http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:25:12 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/28/faith-crossroads-covers-father-grief-faith-wrong/stories/20260927055 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/28/faith-crossroads-covers-father-grief-faith-wrong/stories/20260927055#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:04:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/28/faith-crossroads-covers-father-grief-faith-wrong/stories/20260927055 A chance encounter at a gas station led a Toledo father toward a new and fulfilling career, but detours along the way — including sleeping in his car for six months — tested his faith. Alfred D. Gardner II, a Norfolk Southern train conductor, stands holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," outside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. Alfred D. Gardner II sits holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," outside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. Alfred D. Gardner II, a Norfolk Southern train conductor, sits holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," inside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. His book is about his journey through grief, setbacks, and questioning God's timing. Alfred D. Gardner II sits holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," outside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. Alfred D. Gardner II sits holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," inside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. Alfred D. Gardner II, a Norfolk Southern train conductor, sits holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," inside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. His book is about his journey through grief, setbacks, and questioning God's timing. Alfred D. Gardner II stands holding his book, "Faith at the Crossroads: Finding God When Life Took a Turn," outside of his home in Toledo on Sept. 23. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/24/religious-offerings-perrysburg-mosque-to-host-annual-international-festival/stories/20260924003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/24/religious-offerings-perrysburg-mosque-to-host-annual-international-festival/stories/20260924003#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/24/religious-offerings-perrysburg-mosque-to-host-annual-international-festival/stories/20260924003 ■ More than 100 foods representing 22 ethnicities are served up this weekend at the 24th annual International Festival, hosted by the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo. Attendees gather outside during the Ramadan moon sighting at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Feb. 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/23/at-st-john-lutheran-in-williston-women-stitch-from-the-heart/stories/20260715113 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/23/at-st-john-lutheran-in-williston-women-stitch-from-the-heart/stories/20260715113#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:05:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/23/at-st-john-lutheran-in-williston-women-stitch-from-the-heart/stories/20260715113 WILLISTON, Ohio — Each fall, the sanctuary of St. John Lutheran Church is awash with color. To assemble the hundreds of vibrant quilts composing the annual display, the St. John’s Williston Blanket Ladies gather in the church basement every Tuesday morning. The ministry aims to produce Arline Sabin unfurls some fabric as the Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Skeins of yarn and swatches of fabric await deployment by the Blanket Ladies group that works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. The Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Beverly Harder, left, and Deb Hepner fold up a finished product as the Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. The Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Skeins of yarn and swatches of fabric await deployment by the Blanket Ladies group that works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. The Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Williston, Ohio. Marvel Nelson, left, and Diane Gerkensmeyer sew together patches for an 'all-star quilt' for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. The Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Beverly Harder, left, and Melissa Lammer unfurl new fabric as the Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Arline Sabin grabs some fabric as the Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. A room full of finished quilts by the Blanket Ladies awaits donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. A room full of finished quilts by the Blanket Ladies await donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Marcia Morgan finishes stitches as the Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. Arline Sabin enjoys a cupcake treat as the Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation at St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. The Blanket Ladies group works on quilts for donation inside St. John Lutheran Church on July 14 in Williston, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/17/religious-offerings-faiths-come-together-to-honor-international-day-of-peace/stories/20260917002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/17/religious-offerings-faiths-come-together-to-honor-international-day-of-peace/stories/20260917002#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:08:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/17/religious-offerings-faiths-come-together-to-honor-international-day-of-peace/stories/20260917002 ■ The MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio invites the community to celebrate the International Day of Peace on Monday. Chuck Stocking, member of the finance committee, and Angie Fitzpatrick, program manager of the MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio, chat during an annual picnic at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/13/local-muslims-reflect-25-life-9-11/stories/20260910004 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/13/local-muslims-reflect-25-life-9-11/stories/20260910004#comments Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:01:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/13/local-muslims-reflect-25-life-9-11/stories/20260910004 For Muslims in the Toledo area, the 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001, have brought backlash and suspicion, but also solidarity, stronger community ties, and a determination to define themselves rather than be defined by the attacks. Cherrefe Kadri prays at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo on Sept. 4 in Perrysburg. Cherrefe Kadri at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo on Sept. 4 in Perrysburg. Christians and Muslims alike link together and circle the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo mosque two times as they sing and pray together in 2001. Muslims pray at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo on Sept. 4 in Perrysburg. Cherrefe Kadri at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo on Sept. 4 in Perrysburg. Adam Smidi sits with his two sons, Yusuf, 12, left, and Malik, 8, right, after prayer inside of the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. Muslims pray at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo on Sept. 4 in Perrysburg. Muslims pray at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo on Sept. 4 in Perrysburg. People engage in prayer at Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. A person walks into prayer inside the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. People engage in prayer at Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. Adam Smidi stands with his two sons, Yusuf, 12, left, and Malik, 8, right, after prayer inside of the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. Adam Smidi sits with his two sons, Yusuf, 12, left, and Malik, 8, right, after prayer inside of the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. A man sits on a bench after prayer inside of the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. Adam Smidi stands with his son, Yusuf, 12, after prayer inside of the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. Adam Smidi stands with his two sons, Yusuf, 12, left, and Malik, 8, right, after prayer inside of the Toledo Muslim Community Center in Toledo on Sept. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/10/religious-offerings-st-lucas-lutheran-celebrates-140-years-in-the-old-south-end/stories/20260910002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/10/religious-offerings-st-lucas-lutheran-celebrates-140-years-in-the-old-south-end/stories/20260910002#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/09/10/religious-offerings-st-lucas-lutheran-celebrates-140-years-in-the-old-south-end/stories/20260910002 ■ St. Lucas Lutheran Church is celebrating 140 years of serving the Old South End community The interior sanctuary of St. Lucas Lutheran Church. 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.