Tetelestai, a passion play performed during the Lenten season by the Cleveland Performing Arts Ministries, will be presented next weekend at Remsen Christian Church, 1500 Remsen Road, Medina.
The contemporary musical portrays the biblical account of the last week of Jesus’ life, including his trial, death and resurrection. Tetelestai, which means “It is finished” were the last words of Jesus as he died on the cross, according to biblical accounts.
The play lasts about two hours, with a short intermission. A reception after each performance gives members of the audience a chance to mingle with cast and crew members.
The volunteer cast and crew of the production (which is in its 37th year) spend four months each year in rehearsals and performances throughout Northeast Ohio. The Medina performance is the third of eight being presented this season. The next local performance is April 4-6 at St. Patrick Church, 313 N. DePeyster St., Kent.
All performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Doors open one hour before each presentation. The Medina performance is March 14-16. Other upcoming performances are in Euclid, Clyde, Parma and Cleveland.
Admission is free. Donations are accepted. For more information, go to www.livethepassion.org or call 440-944-0635.
In other religion news:
Events
Anshe Sfard (Revere Road) Synagogue — 646 N. Revere Road, Bath Township. Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. Hamantaschen sale on first-come, first-served basis. $12 a dozen. 330-867-7292. www.akronshul.com.
Canton Women’s Christian Connection — at The Fairways, 1500 Rogwin Circle SW, Plain Township. 11:30 a.m. March 20. The monthly luncheon will feature U.S. Marine Sgt. Amy Hastie, who will share ways to help support men and women in uniform. Those attending should bring any of the following: small bags of peanuts, microwave popcorn, men’s boxer shorts, Gold Bond foot powder, canned chicken or tuna, breakfast bars, beef jerky, nail clippers, cards, dominoes, game books, baseballs and disposable cameras. Guest speaker Susie Jones will address the theme March to a Positive Beat. Renee Welsch will sing. The $13 cost includes lunch. For required reservations or free nursery, contact Sherry at 330-837-6552 or email debra_ely@hotmail.com.
The Chapel, Wadsworth Campus — 1391 State Road, Wadsworth. 5:30 p.m. March 15. The fourth annual Wild Game Dinner will be presented by 1:26 Outdoors and is open to men, women and children of all ages. Guest speaker Tim Herald of The Zone (Sportsman Channel) and Mosler’s Magnum TV (Outdoor Channel) will share turkey hunting tips and his Christian testimony. A selection of wild game dishes will be served for $15 per person. To register, visit http://126outdoorsdinner.eventzilla.net. For questions, contact Mike at 330-806-9116 or email 126outdoors@gmail.com.
Christ is the Answer Ministries — 379 E. South St., Akron. 1 p.m. March 16. The Christian Education Ministry will host a chili cook-off following morning worship. It will cost $5 to sample six kinds. 330-376-1869.
Community of St. John — at Barlow Community Center, 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 9:30 a.m. to noon today. A special Lenten mini-retreat, Guided Meditation and the Labyrinth, will be offered. It will explore techniques for guided meditation while studying the history and lore of the Labyrinth as a means for contemplative prayer. It is free and all materials will be provided. Registration begins at 9 a.m. 330-752-6466, www.communityofsaintjohn.org.
Mogadore Christian Church — 106 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore. 5 to 7 p.m. today. The monthly Swiss steak dinner will be served. Includes mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, applesauce, rolls, beverage and dessert. Adults $8, ages 5-12 $4, ages 4 and younger free. Carryout orders available. Parking in the shared Mogadore High School lot. 330-628-3344.
St. Joseph Church — at Mantua Knights of Columbus Hall, 11845 State Route 44, Mantua Township. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Huge Rummage Sale will be held. Donations of clean, usable items may be dropped off at the front entrance of the K of C Hall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, or by appointment. For information, or to volunteer, contact Kathi Trares at 330-274-2253 or ktrares@stjosephmantua.com.
St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church — 1130 Mercer Ave., Akron. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. A Chili Challenge will be held. Adults $6, ages 12 and under $3. Challengers should bring chili between 4:45 and 5 p.m. Tasting will be 5 to 5:45 p.m., followed by judging. 330-535-7295.
Temple Beth Shalom — 50 Division St., Hudson. 6 p.m. Friday. Purim celebration, including a Tot Shabbat service and costume parade. 330-656-1800. www.tbshudson.org.
Trinity United Church of Christ — 3909 Blackburn Road NW, Plain Township. 5 to 7 p.m. March 22. A Banquet of Blessing will be in Fellowship Hall to raise money for the Grace United Church of Christ Just-in Time Food Ministry. Menu items include roast beef au jus or stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, pasta with marinara sauce, salad, rolls, dessert and beverage. Advance sale tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available at the church until March 17. Please bring paper products to the meal such as diapers, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. 330-492-3383.
Westminster Presbyterian Church — 1250 W. Exchange St., Akron. 9 a.m. Saturdays, today through April 12. Free yoga sessions each Saturday during Lent. Debbie Watkins will be the instructor. Everyone welcome. 330-836-2226, www.westminsterakron.com.
Widows of Faith, Hope & Charity — at St. Eugene Parish, 1821 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls. 9 a.m. March 18. All widows are invited to Mass on the third Tuesday of each month. This month’s Mass will be followed by a presentation by Rose Rose, community relations coordinator at Haven of Rest Ministries. Her topic is Heal Your Heart By Helping the Homeless. Those attending are asked to bring a gently-used clean coat or sweater and/or full-sized toiletries. For more information, contact Marlene Dunford at 330-633-4985 or marlenedun@msn.com.
Performances
Trinity United Church of Christ — 215 High St., Wadsworth. 7 p.m. today. The Varsity Men from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich., a touring collegiate choir, will perform in the sanctuary. Their music spans Gregorian chant to the 21st century. Also, at 4 p.m. March 16, the Trinity Concert Series will present the Wadsworth Community Band. Light refreshments will be served afterward. 330-334-2536.
Speakers, classes,
workshops
Faith Lutheran Church — 2726 W. Market St., Fairlawn. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Deb Yandala, CEO of the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, will be guest speaker. Her topic is God’s Earth Our Choices. It is co-sponsored by St. Hilary Parish. There will be a soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by evening prayer at 7 p.m. The presentation will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. It is part of the Wednesday Lenten Speakers Series Holding the Earth Gently: A Call to Care for the People and the Earth. Supper, presentation and child care are free. Reservations suggested. 330-867-1055, or church@sthilarychurch.org.
Hamilton Forum — St. Michael Church Fannon Center, 3430 St. Michael Drive NW, Plain Township. 7 p.m. March 20. Dr. Cindy S. Bergeman, professor of theology at University of Notre Dame, will be guest speaker. Her topic is Aging Successfully. She will explore the psychosocial and health attributes that help one overcome the risks and challenges associated with aging. 330-649-1231.
Malone University — Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts (Room 106), 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Dr. William Cavanaugh, professor of theology and Catholic studies at DePaul University, will be lecturer in the next installment of the John Woolman Christian Scholar Lecture Series. His topic Tuesday will be The Myth of Religious Violence and on Wednesday it will be Secularization and Idolatry. Both are free and open to the public. 330-471-8239.
Renew — at Tangier restaurant, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursday. Doug Kohl, president/CEO of Greater Akron YMCA, will be guest speaker at the monthly meeting. His topic will be Living Christian in a Post-Christian World. Please RSVP to renewsummit@yahoo.com. Cost is $15, payable at the door and includes lunch.
Walsh University — Birk Center for the Arts, 2020 E. Maple St. NW, North Canton. 7 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. March 15. The 39th annual Philosophy/Theology Symposium will be held. Topic is The Disputed Question Series: Can Human Suffering Be Reconciled with God’s Existence? Friday’s musical selections from Imaginary City and Where We Live will be performed by So Percussion. The March 15 events start with continental breakfast and features the keynote address, The Problem of Suffering: A Thomistic Approach, by Dr. Eleonore Stump, professor of philosophy at St. Louis University. All events are free and open to the public. 330-490-7296.
The deadline for Religion Notes is noon Tuesday. Items must be in writing. Please fax information to 330-996-3033, email it to religion@thebeaconjournal.com or send it to Religion, Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309.