The congregation at Williard United Church of Christ is having a two-day celebration to mark a century of service.
On July 12 — the day the church cornerstone was laid 100 years ago — a community picnic will take place on the church lawn. Live music, food, drink and ice cream will be provided. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
A special service of music and praise is at 10:30 a.m. July 13 in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. Rita Root, general minister for the Eastern Ohio and Western Reserve Associations of the United Church of Christ, will deliver the message.
Cheryl McGraw, Williard’s former organist/choir director, will be the guest organist. R&B and jazz artist John Chapman will entertain during a luncheon after the worship service.
The Williard Reformed Church, located at 742 Johnson St. in Akron, was founded in 1914. When the Reformed Church in the United States merged with the Evangelical churches of North America in 1934, the local church became Williard Evangelical and Reformed Church.
Then in 1957, after the Evangelical and Reformed church merged with the Congregational Christian Church to become the United Church of Christ, the church took the name Williard Church [The United Church of Christ].
Today, the church emphasizes mission and outreach, which includes a food pantry that feeds thousands of people each year, and support for four AA/NA groups and the neighborhood block watch. For more information about the church, call 330-253-8583.
In other religion news:
Events
Canton Christian Women’s Connection — at The Fairways, 1500 Rogwin Circle SW, Plain Township, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17. The monthly luncheon will be held. Gloria Ecenbarger, a Creative Memories scrapbook and memory preservation consultant, will be featured. Guest speaker Amy Gardner will tell how her love of laughter has turned into real joy. She will also be the vocalist. For required reservations or free nursery, call Sherry at 330-837-6552 or email cantoncwc@aol.con by July 13. The $13 cost includes lunch. All area women are welcome.
The Chapel in Marlboro — 8700 State Route 619, Marlboro Township. A basketball skills camp will be Aug. 9-10. For grades 6-11. Cost is $35. Instruction in ball handling, dribbling, passing and all aspects of the game. Deadline to register is July 26. Camp director is Luke Witte, a former all-Big Ten center at Ohio State University who played in the NBA for the Cavaliers in the 1970s. Witte, an Alliance native and graduate of Marlington High School, is now director of Marketplace Chaplains in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, contact Todd Hostetler at 330-935-0132.
City Bible Church — 1213 Third St. NW, Massillon. The Rev. Berry Carter, senior pastor since 2006, has accepted the position of area coordinator for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The ministry involves contacting and establishing relationships with pastors and church and community leaders across Northeast Ohio. 330-880-4838.
Faith Temple Church of the Living God — 701 Sylvan Ave., Akron. July 11-13. 2014 More Excellent Way Conference. July 11: Youth night, 7 p.m. July 12: workshops, 10 a.m.; praise and worship service, 7 p.m. July 13: Bishop Nelson Lewis from Dover, Del., is the speaker, 11 a.m.
Lift Up Ministries — at Forest Lodge Park, 260 Greenwood Ave., Akron. 10:30 a.m. July 26. The 11th annual Walk With God. Registration fee is $10. All who register receive a gift package. Attendance is not required. The annual walk is the major fundraising project for Lift Up Ministries, a nonprofit that builds and repairs ramps. The Rev. Mark R. Williamson Sr. is founder and organizer. 330-671-4121, www.liftupministries.org.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church — 442 Bell St., Akron. 9 a.m. to noon July 12. A free mortgage seminar sponsored by FirstMerit. Free credit counseling. Refreshments will be served. Childcare available for ages 3-8. Preregistration required. Call 330-253-3711 or arrive at 8:30 a.m. the day of the seminar.
New Dimensions Educational Ministries — 3700 38th St., Plain Township. 7 p.m. Friday and July 12, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. July 13. Three Days of Prophetic Impartation. Special guest is the Rev. Stanley N. Jack. 330-224-0570.
Prince of Peace Baptist Church — 844 Garth Ave., Akron. 9 a.m. July 12. Women’s prayer breakfast in fellowship hall. 330-762-4997
Rooted in Christ Community Church — at Findley Community Learning Center, 65 W. Tallmadge Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. A revival will take place all three nights. Speaker is the Rev. Kenneth Kirksey from Waycross, Ga.
St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church — 3487 Old Forge Road, Rootstown Township. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12. The Catholic War Veterans Post 1954 will have a bazaar and craft show. Tables are $20. Space is limited. To obtain a table, contact Bob Winkler at 330-325-7574, Ray Knispel at 330-204-9306 or Joe Weaver at 330-677-0695.
Trinity United Church of Christ — 215 High St., Wadsworth. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today. A farmers market will be each Saturday through Oct. 11. Fresh-picked produce from local farms. Fruits, vegetables, fresh and dried flowers, jams and jellies, sweet corn, baked goods, eggs, honey, herbs and more. 330-334-2536.
United Methodist Church in Stow — 4880 Fishcreek Road, Stow. The Rev. Karen Drotar has been appointed pastor. She comes to the church from Randolph United Methodist Church where she has served since 2010. She succeeds the Rev. Scott Hayward, who retired in June. The Rev. Drotar is a graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School and Kent State University. She earned a doctorate in education and has a Master of Theology degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton. She will be welcomed at the close of the 9:30 a.m. service Sunday.
Performances
Trinity United Church of Christ of Canton — 3909 Blackburn Road NW, Plain Township. 6:30 p.m. Sunday. An outdoor carillon concert will celebrate Independence Day. W. Robert Morrison will be guest carillonneur, playing patriotic music including hymns and songs. Free and open to all. Guests may bring lawn chairs or use available folding chairs. An ice cream sundae bar will be provided. 330-492-3383.
Speakers
First Friday Club of Greater Akron — at Quaker Square Inn at University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway, Akron. Noon Friday. David James, superintendent of Akron Public Schools, will be guest speaker. His topic is A Call to Leadership. Cost of the luncheon is $15. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Reservations can be made at 330-535-7668, or by sending a check to First Friday Club of Greater Akron, 795 Russell Ave., Akron, OH 44307, or online at www.firstfridayclubofgreaterakron.org.
Support groups
St. Matthew Rectory — 2603 Benton St., Akron. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Cancer Spirituality Group meeting, for those facing the diagnosis of cancer or who have faced that diagnosis in the past and are interested in exploring and talking about their experience in the context of spirituality. Meetings are on the second and fourth Thursdays each month, facilitated by cancer survivors Pat Flaherty and Linda Herold. For information, contact Pat at 330-628-5725 or everhiker@sbcglobal.net.
Vacation Bible schools
Full Gospel Tabernacle — 939 Utica Ave., Akron. 6 to 9 p.m. July 14-16. Vacation Bible School Arrow Island will be held for age 2 through grade 8. Bible stories, music, games, puppets, crafts and snacks. Bring the most guests and be entered to win a prize. 330-794-4420.
New Covenant Community Church — 1587 W. Exchange St., Akron. 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 16-18. Vacation Bible School for ages 4-11. Parables of Jesus, light supper, games, crafts, music and drama. To register, call 330-253-6989 or email office@covenantakron.org.
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.