http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:15 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/04/religious-offerings-annual-picnic-to-foster-unity/stories/20260604002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/04/religious-offerings-annual-picnic-to-foster-unity/stories/20260604002#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:04:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/06/04/religious-offerings-annual-picnic-to-foster-unity/stories/20260604002 The Baha'is of Sylvania are hosting their annual Race Amity Day picnic and festival on June 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/peace-by-piece-toledo-mennonites-to-celebrate-those-who-came-before/stories/20260528003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/peace-by-piece-toledo-mennonites-to-celebrate-those-who-came-before/stories/20260528003#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/peace-by-piece-toledo-mennonites-to-celebrate-those-who-came-before/stories/20260528003 A handmade mosaic is intended to perfectly symbolize what a local congregation is all about. Laura Hoag works on the new mosaic at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. A congregant places a piece in the mosaic at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Laura Hoag uses a hammer to makes pieces for a mosaic during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Congregants 'pass the peace' during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Congregants place their mosaic pieces at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. A previous mosaic made by the congregation at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo. The cross at the front seen during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo. Pastor Joel Shenk gives the sermon during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Pastor Joel Shenk gives the sermon during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Laura Hoag follows he music in the hymnal during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo. Doug Schmucker, left, and other congregants sing during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Toledo Mennonite Church in 2004. Toby Hoover, founder of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, watches as Fred Martin, left, and his son Mike Martin cut up a shotgun that was owned by her first husband Dale Stone, during a Guns to Gardens event at the University Church in 2016. The event was organized by The University Church Community Garden, Toledo Mennonite Church and the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence. Mr. Stone was killed in a robbery in 1973. Mrs. Hoover donated the gun to be turned into garden tools. Joel Shenk, pastor at Toledo Mennonite Church, explains who Mennonites are during the last of the season for the Toledo Area Ministries' 2011 Summer Houses of Worship Tour. The Toledo Mennonites have been in Toledo for 65 years and in their new building for 15. They now are celebrating 80 years and 30 years respectively. Interior of the Toledo Mennonite Church on Nebraska Ave. Joel Shenk at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Girls sing during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Congregants clap and sing 'You Shall Go Out With Joy' to close the service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Patty Schmucker plays the piano during a service at Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo on May 24. Toledo Mennonite Church in Toledo https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/religious-offerings-church-to-host-spring-market/stories/20260528002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/religious-offerings-church-to-host-spring-market/stories/20260528002#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 10:46:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/28/religious-offerings-church-to-host-spring-market/stories/20260528002 ■ Calvin United Church of Christ hosts Calvin’s Spring Pop & Shop Market on Saturday. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/27/photo-gallery-eid-al-adha-prayer-service-at-masjid-of-al-islam/stories/20260527092 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/27/photo-gallery-eid-al-adha-prayer-service-at-masjid-of-al-islam/stories/20260527092#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 17:17:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/27/photo-gallery-eid-al-adha-prayer-service-at-masjid-of-al-islam/stories/20260527092 Worshippers gathered during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service Wednesday at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. James Mann prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Far right, Khadijah Bennett prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Malcolme Muttaqee prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Imam Ibrahim Rahim leads an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Damon Brandy prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Imam Ibrahim Rahim leads an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. At center, Justice McNeal prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Salim Mahama, left, prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/activists-mark-50-years-of-calling-for-women-s-equality-in-the-catholic-church/stories/20260521005 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/activists-mark-50-years-of-calling-for-women-s-equality-in-the-catholic-church/stories/20260521005#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/activists-mark-50-years-of-calling-for-women-s-equality-in-the-catholic-church/stories/20260521005 A young Christine Schenk once sat in a pew at St. John Catholic Church in Lima, overcome by the beauty of the Mass, and thought she would love to be a priest. Members of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests, a dissent group, join hands in Toledo in 2013. Advocates with the Women's Ordination Conference call for greater rights for women in the Catholic Church in St. Peter's Square. A sign in the Vatican calls for the ordination of women in the Catholic Church. Kate McElwee, executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, stands in the Vatican. Sister Christine Schenk at the book launch of her first book, 'Crispina and Her Sisters,' which addresses archaeologic evidence of women exercising ecclesial authority in the early church. The late Rev. Beverly Bingle, left, and Rev. Joan Houk, bishop, Roman Catholic Womenpriests Great Waters Region, during Reverend Bingle's Ordination Mass. Members of the Women's Ordination Conference organized a Kick the Can Down the Road witness in Rome during the Synod on Synodality. The late Beverly Bingle stands outside Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary while preparing to become a Roman Catholic priest, part of a global movement of women being ordained as priests despite an official ban by the Roman Catholic church. Paula Hoeffer, of Cincinnati, left; deacon Ann Klonowski, Rev. Beverly Bingle, and Rev. Joan Houk, bishop, Roman Catholic Womenpriests Great Waters Region, during the late Reverend Bingle's Ordination Mass in 2013. Sister Christine Schenk leads a pilgrimage sponsored by her coalition FutureChurch. Participants visited sites of women leaders in early Christianity. The late Beverly Bingle participates in a rally in downtown Toledo in 2017. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/religious-offerings-faith-groups-to-mark-pentecost-sunday/stories/20260521002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/religious-offerings-faith-groups-to-mark-pentecost-sunday/stories/20260521002#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 10:55:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/21/religious-offerings-faith-groups-to-mark-pentecost-sunday/stories/20260521002 ■ Christians observe Pentecost Sunday this week, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples 50 days after his resurrection. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/14/religious-offerings-uptown-outreach-to-provide-spiritual-nourishment-food-haircu/stories/20260514002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/14/religious-offerings-uptown-outreach-to-provide-spiritual-nourishment-food-haircu/stories/20260514002#comments Thu, 14 May 2026 11:08:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/14/religious-offerings-uptown-outreach-to-provide-spiritual-nourishment-food-haircu/stories/20260514002 ■ Members of the Dream City Community Hope Project will be ministering to people in UpTown Toledo Saturday afternoon. Picnic tables sit in Uptown Green park. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/07/religious-offerings-declare-church-to-host-rejoice-resilient-daughters-night/stories/20260507008 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/07/religious-offerings-declare-church-to-host-rejoice-resilient-daughters-night/stories/20260507008#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 10:44:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/05/07/religious-offerings-declare-church-to-host-rejoice-resilient-daughters-night/stories/20260507008 ■ Rejoice! Resilient Daughters Night is set for Friday at Declare Church, formerly Cornerstone Church. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/03/interfaith-event-mark-national-day-prayer/stories/20260504022 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/03/interfaith-event-mark-national-day-prayer/stories/20260504022#comments Sun, 03 May 2026 17:41:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/03/interfaith-event-mark-national-day-prayer/stories/20260504022 Representatives of eight spiritual traditions will offer prayers and hopes for peace during a National Day of Prayer observance. Imam Farooq Aboelzahab of the Islamic Society of Northwest Ohio leads a muslim prayer with members MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio in observance of the National Day of Prayer in 2024 in front of the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/30/religious-offerings-monroe-paramedic-releases-second-collection-of-miracles-seen/stories/20260430002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/30/religious-offerings-monroe-paramedic-releases-second-collection-of-miracles-seen/stories/20260430002#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/30/religious-offerings-monroe-paramedic-releases-second-collection-of-miracles-seen/stories/20260430002 ■ Retired first responder David “Fireman Dave” McFadden, of Monroe, has published his second book of miracles he's seen in his life and throughout his 33-year career as a firefighter and paramedic with the Frenchtown Fire Department. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/30/annual-breakfast-marks-national-day-of-prayer-with-business-and-community-voices/stories/20260424002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/30/annual-breakfast-marks-national-day-of-prayer-with-business-and-community-voices/stories/20260424002#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/30/annual-breakfast-marks-national-day-of-prayer-with-business-and-community-voices/stories/20260424002 The 37th annual Northwest Ohio Prayer Breakfast will bring the nation’s largest Coca‑Cola bottler to Toledo — and his focus is less on profits than on prayer. Rennie Curran speaks to attendees at the 2025 Northwest Ohio Prayer Breakfast. J. Frank Harrison III, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated set to deliver the keynote address at the 37th Annual Northwest Ohio Prayer Breakfast. Jim McWhinnie, Gus Yeager Servant Legacy Award honoree, at the 37th annual Northwest Ohio Prayer Breakfast. Clinton O. Longenecker, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor of Leadership Emeritus and noted people and organizational transformer, is slated to lead the Prayer Bonus Session, “Creating a Winning Culture,” moderating a panel of local business owners and experts. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003 ■ The Clarence Smith Community Chorus presents its 49th annual spring concert celebration Sunday at Epworth United Methodist Church. Epworth United Methodist Church. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:31:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105 When Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was dedicated in 1940, five parts of the vaulted ceiling in the narthex were left undecorated. David LaFleur, artist, holds up his model paintings as he speaks about his design approach for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Louis R. DiCocco III, founder and director of St. Jude Liturgical Art Studio, smiles next to a design print as Daniel LaFleur, artist, speaks about his planning process for the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, speaks while surrounded by the design plans for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Sketching on the ceiling is featured inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. The undecorated vaults of the ceiling in the Narthex, where The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary will be depicted inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, are showcased in Toledo on April 16. Louis R. DiCocco III, founder and director of St. Jude Liturgical Art Studio, speaks about his companies design plans and strategy for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. A model painting, by artist David LaFleur, of The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sits on display inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Model paintings, done by artist David LaFleur, of The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sit on display inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Members of the church, project, and attendees listen as Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, speaks about The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. David LaFleur, artist, holds up his model paintings as he speaks about his design approach for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002 ■ Irish author Gareth Higgins is set to speak April 25 in the next installment of the Chidester Lecture Series at Sylvania United Church of Christ. Visitors at Sylvania United Church of Christ on Oct. 12, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/08/religious-offerings-program-to-help-faith-communities-health-prevention-efforts/stories/20260409003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/08/religious-offerings-program-to-help-faith-communities-health-prevention-efforts/stories/20260409003#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:05:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/08/religious-offerings-program-to-help-faith-communities-health-prevention-efforts/stories/20260409003 ■ Leaders of faith communities are welcome to attend a Thursday training session with PreventionFIRST!, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/historic-church-faces-demolition-moratorium-end/stories/20260402126 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/historic-church-faces-demolition-moratorium-end/stories/20260402126#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:00:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/historic-church-faces-demolition-moratorium-end/stories/20260402126 Mike Snyder is sad that the church in which he was married in 1959 will likely be torn down. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder talks about Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo by the cornerstone of of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/pope-leo-urges-peace-first-easter-mass/stories/20260405124 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/pope-leo-urges-peace-first-easter-mass/stories/20260405124#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:40:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/pope-leo-urges-peace-first-easter-mass/stories/20260405124 VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff with a call Sunday to lay down arms and seek peace to global conflicts through dialogue, but he departed from a tradition of listing the world's woes by name in the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo XIV sprinkles holy water with a bunch of hyssop sprigs as he presides over Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful after delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful after delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-ecumenical-reflective-walk-point-place/stories/20260403118 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-ecumenical-reflective-walk-point-place/stories/20260403118#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:25:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-ecumenical-reflective-walk-point-place/stories/20260403118 Church goers walked along North Summit street during a reflective cross walk hosted by six different churches in Point Place on April 3.  Click the image above to view the full gallery. Jim Burlen, with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, carries the cross to start a reflective cross walk hosted by six different churches in Point Place on April 3. Church goers walk along North Summit street. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Asher Komperda, 12, and his sister Leah, 15, carry the cross. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Micah Gordon, left, and Asher Komperda, 12, hold the cross as walkers pause for reflection. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Church goers walk along North Summit Street. Jim Burlen, with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, carries the cross to start a reflective cross walk. Jim Burlen, with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, carries the cross. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/toledos-orthodox-jews-reflect-fondly-while-looking-toward-future/stories/20260326004 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/toledos-orthodox-jews-reflect-fondly-while-looking-toward-future/stories/20260326004#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:59:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/toledos-orthodox-jews-reflect-fondly-while-looking-toward-future/stories/20260326004 In a time of uncertainty about the future, members of Congregation Etz Chayim set their worries aside and focused on a feeling of nostalgia to celebrate the Orthodox synagogue’s 50th anniversary. From left, Danny Becker and Melvin Siegel with brisket on March 5 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo. President Marjorie Siegel laughs with other guests during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Servers deliver food during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Guests talk and eat their salads during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. The steel drum ensemble from Toledo School for the Arts perform during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Servers deliver food during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Cantor Ivor Lichterman laughs during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Guests laugh during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Phyllis and Charles Wittenberg laugh together during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Marjorie Siegel talks about the 50th anniversary of her synagogue on March 5, at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo. Elsa Leveton talks about the 50th anniversary of her synagogue on March 5 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo. Elsa Leveton visits guests at tables during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. A salad sits on the table during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Cantor Ivor Lichterman gives the hamotzi blessing during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Servers deliver food during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/street-preachers-bring-gospel-to-toledo/stories/20260306122 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/street-preachers-bring-gospel-to-toledo/stories/20260306122#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/street-preachers-bring-gospel-to-toledo/stories/20260306122 As spring rolls around and Toledo’s sports, festivals, and parades start to pick up, people like John Alexander and Kirk Aiello will make their presence known on the streets of downtown. Tim Young preaches into a microphone in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. John Risner, left, and Kirk Aiello stand on Huron Street evangelizing outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Kirk Aiello, left, hands out flyers as fans head to the Huntington Center for a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Kirk Aiello, left, and John Risner evangelize outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. John Risner, left, and Kirk Aiello stand on Huron Street evangelizing outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Kirk Aiello, center, hands out flyers to members of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club as they head to the Huntington Center for a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. John Risner, left, and Kirk Aiello stand on Huron Street evangelizing outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Pedestrians cross the street past religious signs towards the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 26. Johnny Duran, a pastor at Ambassadors Bible Church, hands out pamphlets outside of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 26. Johnny Duran, a pastor at Ambassadors Bible Church, hands out pamphlets outside of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 26. John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, stands holding a bible in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, stands holding a bible in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, stands holding a bible in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. A Walleye fan talks with John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, outside of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. Paul Rowe, of Warrior Street Preachers, hands pamphlets out to pedestrians in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21.