A special conference designed to equip Christians with tools to effectively share their faith with the next generation is Sept. 5 and 6 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., in Akron.
The two-day conference, called "Growing in Christ," is open to parents, grandparents, baptismal sponsors, Sunday School teachers, church leaders and anyone who is interested in knowing how to better share their Christian beliefs. It will explore the challenges and opportunities of discipleship and give participants a chance to volunteer for service projects throughout the local community at places like the Ronald McDonald House, Family Promise, Harvest Home and Grace Park.
Conference leaders include Swen and Dean Swenson and Gary Pecuch. The Swenson brothers will share their experience in youth and family ministry using humor and music. Dean is the family care and connections pastor at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville, Minn.
Swen serves as cross-generational director in family ministry at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnesville, Minn. Pecuch is director of youth and family ministry at St. John Lutheran Church in Grove City.
Workshop topics include equipping a family for faith, which will help adults model and nurture a growing faith in the home; carving out sabbath space, which will help people learn to make room in their lives for rest to reconnect with God; effective small group ministry, which will teach how to develop and grow a variety of small groups within a congregation; and websites, podcasts, and other online faith resources, which will help direct participants to the best online information and resources for nurturing faith in the family.
Cost for the conference is $20 for adults and children 13 years old and older. The fee includes materials, meals and a Saturday evening concert. Youth leaders are encouraged to bring their youth groups on Friday. On Saturday, daycare will be provided for young children and a day camp will be available for children ages five to 12.
Online registration is available at www.holytrinityakron.org until Aug. 25. On-site registration is $30 per person, if space permits.
For more information, call 330-376-5154.
In other religion news:
Events
Akron Dominican Motherhouse — Our Lady of the Elms, 1375 W. Exchange St., Akron. 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. “Are YOU Called to Be a Dominican Associate of Peace?” Adults ages 18 and older are invited to an information session. Please RSVP to Conni Dubick OPA, at 330-835-5688.
Akron First Church of the Brethren — 1812 Marigold Ave., Akron. 2-4 p.m. Saturday. Community Fun Day, with inflatable slip-n-slide, petting zoo, games, face painting, food and more. For information, call 330-773-6010.
Bath Church United Church of Christ — 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday. Will host the Rev. Dr. K. Jersurathnam, professor of Old Testament from United Theological College, Bangalore, India, in worship. He will also speak immediately following the 11:15 a.m. worship, on the Dalit liberation (Untouchables) in India. For more information, call 33-666-3520.
The Chapel — 135 Fir Hill, Akron. 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Parents of Prodigals will meet. Matt Williams will present “Healing a grieving heart and staying strong through the storm.” For more information, call 330-376-9300.
Christ is the Answer Ministries — 379 E. South St., Akron. 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Minister Leland Johnson will be the speaker for Youth Day. At 4 p.m. Sunday, Bishop Morris Terry and Bethesda Church of Cleveland will be our special guest.
Emmanuel United Church of Christ — 1480 Eastwood Ave., Akron. 4-7 p.m. Aug. 24. Community Fun Day with bouncy house, face painting, games, balloon art, food, school supples and more. The Just Love to Sing Gospel Group and the Swingin 78’s band will perform. There will be a snake display and an Akron Police Department canine demonstration. For more information, call 330-784-6608.
First United Methodist Church of Akron — 263 E. Mill St., Akron. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday. Fish Fry. Menu: fish (baked or fried) or baked chicken, steak fries or baked potato, and hush puppies, coleslaw, beverage and dessert. Cost is $8 adults, $5 ages 3-12. Fried Shrimp dinner is available for $10.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church — 50 N. Prospect St., Akron. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday. Food Truck Round-Up. Food trucks include: Mobile Sushi; The Orange Truk; Wholly Frijoles; Stone Pelican; and Premier Crepes. Local band the Acid Cats will perform. For more information, call 330-376-5141.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church — 442 Bell St., Akron. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23. The Akron Unity Partnership will host the OFIC Bridges Program. Bridges is a college access/readiness program that assists students in planning for college and provides possible scholarship opportunities. Students must be entering the 9th or 10th grades and must RSVP by calling Brandon Scarborough at 330-957-2474 or email scarborough@ofic.org.
New Hope Baptist Church — 1706 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron. The Women of Virtue Ministry will host a Women’s Conference Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 21-23. The theme is “Christian Women Letting Go and Looking to Grow” from Ephesians 4:12. The cost is $50 for the entire weekend. For registration, call 330-865-9472.
Oak Hill Presbyterian Church — 2406 Ardwell Ave., Akron. 6-9 p.m. Saturday. Ice Cream Social. Delight in delicious ice cream sundaes, popcorn, and beverages, and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends listening to classic rock and oldies from the 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond by the Justin Other Band. For more information, call 330-784-2432 or go to www.oakhillpresb.com.
OPEN M — Todaro’s Party Center, 1820 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron. 6-10 p.m. Sept. 5. OPEN M’s 2nd Annual Fire and Ice Celebration. The Fire and Ice Celebration is a fundraiser to bring the fire of warmth and stability to our neighbors living in the icy cold of poverty. Tickets are $75 per person, or you can purchase double date discounted tickets for $270. Price includes dinner, music, appetizers and a live auction. For more information on tickets, call Missy Klein at 330-434-0110 ext. 418 or email projects@openm.org.
Temple Beth Shalom — LifeCenter Plus, 5133 Darrow Road, Hudson. 2-4 p.m. Aug. 24. Tots Around Town “Back to School at the Pool: an Aqua Zumba Pool Party.” The party will be followed by stories, snacks and socializing. Free. Registration required by Wednesday, email Stefani Carlson at education@tbshudson.org.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron — 3300 Morewood Road, Akron. Noon to 1:15 p.m. Aug. 23. A community meal will be held including a cook-out. In addition to the meal, a Harvest Table with fresh produce and pantry items, as well as a table hosted by UU Women’s Association stocked with toiletries, cleaning products, and clothes for those in need, will be offered. For more information, go to www.uuakron.org.
Performances
Our Lady of the Elms Convent Chapel — 1230 W. Market St., Akron. 3 p.m. Sunday. The Akron Dominican Sisters of Peace will be hosting “A Rhapsody of Summer: A Summertime Recital”, featuring Krista Solars, violin, and Peter Douglas, piano. The concert is free.
Project R.I.S.E. — Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main branch, 60 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Chin Up Chelsea, a play about teen homelessness will be presented. Free.
Springfield Baptist Church — 1920 Krumroy Road, Akron. 7 p.m. Sunday. Gospel Praise Concert featuring Don Bowyer. A love offering will be taken.
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.