KEEPING THE FAITH | You do not have to venture far to appreciate sacred spaces
David shares his appreciation for sacred spaces in the often quoted Psalms 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
The book of Leviticus has detailed instructions about holiness and sacred space. God demanded holiness from Israel, repeatedly commanding to “be holy because I am holy.” In ancient Israel, people, objects and spaces could be judged holy or common.
The tabernacle, for example, was sacred because it was God’s dwelling place; therefore, the people of Israel would undergo extensive cleansing rituals before bringing their sacrifices to the priests. These issues were of spiritual importance as opposed to moral concern. The rituals for approaching God were to remind Israel that God was uncommon!
I have been blessed to visit Israel several times. The beauty and sense of walking in places in the Holy Land referenced in sacred text was surreal. Yet one does not have to venture far to appreciate sacred spaces. Lest one believes sacred spaces are limited to houses of worship or their campuses, I challenge you to consider the overlooked or taken for granted places throughout our city. Look at — and then beyond — Mill Creek Park’s well-maintained gardens and appreciate other parcels created to fully enjoy the budding peace that is intended.
Our community has been blessed by the labor of love provided by people who have created safe and sacred spaces. I have observed many of these individuals lovingly and meticulously maintaining places embedded within the community.
There is a beautiful botanical garden with a walking path on Indianola, created by Eric Jones and family, which has seasonal flowers landscaping the urban neighborhood. Then there is the lot on Youngstown-Hubbard Road maintained by Peggy Bosela, who is affectionately called The Lot Lady, which embraces holiday themes. Darla Ballinger has reimagined a vacant lot as a serene space called the Happy Place Sanctuary. The quiet place where you can retreat is situated on Firnley Avenue between Alymra and Boston avenues. It exudes peace and tranquility. Rev. Gayle Catinella, the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and I recently visited the site and concur that the serene location is a blessing for the whole community.
These are simply visible and vibrant examples. A holy place is where we feel safe, secure, loved and comforted. That’s how it was in our heavenly home. I encourage you to consider seeking sacred places when you can commune with God. I conclude this week’s missive encouraging you to enjoy “We Are Standing on Holy Ground,” a praise and worship song that will usher you into His presence. May the Lord approve of your heart’s altar as you seek Him.
Elders Speak
One does not have to be aged to be an elder. Seasoned and mature thoughts, influenced by observation and experience, can hasten wisdom. Such is the case of the honorable Judge Kimberly Cocroft, who serves the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. With the sage temperament reflective of prominent Old Testament judicial figure Deborah, Judge Cocroft offers “truthpaste” such as: “Jealousy will have you acting simple with people who were sent to bless, encourage and support you. A gentle suggestion: Get out of your feelings and do better.” Judge Cocroft has also rightfully earned the title Hashtag Queen with the uncanny ability to further drive her themes home.
Mrs. Burns of Cleveland told then candidate and now Mayor Justin Bibbs on his campaign journey: “Well done is better than well said!”
Unknown author: “Aging is a gift we do not all receive. Getting old is a personal choice.”
Dr. David M.H Davis of the DMHD Family Practice has this reflection greeting you upon arrival: “Kind actions begin with kind thoughts!”
Finally, my beloved grandmother would often share that “the grass may be actually greener on the other side because it required more manure to maintain it.” Those who knew my grandmother would appreciate how I gently modified her thoughts to conform to the standards of this publication.
Stop the Violence
Pastor Kenneth Simon of the New Bethel Baptist Church has galvanized area faith and community leaders to sustain the Stop the Violence efforts in our community. The last prayer walk of the summer will take place at 2 p.m. today at Taft Elementary School, 730 E. Avondale, Youngstown, with a gathering time of 1:30 p.m.
The walk will encompass the surrounding neighborhood to seek peace for our city and against the violence that has infected our neighborhoods. For those who would like to participate but cannot do the walk, we will have a simultaneous prayer in the gathering area. If it rains, we will gather inside the school for our prayers.
We’ve Come This Far By Faith
The Black Cultural Weekend concludes today in the newly created plaza outside Youngstown’s City Hall. The event is free, but you are encouraged to patronize the vendors and food trucks. At 4 p.m. there will be spoken word and poetry, and the event will climax with live entertainment featuring the Gospel Sensations and other guests until 10 p.m. You should bring your own chair as seating is limited. There will be vendors and presentations to cap off the celebration.
The Tyler Historical Center will provide free admission from noon to 4 p.m. for the community to observe the interactive display presentations. This festival is a continuation of the local 1619 Project, and the entire community is welcome to attend.
St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, 4955 Glenwood Ave., Youngtown, is hosting its Glendi Festival, which concludes today at 7 p.m. Enjoy authentic food such as stuffed grape leaves and lamb dinners. There will also be live entertainment. Proceeds will go toward ministry needs.
Community Men United
Charles “Chip” Banks and City Kids Care are calling upon men in the community to greet and cheer the scholars at either East or Chaney high schools Wednesday and encourage a successful academic year on the first day of classes. Meet in the front parking lot at 6:30 a.m. It Takes the WHOLE village and, yes, ladies are welcome to attend also!
Senior Outing
Dr. Krishmu Shipmon, the executive director of Mahoning County Adult Protective Services and Saving Our Seniors of the Mahoning Valley, will provide an “Older Adults Day Out” celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Covelli Center, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown. The focus of the senior health and wellness fair is to provide mature citizens access to community services and resources. Admission and refreshments are free, with more than 50 vendors, free screenings and generous giveaways. There will be live performances by Elvis, Staying Alive Drummers and a ukulele group. Saving Our Seniors is a collaborative effort to assist older adults with embracing the aging process.
There’s HOPE!
Pastor Kenneth Simon and New Bethel Baptist Church will sponsor a HOPE Fest for outreach from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the L.A. Simon Building, 1524 Hillman St., Youngstown.
Professional Ministry Opportunities
MYCAP, 1325 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, is hosting a job fair from 11 a.m. to noon Friday. Come meet with hiring managers in various departments to interview and learn more about job opportunities available at the ministries of St. Elizabeth Youngstown, St. Elizabeth Boardman and St. Joseph Warren hospitals.
Mercy Health is currently hiring for entry-level positions, nursing, nursing support, lab services, imaging, respiratory, pharmacy, surgical services, sterile processing and much more.
MYCAP will provide support services such as removal of barriers, case management, career coaching, job development and vocational training. You can have an in-person interview with a Mercy Health recruiter or hiring manager with on-the-spot presentation and job offers. Current Mercy Health associates are also welcome to stop by and discover the resources and programs MYCAP programs can offer.
Study to Show Thyself Approved
Rev. Randy Langham, the pastor of Cornersburg Baptist Church, is offering an opportunity to help fulfill the Great Commission coming this fall. He also serves as the director of the Ohio NorthEast School of Theology, a ministry of the Steel Valley Baptist Association, which is offering a class on “Making Disciples.” The class is designed to empower others to live out their faith in the marketplace. It is accredited by Gateway Seminary, and qualifies for credits in bible colleges and seminaries.
The primary objective is to build into the minds and hearts of the participants a passion for making disciples and to provide some tangible models for putting this into practice, while at the same time cooperating with the leadership of individual churches.
Classes will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., and possibly 6 to 9 p.m., on Tuesdays, and are available on Zoom. The 15-week semester begins Aug. 30. This class will be very beneficial for God’s kingdom and for your church as well. For additional information, you can go to the following websites: Ohio NorthEast School of Theology or Gateway Seminary ADVANCE Program.
All Lives Are Loved
International Overdose Awareness Day will be recognized at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 in Trumbull County’s Candlelight Remembrance Vigil at Courthouse Square in downtown Warren. The vigil is hosted by Trumbull County Strong, whose mission is to turn “pain into purpose.” The event will be held outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, and you are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.
Trumbull County Strong is a support group for the loved ones impacted by substance misuse. It will honor those lost with speakers, music and a remembrance board. Photos will be accepted for the board by emailing TCS.Natalie22@gmail.com, or you can bring them to the event. Pictures can be no larger than 4x6. For information, call 330-891-8337 or 330-984-2384
Christmas and Holiday Assistance
The Salvation Army will register families of Mahoning County from Sept. 13 to Oct. 27. Phone-in registration will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling 330-270-5999. Toys for children age 12 and younger and food vouchers for eligible families will be provided.
Fatherhood Walk and Fun Day
Warriors Inc. is inviting fathers and their families to enjoy a walk and fun day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at Wick Park in Youngstown. Fathers of all ages are encouraged to gather for a leisurely walk and then enjoy a day filled with food, festivities and fireworks. The fireworks display will take place at the Covelli Centre.
The goal is to provide fathers and families in the community with a fun, stress-free day so that they can spend quality time with their children, whether young or old. For more information, call Pastor Jessica Rosario at Warriors Inc. at 330-783-5440.
Nonviolence Parade and Rally
Ohio Nonviolence Week will take place Oct. 2-8. It will kick off with the 12th annual parade and rally at 3 p.m. Oct. 2. The parade will begin at the intersection of Wick Avenue and Wood Street, and then proceed to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. The parade is open to all nonprofit organizations such as schools, youth groups, athletic teams, church groups and neighborhood watch groups, as well as individuals, businesses, government officials and politicians.
You may walk, ride in a vehicle or create a float. A plaque will be given to the group with the best vehicle or float and to the group that displays the message of Nonviolence and Peace in a creative way. There will be a team of judges to determine Best of Show and other awards. After the parade, there will be a rally at the amphitheater.
There is no charge to participate in the parade, but the committee would appreciate any donations to help defray some of the expenses of the parade and rally. This effort is sponsored by the Ohio Nonviolence Week Planning Committee, Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, Youngstown City Schools, the city of Youngstown and the YWCA.
The deadline for registering is Sept. 15. If you have any questions or need an application, please contact Penny Wells, executive director of Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, at 330-788-0545 or pennywwells@sbcglobal.net.
AFTERGLOW
Helen Lowrie Marshall wrote an affirming poem titled “Afterglow,” which reflects upon the happy memories that can linger after a loved one has gone. As I read the poem during my experience of loss, grief and, ultimately, acceptance, I was encouraged to understand that the glow remains after the light disappears.
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
May you be empowered and emboldened to continue life’s journey as you strive to keep the faith!
