Faith features

News of a religious nature may be submitted for Faith Features to editor@NewsHerald.com; The NewsHerald, 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.

Lenten mission series: A three evening series, “With Mary, Our Mother, Celebrating God’s Triumphs and Graces” will be presented by Fr. Kenneth Paulli, O.F.M., a Franciscan priest of Holy Name Province, at St. John Vianney Parish located at 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor. Presentation of mission is from 7 to 8 p.m. March 11-13. The mission is designed to help you find Jesus Christ in your life, through the intercession of His Blessed Mother, and to help you look at yourself and your family in the Spirit of Jesus and to help us all realize that the wisdom and guidelines of Jesus will bring us happiness here and for all eternity. The Rev. Thomas Johns, St. John Vianney pastor, welcomes all to attend this mission to help our parish celebrate its 50th anniversary, as well as, help to deepen your Lenten experience. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. Each session stands on its own, but many are expected to attend all three sessions. Fr. Paulli will have his new book, “Outside the Walls, Encountering God in the Unfamiliar” available for sale after his talk each night of the mission. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the conclusion of the mission on March 13. Please contact Barb Fahey at bfahey2486@gmail.com or call the parish office at 440-255-0600 for more details.

Sermon series: First Church, Congregational, 22 Liberty St., Painesville, will host a new sermon series, “’I Am’ Sayings of Jesus”, from March 17 to April 14. Services are at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sundays. First Church is also hosting a Lenten Wednesday study beginning March 13 and ending on April 10. This study is based on the book “The God We Can Know: Exploring the ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus” by Rob Fuquay. From the book description: “The Gospel of John records several declarations by Jesus known as the ‘I Am’ sayings. With each statement Jesus uses vivid images to capture our imagination, revealing more about his identity and purpose.” In this study, Rob Fuquay explores what Jesus meant when he said “I Am… the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Good Shepherd; the True Vine; the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Resurrection and the Life. Each study will be in the Social Room at 7 p.m. There will be a program for kids ages kindergarten and up and child care for the smaller kids (up through age 4) will be available. There will be light refreshments available. The schedule will be March 6, Ash Wednesday worship at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary; March 13, Chapter 1 “Knowing the Great ‘I Am.’” God identified Himself as the great “I Am” in Exodus 3 when Moses encountered the burning bush on the holy mountain. This forms a basis for the “I Am” sayings of Jesus. Sunday Sermon, March 17, “Knowing the Great ‘I Am.’” Scripture Lesson: Exodus 3:1-14. What’s in a name? This week, we will be introduced to the “I Am” sayings of Jesus, by looking at an earlier time when God named himself, “I Am.” Wednesday Study, March 20: Chapter 2 “I Am the Bread of Life.” Are we satisfied with what we have/ been given or are we always trying to go after more, are we always seeking to “get full?” Sunday Sermon, March 24, “I Am the Bread of Life.” Scripture Lesson: John 6:27-59. Are we satisfied with what we have/ been given or are we always trying to go after more, are we always seeking to “get full?” Wednesday Study, March 27, Chapters 3 & 4 “I Am the Light of the World” & “I Am the Good Shepherd” The story of scripture is one of moving from darkness into the light. When we see Jesus as the good shepherd, we are reminded that God cares for us. Sunday Sermon, March 31, “I Am the Light of the World & I Am the Good Shepherd” Scripture Lesson: John 7:2, 14; John 8:12; John 10:1-10. The story of scripture is one of moving from darkness into the light. When we see Jesus as the good shepherd, we are reminded that God cares for us. Wednesday Study, April 3, Chapters 5 & 6 “I Am the True Vine” & “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We are reminded that Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, and we are connected to God in a most intimate way. We will also explore how we understand the “I am the way, the truth, and the life” saying in today’s world. Sunday Sermon, April 7, “I Am the True Vine.” Scripture Lesson: John 15:1-8. We are reminded that Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, and we are connected to God in a most intimate way. Wednesday, April 10, Chapter 7 “I Am the Resurrection and the Life.” We will look at how we can know and trust in God’s possibilities. Sunday Sermon, April 14, Palm, Confirmation, and Stewardship Sunday. “I Am The Way, the Truth and the Life.” Scripture Lesson: John 14:1-7. Join us as we explore how, as Christians, we understand this saying of Jesus in today’s world. For information, contact the church 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 440-357-7518 or email office@firstchurchcongregational.org.

One-on-One Praying: Stop by between the hours of 3 and 5: p.m. any Thursday and personally experience one-on-one prayer at the Willoughby House of Prayer, 4091 Erie St., in downtown Willoughby. Minister Darlene will be available to offer individual prayer with those seeking God’s healing power and comfort..

Workshop for Active Listening and Praying with

Others: Register for this free workshop presented by Pastor Rod Funk March 16 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Willoughby House of Prayer — The Well, 4091 Erie St., in downtown Willoughby. Learn how to become more proficient in active listening and further develop comfort in praying with and for others. Registration required by March 9. To register, call Darlene at 440-537-0687 or Margaret at 440-350-1282.

Dinner, reverse raffle: St. Patrick Church,16550 Rock Creek Road, Thompson Township, will hold a dinner and reverse raffle on March. 9. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Appetizers, traditional corned beef dinner and/or rigatoni, dessert, soft drinks and one Main Board ticket are included for $30. Main Board prize $1,250. For details,call the church at (440) 298-1327.