The third annual Love Akron Network breakfast will feature the Revs. Ronald J. Fowler and Knute Larson as keynote speakers.
Larson and Fowler, both founding board members of Love Akron, are known throughout the Akron community for establishing an intentional bridge–building relationship across racial and denominational lines. Larson and Fowler retired in 2009 as senior pastors of The Chapel and Arlington Church of God, respectively.
Each year, Love Akron, a coalition of Christian clergy and leaders, presents a Fowler-Larson Allies Award during its annual breakfast to recognize partnerships and relationships that model unity akin to the bond formed by Larson and Fowler.
This year’s Allies Award recipients are Dottie Achmoody, CEO of Open M and Perry Clark, president and founder of Truly Reaching You Ministries. Clark and Achmoody have developed a friendship across gender and racial lines and work together to better the lives of people living in south Akron and people affected by substance abuse and mental health disorders in Summit County.
The second award presented during the breakfast is the Unruh Servant Award, named in honor of the late Judge Brenda Burnham Unruh. The award recognizes a Christian who exhibits integrity and good moral character and who voluntarily provides service to the community. This year’s Unruh award recipient is 9th District Court of Appeals Judge Carla Moore, who volunteers on several local boards and mentors young women, including former offenders and addicts.
The breakfast will be Sept. 30 at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. The hourlong program will begin at 7 a.m. Tickets are $50. To make a reservation, go to www.LoveAkron.org or call 330-384-8124.
In other religion news:
Events
The Chapel in Marlboro — 8700 State Route 619, Marlboro Township. Aug. 9-10. A basketball skills camp will be directed by Luke Witte, former player for Ohio State University and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It is for grades 6-11. Registration deadline is July 26. Fee is $35 and covers both days. Call 330-935-0132 or register at the Marlboro office.
Christ is the Answer Ministries — 379 E. South St., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The youth ministry will celebrate youth day. Theme is It’s a Family Thang. Featured speaker is the Rev. Leland C. Johnson. 330-376-1869.
Christ United Methodist Church — 380 Mineola Ave., Akron. The Rev. Linda Slutz has been chosen as the new pastor. She previously served as minister of visitation at Otterbein United Methodist Church. She replaces the Rev. Bill Wendell, who served as pastor since 2011 and is beginning a new assignment at a United Methodist Church in Elyria. 330-836-5563.
Our Lady of the Elms Chapel — 1230 W. Market St., Akron. 3 p.m. Sunday. Celebrating Mary Magdala, a prayer service with Dominican Sisters and Associates of Peace. A reception will follow in the dining room. Preacher is Sister Joan Scanlon. RSVP to Conni Dubrick at 330-835-5688.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church — 9549 Highland Drive, Brecksville. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26. A rummage sale will raise funds for outreach programs both days. There will be $3 bag sale from noon to 2 p.m. July 26.
Shiloh Baptist Church — 1241 Grant St., Akron. 4 p.m. Sunday. Mothers Board anniversary celebration musical will be held.
Sisters of the Humility of Mary — Villa Maria Community Center, 225 Villa Marie Road, Pulaski, Pa. 2 p.m. Sunday. Celebrating the 150th anniversary in America with a liturgy. Humility of Mary nuns have worked in the region since 1864, including a longtime teaching presence in Akron-area Catholic schools as well as health care, pastoral ministries and social services. 724-964-8920.
Truly Reaching You Ministries — Westfield Group Country Club, 6500 Greenwich Road, Westfield Center. Noon Aug. 4. The Micah 6.8 Golf Outing will take place. Shotgun start at noon with scramble format. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Dinner served about 6:30 p.m. Golf and dinner, $150. Dinner only, $50. Register at www.micahgolfouting.com.
Unitarian Universalist Church — 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn. 12:15 p.m. July 26. A community meal will be served. 330-836-2206.
Wintergreen Ledges Church of God — 1889 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday. Dinner will be served. Free personal hygiene and cleaning supplies available while they last. 330-753-3027.
Performances
Chapel of Prayer — 1800 Brittain Road, Akron. 6 p.m. Sunday. Mission Quartet will appear in concert. 330-633-7575.
First United Methodist Church — 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls. 2 p.m. Sunday. The International Piano Institute of Kent State University will present a free performance. Young people from the United States, Russia, China and many other countries study with the faculty and play a recital. Child care isn’t provided. 330-923-5241.
Zion Temple Baptist Church — 515 Ardella Ave., Akron. 6 p.m. today. Church music department concert.
Speakers
First Friday Club of Greater Akron — Quaker Station at University of Akron, 135 S. Broadway, Akron. Noon Aug. 1. Denise Mackura, president of the Human Family Research Center, will be guest speaker. Her topic is The Role of Government in Moral Issues, focusing on the basic Catholic belief in justice and dignity. Cost of the luncheon is $15. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Reservations can be made by calling 330-535-7668 or online at www.firstfridayclubofgreaterakron.org.
Support groups
St. Matthew Rectory — 2603 Benton St., Akron. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday. A cancer spirituality group for those facing the diagnosis of cancer or who have faced it in the past and are interested in talking about the experience in the context of spirituality. All are welcome. Meetings are twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays. The interfaith group is facilitated by cancer survivors Pat Flaherty and Linda Herold. For information, contact Pat at 330-628-5725 or everhiker@sbcglobal.net.
Vacation Bible schools
Goodyear Heights Community Church — 464 Brittain Road, Akron. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 28-Aug. 1. Weird Animals Vacation Bible School for ages 4-14. Stories, music, crafts and treats. Family and friends invited to closing program on Aug. 1. No fee, but nonperishable food items will be collected for Haven of Rest. 330-733-6664.
Green Valley United Methodist Church — 620 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Green. 9:30 a.m. to noon July 28-Aug. 1. Vacation Bible School for age 3 through grade 6. Free. Theme is weird animals and features Bible lessons, live animals, crafts, music, science and snacks. For information or to preregister, contact gvumcbrandy@gmail.com.
Oak Hill Presbyterian Church — 2406 Ardwell Ave., Akron. 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. SCUBA (Super Cool Undersea Bible Adventure) Vacation Bible School is for age 3 to grade 5. Free week of fellowship, fun and learning which includes dinner each evening, crafts, recreation, Bible adventure activities, music and more. Call 330-784-2432 or arrive a few minutes early any day during the week to register at the door.
Wedgewood United Methodist Church — 2350 Wedgewood Drive, Akron. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Vacation Bible School: Weird Animals — Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a-Kind. Free for age 3 to grade 5. School uniform swap Monday and Tuesday. 330-733-8707.
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.