A presentation about God and the Holocaust will be given at 7 p.m. Monday in the Barrette Business and Community Center at Walsh University, 2020 E. Maple St., North Canton.
The conversation will be led by Brother Francis Blouin, Walsh’s third president, who will be introduced by his longtime friend Barbara Turkeltaub, a childhood Holocaust survivor. During the presentation, Blouin will explore the question of God’s presence and the evils of the death camps and whether Scriptures about the punishment of God can be taken literally.
While president of Walsh, from 1978 to 1992, Blouin developed a close relationship with the Stark County Jewish community and served as co-leader of the county’s first interfaith tour of Israel in the 1980s. After retiring from Walsh, Blouin traveled to Uganda to consult with the Kisubi Brothers of Christian Instruction on the establishment of their University Centre in central Uganda. Although his plan was to stay six months, Blouin didn’t return to the United States until eight years later, after helping the Ugandan university become sustainable.
Blouin’s presentation is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Walsh University Jewish-Catholic Studies Institute, which is headed by Rabbi John Spitzer, co-leader of the 1980s interfaith tour of Israel. The institute promotes dialogue and the study of Judaism and Christianity.
For information, contact jspitzer@walsh.edu or call 330-244-4734.
In other religion news:
Events
Blessed Trinity Parish — 300 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron. 9:30 a.m. Friday. The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County invites adult women of all ages and parishes to its first membership meeting for the next club year in McKeever Hall. For information, contact Stephanie Craig at 330-819-7776.
Christ United Methodist Church — 380 Mineola Ave., Akron. 9 a.m. Sept. 16. The Connection, a new alternative service and inclusive Sunday School program, gets under way in Fellowship Hall. It will focus on welcoming families, particularly those who have children with autism. It includes upbeat music and an informal style. The church hopes to extend the program to families with children with other disabilities. 330-836-5563.
First Presbyterian Church of Barberton — 636 Park Ave. W., Barberton. 5 to 7 p.m. today. Fun Fest will feature live music, food, a magic show and games for kids and adults. All ages are invited. 330-745-2161.
Hill’s Temple First Born Church of the Living God — 799 S. Arlington St., Akron. 11 a.m. Sunday. Annual Homecoming services. Morning speaker will be the Rev. Charles Moore. Afternoon speaker will be the Rev. Leslie Parker-Barnes of Arlington Church of God. 234-788-1866.
Linda Coleman Isaiah Ministries — Sheraton Suites, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 29. Hope Time. Encouraging women to reawaken their hope that may be buried because of shattered dreams and unrealized expectations. Those attending will interact in small groups. $13 includes continental breakfast. 330-322-1417.
Mount Zion Baptist Church —327 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 11 a.m. Sunday. Ushers’ Emphasis Day. 330-253-8642
New Millennium Baptist Church — 2240 17th St. SW, Akron. 4 p.m. Sunday. Celebrating Women’s Day. Guest preacher will be the Rev. Sylvia Jennings, pastor of Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Youngstown.
Orthodox Christian Women of Akron — Presentation of Our Lord Orthodox Church, 3365 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. A 40th Anniversary Fellowship Tea will be held. All past presidents will be honored. Lea Povozhaev, author and lecturer, will speak on Intercultural Marriage. Door prizes and refreshments. 330-658-6225.
St. Mark Lutheran Church — 158 North Ave., Tallmadge. 10 a.m. Sunday. Annual Rally Day, celebrating the new Sunday School year. The youth group will perform a skit called The Hunchback of St. Mark. Free and open to the public.
Trinity Lutheran Church — 600 S. Water St., Kent. 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22. The Outreach, Hospitality & Social Ministry Committee is sponsoring a ’70s Cutting the Rug dance. Tickets $2 and are available at the church. 330-673-5445.
Unity Chapel of Light — 503 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge. 6:30 tonight. Y.O.U. (Youth of Unity) is hosting a Mexican Dinner & Movie Night. Admission $10 for adults, $5 for children, and includes dinner, movie, popcorn and candy. The movie is K-PAX, starring Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey, the story of a psychiatric patient who claims to be from another planet. There will be several G-rated movies available for younger children. Reservations suggested but not required. 330-928-2108.
Wooster Avenue Church of Christ — 1147 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. Gospel meeting Sunday-Friday. Services at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Guest speaker is Larry Ware from Callahan Street Church of Christ in Rome, Ga. 330-762-7301.
Performances
First Christian Church — 116 E. Boyer St., Wadsworth. 7 p.m. Oct. 6. Christian singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson will feature songs from his new album, Light for the Lost Boy, including the single Rest Easy. He will be accompanied by a full band. Ticket price $25. Reserved seating. 330-485-6322.
Speakers and classes
Green Valley United Methodist Church — 20 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Green. 10 a.m. Sunday. First Sunday session of The Story, a 31-week course focusing on a condensed and chronological version of the Bible. Weekly curriculum for children, teens and adults with corresponding sermons. It will also be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Call 330-896-4357 for information.
Hamilton Forum — St. Michael Parish Fannon Center, 3430 St. Michael Blvd. NW, Plain Township. 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Thomas S. Acker, administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Randolph, will present a talk entitled What Makes Us Human. Cost is $12, payable at the door. Reservations due Monday. Call 330-649-1231.
St. Patrick Church — 313 N. Depeyster St., Kent. 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 24. First session of Church History: Fact and Fancy. Classes will also be held every Monday in October in the church hall. For information or to register, call 330-677-4453.
The deadline for Religion Notes is noon Tuesday. 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.
