. 1 at the Church of St. Andrew United Methodist in Toledo. Sandy Swander helps pack 350 meals for Connecting Kids to Meals on Aug. 1 at the Church of St. Andrew United Methodist in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. From left, Jerry Allen and volunteer Ian Miners move a bin of clothes to be sorted for the Marketplace for All People on Aug. 1 at St. Pauls United Methodist in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. At left, Del Swander helps sort clothes for the Marketplace for All People on Aug. 1 at St. Pauls United Methodist in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. Pastor Alex Wiles speaks during a brief prayer service at the Church of St. Andrew United Methodist before participating in a Day of Service on Aug. 1 in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. Pastor Alex Wiles speaks during a brief prayer service at the Church of St. Andrew United Methodist before participating in a Day of Service on Aug. 1 in Toledo. About 50 volunteers from various churches participated in day of service. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/30/religious-offerings-nami-offers-faith-mental-health/stories/20260730002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/30/religious-offerings-nami-offers-faith-mental-health/stories/20260730002#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:43:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/30/religious-offerings-nami-offers-faith-mental-health/stories/20260730002 ■ NAMI Greater Toledo is hosting a free conference as part of a nationwide initiative exploring the intersection of faith and mental health. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/23/religious-offerings-first-church-of-god-welcomes-new-pastor/stories/20260723002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/23/religious-offerings-first-church-of-god-welcomes-new-pastor/stories/20260723002#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:49:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/23/religious-offerings-first-church-of-god-welcomes-new-pastor/stories/20260723002 ■ First Church of God has welcomed a new lead pastor, Bishop Robert “Robbie” Davis, Jr., to carry the congregation into its next chapter of ministry. First Church of God in Toledo on Oct. 28, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/16/religious-offerings-toledoan-shares-reflections-on-detroit-s-women-s-ordination/stories/20260716002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/16/religious-offerings-toledoan-shares-reflections-on-detroit-s-women-s-ordination/stories/20260716002#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:10:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/16/religious-offerings-toledoan-shares-reflections-on-detroit-s-women-s-ordination/stories/20260716002 ■ Diane Derr Lewis, a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Community in Toledo, will share her observations from the recent Women’s Ordination Conference in a Sunday afternoon program. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-parish-priest-larry-legakis/stories/20260709011 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-parish-priest-larry-legakis/stories/20260709011#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/holy-trinity-greek-orthodox-parish-priest-larry-legakis/stories/20260709011 The Rev. Larry Legakis doesn’t like leaving work. The Rev. Larry Legakis reflects on his time at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. He is moving to a parish in Metro Detroit after leading Holy Trinity for 12 years. The Rev. Larry Legakis reflects on his time at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. The Rev. Larry Legakis at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. The Rev. Larry Legakis at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. The Rev. Larry Legakis reflects on his time at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/religious-offerings-congregation-b-nai-israel-celebrates-160-years/stories/20260702005 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/religious-offerings-congregation-b-nai-israel-celebrates-160-years/stories/20260702005#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:15:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/09/religious-offerings-congregation-b-nai-israel-celebrates-160-years/stories/20260702005 ■ Congregation B’nai Israel celebrates Sunday its 160th anniversary. Congregation B'nai Israel. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/02/religious-offerings-3-18/stories/20260702006 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/02/religious-offerings-3-18/stories/20260702006#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/07/02/religious-offerings-3-18/stories/20260702006 ■ The Ursuline Sisters of Toledo have transferred the leadership of their community to the Sisters of St. Francis in Sylvania. An aerial view from a drone shows the steeple of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Toledo in 2024. In the background is Lucas County Courthouse. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/28/diocese-announces-clergy-appointments/stories/20260515002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/28/diocese-announces-clergy-appointments/stories/20260515002#comments Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:33:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/28/diocese-announces-clergy-appointments/stories/20260515002 Bishop Daniel Thomas has announced changes to diocesan and pastoral leadership within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo. People pray during perpetual adoration at St. Joseph’s Parish in Sylvania in 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/25/religious-offerings-diocese-ordain-priest/stories/20260625002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/25/religious-offerings-diocese-ordain-priest/stories/20260625002#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/25/religious-offerings-diocese-ordain-priest/stories/20260625002 ■ Toledo native Andrew Messer is set to be ordained a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Toledo on Saturday. Monsignor Marvin Borger leads prayer during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Joan of Arc Parish in 2020. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/18/religious-offerings-multifaith-council-presents-annual-peace-lecture/stories/20260618002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/18/religious-offerings-multifaith-council-presents-annual-peace-lecture/stories/20260618002#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:58:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/18/religious-offerings-multifaith-council-presents-annual-peace-lecture/stories/20260618002 ■ The MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio presents on Monday its annual Woody Trautman Lecture, Peace: Memory, Truth, and the Work of Community. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/15/pews-peace-historic-bryan-church-buddhist-center/stories/20260612079 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/15/pews-peace-historic-bryan-church-buddhist-center/stories/20260612079#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:35:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/15/pews-peace-historic-bryan-church-buddhist-center/stories/20260612079 BRYAN — In a former Methodist church that later served a Baptist congregation and was, for a time, a restaurant and brewery, a new Buddhist chapter is beginning. What once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895, was repurposed as a bar and restaurant by John Trippy, and in its most recent restoration, an interfaith center, the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Mananahene Pannasara holds his hands together while he talks about what Buddhism means to him inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Thalangama Devananda and Bhante Mananahene Pannasara say a prayer chant during a mediation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. John Trippy recites The Three Refugees during a mediation session the inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. A Buddha sits on the ledge of a stained-glass window inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center in Bryan on June 11. Stained-glass windows are seen inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. John Trippy prays in front of stained-glass windows inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Thalangama Devananda prays during a mediation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. John Trippy smiles while listening to Bhante Thalangama Devananda talk inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Thalangama Devananda waits behind the rows of pews before beginning a meditation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. “All Welcome” is displayed on the door to Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center in Bryan on June 11. A Buddha sculpture outside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Pews and a newly added Buddha statue are seen inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Mananahene Pannasara sets up a live video camera before beginning a meditation session inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. Stained-glass windows are seen inside what once was a Methodist church, originally built in 1895 and now restored and repurposed as the Loving Kindness Meditation Center, an interfaith center, in Bryan on June 11. Bhante Mananahene Pannasara talks about what Buddhism means to him inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. A photo of Bhante Thalangama Devananda and John Trippy is displayed on the wall inside of Loving Kindness Meditation Center in Bryan on June 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/11/religious-offerings-toledo-jewish-film-festival-returns-this-month/stories/20260611002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/11/religious-offerings-toledo-jewish-film-festival-returns-this-month/stories/20260611002#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:06:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/11/religious-offerings-toledo-jewish-film-festival-returns-this-month/stories/20260611002 ■ The Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo has lined up its 12th annual Toledo Jewish Film Festival. Each featured film is a relatively recent release, highlighting an aspect of Jewish life or history. Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo.