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News of a religious nature may be submitted for Faith Features to editor@News-Herald.com; The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; or faxed to 440-975-2293. Deadline is the Tuesday before the Saturday of publication. We cannot guarantee publication. Blessing of the animals: St. Mary Painesville will be blessing the animals at 2 p.m. Oct. 2 on the church grounds. This blessing is in honor of Saint Francis. All animals are welcome to take part in this prayer service. For details, call St. Mary, Painesville at 440-3546200.

Concert series: Painesville United Methodist Church will present a concert series for 2016-17, at the church 71 North Park Place, Painesville. There is no charge admission and a free will offering will be taken. The following performances are scheduled: Andrew Sords, violinist, will perform at 4 p.m. Oct. 23; Burning River Brass Band, at 7 p.m. Dec. 16; Western Reserve Brass Band, at 4 p.m. Feb. 12; The Fine Arts Association Community chorus at 4 p.m., March 5; sounding light: voices united in song, 4 p.m. April 23 and 1920s silent film accompanied by Dennis Scott, organist, at 7 p.m. May 19.

Evangelist featured: Rev. Mark Willhite, Evangelist from Broken Arrow Oklahoma, will be guest speaker at Faith Freedom Fellowship for a special day of Music, Evangelism, And Missions on Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at its facilities located at 205 W. Liberty St., Geneva. It has been a few years since Mark received the “Go Ye” to the Nations. Thousands of people’s lives have been dramatically changed by the Anointing of God upon his life. Today, Mark Willhite Ministries is reaching further than ever before, with a sense of urgency to win the lost and encourage God’s people to awaken to their place in Him. A gifted minister and musician with the ability to lead people into the ‘Presence of God’ resulting in lives being eternally changed by the manifestation of God’s love. Thirty years has seen Willhite travel extensively to the Nations undergirding the Church globally and encouraging pastors and local works, Bible schools, home groups and Evangelistic outreaches. Known for his flow in the things of the Spirit, his ministers in many “Camp meetings”, Conferences and Anniversary Celebrations throughout the United States and the world. Pastors Ray and Edith Baker encourage the public to attend – especially if they enjoy praise and worship through music and ministry. A love offering will be taken.

Women’s retreat: St. Gabriel in parish will host its 10th annual Women’s Retreat on Oct. 14-16, Joy in the Journey, at the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma. Retreat starts on Friday at 5 p.m. and ends on Sunday at 11 a.m. Speakers include: Maureen Dowd, Sr. Maryanne Flannery, Alice Hinkle, Laurie Jurecki, Fr. Jeremy Merzweiler and Fr. Fred Pausche. The cost of the weekend is $160 which includes beautiful, serene surroundings, a small, comfortable single room with a sink, dinner on Friday, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. A nonrefundable $100 deposit will hold your reservation. The balance of $60 will be due upon arrival at the Retreat House. Register online www. St-Gabriel.org or call parish office for assistance 440352-8282.

Marriage topic of study:

Chardon United Methodist, 515 North St., Chardon, will be offering a fall couples study entitled, Love and Respect for a Lifetime, starting Sept. 25, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Denise and Paul Hagan will be facilitating this eight-session video study. Based on over three decades of counseling as well as scientific and biblical research, this marriage study has re-energized and given new life to thousands of marriages around the country. No matter what shape your marriage is in, this study will give you tools to take it to the next level. Childcare will be available every week upon request. Call the church office at 440-285-4581 by Sept. 21.

Child development

seminar: Hope Ridge United Methodist Church is sponsoring an information seminar on child development from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. The event highlights the importance of parent, grandparents, and other adult relationships, and provides tips and resources for caregivers of preschool-aged children. Social and emotional health helps children learn how to operate, grow, and relate to others and our environments. This event is free and open to the public. The guest speaker will be Dr. Kearney, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Ohio Guidestone. Hope Ridge UMC is at 9870 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor. To reserve your seat (and if you need child care), call the church office at 440-352-2141, ext. 200 or emailhopeoffice@hoperidge. com

Fair trade sale: Ss. Robert and William Catholic Parish, 367 E. 260th St., Euclid, will host the CRS Fair Trade Sale, Oct. 1 after the 4 p.m. Mass and Oct. 2, after 9 a.m. Mass and after the 11 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. Buy fair trade items and stand in solidarity with marginalized artisans, farmers and their families around the world. Through the purchases of crafters, chocolate and coffee, artisans and farmers in more than 30 countries are helped out of poverty. Learn more at crsfairtrade.org/ crafts

Yoga offered: Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon, will offer Wednesday morning yoga from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., starting Sept. 21. A gentle, progressive style of yoga suitable for all ages and body types. On the floor, or on a chair, this class includes Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath practices), and relaxation. No experience is needed. The yoga is conducted by master teacher and instructor Susan Gundersen. This is a donation class with proceeds going toward the Guatemala mission. Please bring a yoga mat, light blanket and wear comfortable clothing. For more information, call the office at (440) 285-4581.

Bible study: Vineyard Community Church, 1928 E. 300th St., Wickliffe, will begin a six-week Bible study called Luke and Acts: Continuing the Ministry of Jesus today, at the 9:30 am or 11:30 am services. The ministry will be sharing from the pulpit on Sundays, and watching the DVD study in small groups during the week. To find out more about the Bible study, or how to join a small group, go to www.clevelandvineyard. com, or contact call the church office at 440-9444402.

America’s First Ladies

program: America’s First Ladies” will be presented at 2 p.m. Oct. 2, at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon. Pamela Belknap, teacher/ speaker with the CWRU ACE Program, will present a fun and informative multi-media presentation on “America’s First Ladies.” Belknap teaches a two-part course on the presidential wives, their support to their husbands, service to the nation, and their independent causes. She is a graduate of Mount Union College (B.M.E.) and CWRU (M.A.), a retired teacher, and the Minister of Music at Amazing Grace EPC in Highland Heights. Program cost is $8 per person and includes dessert and coffee. All proceeds benefit local and worldwide missions of Chardon United Methodist Women. For reservations and ticket information, call 440-285-4581 or email info@chardonchurch.org.

Christian financial skills:

Friends Church will offer a Christian Financial Life Skills class starting Sept. 11 through Dec. 3. The class will be 11 a.m. to noon and is open to the public. For details or further information call 440-946-8772.

Classes offered: New Promise Church, 8671 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland, will begin a 13-week DivorceCare program from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13. The program is designed for people experiencing separation and divorce. You are welcome to begin attending any week; each session is selfcontained. Total cost for the program is $30. For more information, call the Church office at 440-256-3705 or send an email to (info@ newpromisechurch.us). The church will also offer another Grief Share 13-week program beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 25. The workshop is designed for people experiencing the loss of a loved one and will include videos, group discussions, and Biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Cost for the 13-week program is $20, which covers registration, notebook, helpful materials, and refreshments served at each session. Please call the church office at 440256-3705) or send an email (info@newpromisechurch. us) for more information or early registration.

Becoming Catholic: Are you interested in faith in Jesus Christ, becoming Catholic, or perhaps you are someone who wants to return to faith? Pope Francis tells us that “Love is our Mission.” The people and parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland are here to be the welcoming face of Jesus Christ. Terrie Baldwin, director of Evangelization, would be happy to help connect with you personally, be happy to answer any questions and help connect you to a faith community by calling (216) 696-6525, ext. 2540 or emailing tbaldwin@ dioceseofcleveland.org.

The WELL: Pain is hurtful. It can be physical, emotional, mental or relational and defining pain can be very difficult. Communicating the level of pain can be even more difficult. If you are experiencing pain and your life has become less productive, we want you to know someone cares. We are here to pray with you. The WELL, Willoughby House of Prayer invites you to come at 1 p.m. Tuesday for compassion and prayer for those in pain. The WELL is at 4091 Erie St., Willoughby. For details, call 440-942-5966.

Prayer line: Lakeshore Christian Church in Euclid sponsors a telephone prayer line every Tuesday from 6 to 6:30 a.m. Join in praying for your church, your community, your friends, family or for yourself. Call 1-605475-4000, access code 554793.

Helping cope with divorce:

Divorce is stressful and sometimes feels like a hurricane has ravaged your life. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, unhealthy boundaries have impacted friends and families. Come to the WELL, Willoughby House of Prayer and be helped with guidance through prayer. The Willoughby House of Prayer is at 4091 Erie St., Willoughby. For details, call 440-942-5966 for more information.

Support groups and oneon-one: Do you have a loved one or family member who is addicted or incarcerated? If you are feeling overwhelmed come and visit “The Well.” Every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the “The Well-Willoughby House of Prayer” at 4091 Erie St. in downtown Willoughby, discussion and prayer one-on-one for both heartaches is held. Also, relatives and friends can have conversation fellowship and prayer in a safe and welcoming environment. The visits are anonymous and registration is not required. For more information, call Charlie 440-990-8517.

Concerts set: The Country Baptist Church, 9054 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, has announced the Gospel Concert series for 2016. All concerts will begin at 6 p.m. The public is welcome. The Singing Weavers performs Sept. 24 and the Hunter Family, Oct. 22.