Faith briefs: Irish gospel singer concert, Operation Christmas Child, honoring animals

Pleasant Grove Community Church to host Irish gospel singer

BELLVILLE — James Kilbane, a country and gospel singer from Ireland, will perform at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Pleasant Grove Community Church, 5471 Ohio 546 in Bellville. This will be Kilbane's first appearance in this part of Ohio. All are welcome from across all Christian traditions.

Since 2004 and "You’re a Star" — Ireland’s equivalent to "American Idol" — Kilbane's career has grown. He has released 13 albums and singles. In recent months Kilbane has been working with television broadcaster Shalom World TV, which broadcasts across five continents, with his program "Rewind with James Kilbane," recording 13 music shows.

During his appearance in Bellville, Kilbane will perform many of his popular songs including "There is a place," "Mama’s Roses," "Amazing Grace," "One Day at a Time," "The Nazarene Song" and many more.

This is a love offering event and with a suggested offering of $10 optional. Doors will open at 6 p.m. For further details, call 419-892-2951.

Samaritan's Purse ready for Operation Christmas Child

Residents in Mansfield are collecting school supplies, along with personal care items and fun toys, to pack in shoeboxes. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries.

For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry.

All Souls to honor animals on Sunday

BELLVILLE — All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Bellville will welcome Jacqueline Moore as guest speaker Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The title of her presentation is "Animals as Divine Messengers of Love."

Animals are deeply connected to us, both as our family pets and in the wild. They communicate with us in many ways, some of which come in the form of Divine Messengers. During Sunday's service, Moore will explore the ways spirit communicates with us through animals and share in the blessing of the animals.

Sunday's service will not be at the church but will be held at Sacred Stones Mystical Farm, 3072 Ohio 430, Mansfield. Please have your pets up to date with core vaccines and bring them to the service either on a leash or in a carrier. If your pet is unable to attend, please bring a photo. There will be a special part of the service in memory of beloved departed pets.

For more information, visit allsoulsuuohio.org.

Get the word out

As a public service, the Mansfield News Journal will publish news of events for area houses of worship at no charge. Those who would like to have an announcement published on the Saturday faith page should send the information by email to yournews@mansfieldnewsjournal.com, no later than the Tuesday before the Saturday print date. Submissions may include concerts, special services, new services, rummage/bake sales, fundraising events, guest speakers, new pastor and other events. Publication of the free submissions is subject to space and other considerations and is not guaranteed.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Irish singer at Pleasant Grove Church, animals honored by All Souls