Faith features

News of a religious nature may be submitted for Faith Features to editor@NewsHerald.com; The NewsHerald, 7085Mentor 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:

“Hearts on Fire; An Act of Faith, Hope & Love” will be presented by Rev. Thomas Dragga at St. Justin Martyr Church, 35781 Stevens Blvd., Eastlake, at 7p.m. March 8-10 with hospitality following. This mission focuses on connecting the Call of Evangelization and Discipleship by focusing on the three basic virtues of faith, hope and love and what it means for us to find strength and nourishment in the context of Sunday Worship. For more information, go to www.stjustin.net. Ashes to Go: Wearing ashes on your forehead is a traditional sign of penance worn by the faithful marking the beginning of the Christian season leading to Easter, known as Lent. When the only opportunity to receive ashes is in the evening, some of the impact of symbol is reduced since the time of wearing the ashes is shortened. So Kirtland’s Old South Church will offer ashes in the morning, and to make things convenient, in the parking lot. On Feb. 26,, Pastor Ian Lynch will be in the parking lot along Route 306 from 7 to 10 a.m. He will spend a few moments with each person inviting reflection before marking the person’s forehead with ashes. This is the sixth year that the church has offered “Ashes to Go.” People who received ashes in previous years appreciated the opportunity that they might have otherwise missed. While some may feel that this demeans a sacred ritual, Lynch sees a different angle. “The church is not the building, or even the practices. The church is Christ’s love in action. This is a way that we can be church beyond the walls, bringing a blessing to people rather than waiting for them to come to us.” Sunday worship each week is at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to participate in all the activities of Old South Church. Old South United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here. Find out more at www.OldSouthChurch.org and on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/OldSouthUnitedChurchofChrist. Football coach featured speaker: One of the area’s most successful high school football coaches is coming to St. John of the Cross Parish in Euclid for a conversation about faith and friendship — and perhaps a little bit about football. Coach Ted Ginn Sr. will share powerful and practical lessons on building relationships between cultures, within diverse communities, and how to be servant leaders. The free event will be at 3 p.m. Feb. 23, in the church, 140 Richmond Road, Euclid. Ginn is the founder and executive director of The Ginn Academy, as well as head football coach and head track coach of Glenville High School. He is also a member, deacon and trustee of The Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church in the Glenville community. He will be joined in conversation by St. John of the Cross parishioner Matt Chinchar, who is an assistant football coach at Glenville and the college advisor at The Ginn Academy. The two will discuss their diverse backgrounds and friendship, built over 30 years of work on and off the football field, and their shared desire to save lives and souls, to help build strong young men physically, emotionally, academically and spiritually. This is an event where the journey of friendship is intended to spark a connection for all people of faith, regardless of denomination, race, creed or socioeconomic background. There are so many things that divide us but we are more alike than we are different and we are stronger together than we are apart. With candid dialogue, these men of faith will explore how all people can build bridges one step at a time.

Sunday liturgies: The Community of St. Hildegard, 630 Plum St. Fairport Harbor celebrates liturgy at 11a.m. on Sundays. It is an inclusive Christian Church open to all denominations. Mondays the building is open from noon to 6p.m. for personal prayer and/or use of the spiritual library with an option for communal prayer at 6 p.m. For more information, email worship@hildegardhaus.com or check out website www. hildegardhaus.org

Gentle yoga: Chardon United Methodist Church is holding yoga on Wednesday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12:15p.m. It includes 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 guided meditation. No experience is needed. It is conducted by master teacher and instructor Susan Gundersen, RYT-500. This is a donation class (suggested donation $10) with proceeds going toward the church’s our Guatemala mission. Bring a yoga mat, light blanket and wear comfortable clothing. Chardon United Methodist Church is at 515North St., in Chardon. For information, call the office at (440)285-4581. Faith Experiences: Cafe-Catholic Adult Faith Experiences is held from 9:15 to 10:45 Sunday mornings, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 32114 Vine St., Willowick. Adults share their faith experiences and thoughts on the Sunday scriptures. No registration is necessary.