The local Muslim community will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan on Tuesday.
Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, is a time of prayer, fasting, charitable giving and self-examination. During the month, people of the Islamic faith are also encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some recite the holy book by the end of the month through special nightly prayers, called Taraweeh.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, moon sightings may cause a variation of dates for Islamic holidays. Many Muslims in the United States observe Ramadan based on the astronomical calculations of the Fiqh Council of North America. The council, which is affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America, is an association of Muslims who interpret Islamic law.
Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is on Aug. 8.
In other religion news:
Events
Canton Christian Women’s Connection — at The Fairways at Arrowhead, 1500 Rogwin Circle SW, Plain Township. 11:30 a.m. July 18. Monthly luncheon will be held. Theme is Bloom Where You Are Planted. Holly Michniak from It’s a Small World Terrariums will show how to create living landscapes in a container. Inspirational speaker Jean Pyper will share how receiving a new heart also gave her a new joyful outlook. Music provided by vocalist Renee Welsch. For reservations or free child care, call Sherry at 330-837-6552 or email debra_ely@hotmail.com by July 14. $13 cost includes lunch.
The Chapel in Marlboro — 8700 State Route 619, Marlboro Township. 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 22-24. The 2013 Football Camp will be conducted for pre-K through grade 8. Cost is $20, includes T-shirt. Featuring the Marlington High School football team and coach Ed Miley. Passing, punting, agility, speed and catching. A limited number of scholarships available. Registration now being accepted. Open to nonmembers of The Chapel. Call sports director Todd Hostetler or the Rev. Rob Cochran at 330-935-1032.
Christ Is The Answer Ministries — 379 E. South St., Akron. 4 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. Danita Harris Pratt of Fresh Wind Ministries in Cleveland will be featured guest and keynote speaker. 330-376-1869.
Faith Temple Church of the Living God — 701 Sylvan Ave., Akron. Friday through July 14. The annual More Excellent Way Conference will be held. At 7 p.m. Friday, platform speakers will appear. At noon July 13, open forum and workshops, and at 7 p.m. the Rev. Eula Greer of One Family Under Guard will be guest speaker. At 11 a.m. July 14, Bishop Nelson Lewis of Dover, Del., is the speaker. 330-724-6823.
Family of Faith United Methodist Church — 800 E. Market St., Akron. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. Creamed chicken/biscuits and Swiss steak dinner. Adults $9, ages 4-12 $5. Carryout available. 330-376-2141.
First Apostolic Faith Church — 790 Easter Ave., Akron. 6 p.m. Sunday. Extreme Makeover. Sunday Night Celebration in lower Fellowship Hall. Ice cream social to follow. 330-762-9139.
Hear the Word Ministries — 6825 Wales Ave. NW, Jackson Township. Seventh Annual O’Shyah Celebration, Sunday through Friday. On Sunday, free royal feast at 1:30 p.m. and Maurice Broomfield will appear at 3 p.m. Also, the Rev. Johnny Sanders of Columbus at 6:30 p.m. Monday; Dawsolene Burrel of Pittsburgh at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; Undre Williams of Macon, Ga., at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; Elona Sanders of Columbus at 6:30 p.m. Thursday; and Bera Cole of Cincinnati at 6:30 p.m. Friday. For more information, contact Trisha Williams at 330-936-6418.
Lift Up Ministries — at Forest Park Lodge, 260 Greenwood Ave., Akron. 10:30 a.m. July 27. Tenth Annual Walk With God. Registration fee is $10 or donation. Everyone who registers receives a gift package. The Rev. Mark R. Williamson Sr. is founder and organizer. 330-671-4121.
Mogadore Christian Church — 106 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore. 5 p.m. today. The monthly casual, contemporary worship will be held. A light meal will be served. Musicians and singers welcomed. Child care provided. 330-628-3344.
St. Joseph Church — 2643 Waterloo Road, Randolph Township. 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and July 13, 1 to 10 p.m. July 14. St. Joseph’s Summer Festival. Fair-type food, shrimp plus steak dinner at 6 p.m. July 13. Bake Shoppe, Posy Post, Grotto Store. Games of skill and chance. Children’s activities and music. Contests include frog jumping, junior tractor pull, pie eating, free throw, 5K run and horseshoe tournament.
Performances
Christ Community Chapel — 750 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson. 7:30 p.m. July 19. An Evening with Les Miserables star J. Mark McVey. The Broadway actor and vocalist will sing and share career and faith experiences. 330-650-9533.
Speakers, classes, workshops
Akron-Canton Shambala Center — 1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. The Art of Being Human, an introductory meditation weekend, will be held Friday through July 14 at the center. It will feature meditation instruction and practice, discussion and personal meetings with an instructor. 330-983-9019.
Diocese of Youngstown — at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 3430 St. Michael Blvd. NW, Plain Township. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 6-8. The Summer Catechetical Institute will be held, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education. Prayers, keynote presentations, course and practical workshops each day. A local and cost-effective opportunity for faith formation and skill building for parish catechists. Catholic school teachers and parish ministers. It will also be held at the same time at St. Michael Family Life Center in Canfield. 330-744-8451.
Tri-State Bible College, North Campus — 1350 Virginia Ave., Akron. 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 15-20. Bible Class: Exploring First Peter. Taught by Dr. Manfred Langer, professor of New Testament/Theology. First-time registrants $25 fee. Contact Keyra Sheares at 330-785-9430.
Vacation Bible Schools
Faith United Methodist Church — 1235 Tallmadge Road, Brimfield Township. July 21-25. Vacation Bible School. Theme is Everywhere Fun Fair: Where God’s World Comes Together. Age 3 through grade 6 welcome. Bible lessons, crafts, music and snacks. Register at http://2013.cokesburyvbs.com/brimfieldfaith.
Grace United Church of Christ — 13275 Cleveland Ave. Lake Township. 9 a.m. to noon July 15-19. Kingdom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong for God is open to age 4 through grade 6. Bible-learning activities, songs, teamwork-building games, treats. Each day concludes with an 11:30 a.m. fanfare finale intended to get everyone involved in living what they have learned. Family and friends encouraged to join in. Final celebration program for parents wraps up the week. Call 330-699-3255 or register in person mornings at the church office.
Oak Hill Presbyterian Church — 2406 Ardwell Ave., Akron. 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. July 14-18. Sky Vacation Bible School. Dinner each evening, crafts, recreation, Bible adventure activities, music and more. For age 3 through grade 5. Call 330-784-2432 to register early, or arrive a few minutes early any day during the week of VBS to register at the door.
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.