The Ohio Council of Churches has called for a Day of Prayer for the Sikh community Sunday.
The request to Christian congregations throughout the state went out this week in the wake of last Sunday’s deadly shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, in suburban Milwaukee. According to published reports, a gunman walked into the holy place shortly before services and opened fire with a 9 mm pistol, killing six people — a mother, two brothers, a retired farmer, the temple president and a Sikh priest.
The gunman, who turned his gun on himself after being wounded by police, has been identified as a 40-year-old Army veteran who was a member of several white supremacist rock bands. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive for the shooting.
In addition to asking the Christian community to pray for the victims, their families and the Sikh community, the council of churches urged Christians to take time to learn more about the Sikh religion. The council estimates there are about 1,500 Sikh families in Ohio, more than 500,000 nationwide and at least four Sikh temples in Ohio: near Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton.
A local service and tribute to the victims of the Wisconsin shooting will begin at 12:15 p.m. Sunday at Sikh Gurdwara, 4220 Broadview Road in Richfield Township. The event is sponsored by the Guru Nanak Foundation of Richfield.
In other religion news:
Events
Canton Christian Women’s Connection — The Fairways at Arrowhead, 1500 Rogwin Circle SW, North Canton, 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Monthly luncheon. Theme is Adding Sparkles to Your Life. Sandi Roe will demonstrate jewelry making. Speaker Laura Matthews will discuss how she found peace after surrendering control over life’s circumstances. Bonnie Baughman will be singing. For reservations, call Sherry at 330-837-6552. Cost is $13 and includes lunch. Free childcare.
The Chapel, Green Campus — 1800 Raber Road, Green. 10 a.m. Friday. Abundant Living 55+ Christian fellowship and lunch in Atrium. Concert with pianist Timothy Noble and vocalists Lisa Tharp and Dave Krzoski. Adults 55 and over welcome to attend. 330-315-5508.
Christ Is the Answer Ministries — 379 E. South St., Akron. 9 to 11:30 a.m. today. Usher Board will host a pancake breakfast. Cost is $5. There will be a furniture giveaway at 11 a.m. First come, first served. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Sunday School ministry will host its second annual community carnival. 330-376-1869.
Good Shepherd Baptist Church — 853 Copley Road, Akron. 10:45 a.m. Aug. 19. Sunday morning service and church picnic at Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave. For information and directions to the park, call 330-696-8900.
Greentown Church of the Nazarene — 10031 Cleveland Ave. NW, Lake Township. 1 to 6 p.m. today. Third annual Community Pig Roast. Free. Food, games, rides and door prizes. Rain or shine. 330-499-3004.
Hill’s Temple First Born Church of the Living God — 799 S. Arlington St., Akron. 11 a.m. Sunday. Youth Sunday. Speaker is James S. Smith of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit.
Malone University — Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts, 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton. 10 a.m. to noon today. Annual Prayer Walk hosted by the Alumni Association. Participants will walk the perimeter of the campus, focusing on prayer for the university and city of Canton. The general public is invited. Wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothing and bring a small Bible or pocket testament. Refreshments will be served. 330-471-8239.
Mount Haven Baptist Church — 545 Noble Ave., Akron. 11 a.m. Sunday. Hosting the 63rd annual Women’s Day. Speaker will be the Rev. Gloria Slaughter from The House of the Lord. 330-253-2923.
Queen of Heaven Church — 1800 Steese Road, Green. Masses for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary holy day will be as follows: Tuesday, 7 to 8 p.m., Outdoor Vigil Mass (weather permitting), followed by an ice cream social; Wednesday, 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 7:45 p.m. on the Feast Day.
Queen of Heaven Church — 1800 Steese Road, Green. FUNFest will be 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday-Aug. 18, and 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19. Rides, games, live bands and food. Remember When will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday and Aug. 18, and LaFlavour will perform at 7 p.m. Friday. On Aug. 19, a car show will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and the kids pedal tractor pull from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 330-896-2345.
St. John Lutheran Church — 550 E. Wilbeth Road, Akron. 10 a.m. Sunday. Mark D. Hanchett will be installed as vicar pastor by the Rev. John G. Eiwen. A light lunch will follow in the church fellowship hall.
South Arlington United Methodist Church — 790 S. Arlington St., Akron. 9 to 11 a.m. Friday. Open public food pantry. From 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 18, Stork’s Nest will be hosted by the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta for expectant young mothers. Free baby clothes, prenatal education and refreshments. 330-724-1334.
Tower of Prayer Church of God in Christ — 1334 Diagonal Road, Akron. 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Men’s and Women’s Day. Morning speaker is Brenda Shorts of Jonas Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Cleveland. At 4 p.m., the speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Parker of Rhema Fellowship C.O.G.I.C. in Cleveland.
The deadline for Religion Notes is noon Tuesday. Items must be in writing. 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.
