104TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Friendship Baptist Church, 1954 Brier St. SE, Warren, will celebrate its 104th anniversary at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Shane Floyd, pastor of Grace AME Church, Warren, will be the guest preacher. The theme of the anniversary is “Jesus Christ: The Church’s Foundation.” Host pastor is the Rev. AM Odom.

MISSION WEEKEND: Second Baptist Church “A House of Hope” in Warren and New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown are partnering to host the Lott Carey Mahoning Valley Missions Weekend on Saturday. This event is designed to bring together churches and believers from across the Mahoning Valley to increase awareness of global mission work and provide opportunities for greater engagement in international outreach efforts.

The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions Convention, founded in 1897 and named after Rev. Lott Carey, the first African-American missionary to Africa, has been a leader in advancing missions beyond the United States. The event will highlight the importance of this work and how churches and individuals can contribute to its ongoing impact.

On Saturday, a Leaders Luncheon will be at 12:30 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St, Youngstown. The Rev. Victor M. Davis, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Columbus, will serve as the keynote presenter, offering insight into how churches can strengthen their involvement in global missions. This luncheon is specifically intended for senior pastors, associate ministers, church leaders and those who lead mission ministries.

LIGHT IS ON: Parishes in the Diocese of Youngstown will host the annual “The Light is On for You- An Evening of Reconciliation” Wednesday. While the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated throughout the Lenten season and the entire year in local parishes. the Diocese of Youngstown has identified March 19 as a common date when the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in parishes throughout the diocese through a variety of services or individually. All parishioners are encouraged to participate in these special events at their parish or at a neighboring parish.

During Lent, Catholics are reminded to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their Lenten observance in preparation for Easter.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION: Voices of Micah will host a community discussion and workshop about mass incarceration and its effect on the community 3 to 6 p.m. March 23 at First Presbyterian Church, Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren. Facilitator is Michaela Write, mission officer for YWCA Mahoning Valley.

VIGIL FOR 40 DAYS: A spring vigil for 40 Days for Life will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 13. The group is seeking people to join them on the sidewalk in front of CVS on East Market Street in Warren to pray for an end to abortion.

JUBILEE OF THE SICK: In observance of the Jubilee Year 2025, Bishop David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will celebrate a special Mass commemorating the “Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers” 4 p.m. April 6 at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St. in Youngstown.

In addition to praying for those who are sick or suffering in mind, body, and spirit, the Mass also will celebrate those in various health care ministries throughout the Diocese of Youngstown. A reception co-sponsored by Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, St. Michael Parish (Canfield), and Church Budget Envelope Company will be at the St. Columba Parish Hall immediately after Mass.

FINAL SERVICE: Girard First Baptist Church will host the final service of Pastor Burl Jernigan at 10 a.m. on March 30. Jernigan has announced he will be retiring as pastor.

TAIZE PRAYER: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 225 Villa Marie Road, will offer Taize Prayer at 7 p.m. March 25. The theme is Lent.

Taize is a form of Christian prayer originating from the ecumenical Christian community of Taize in France. It is a service of prayer, song and contemplation by candlelight with music ministers Daniel Laginya and Barb Zorn. For information, call 724-964-8886 or visit vmesc.org.

FIRST FRIDAY SPEAKER: The First Friday Club of Greater Youngstown Speaker Series welcomes the Honorable Robert N. Rusu Jr., judge of Mahoning County Probate Court, on April 3 at Avion on the Water Banquet Center, 2177 W. Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Rusu will talk about what a probate judge is and what they do.

Rusu is the 20th probate judge of Mahoning County. Prior to becoming judge, Rusu practiced law in the areas of probate administration, guardianships, estate planning, Medicaid and aging issues.

There will be an opportunity for participants’ questions following the talk. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation beginning at noon. The cost is $25. Call by March 27 at 330-720-4498 to make a reservation. Visit www.firstfridayclubofgreatery