St. Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church presented a check for $4,410 to the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition on Tuesday. The funds are earmarked for its Emergency Fund, allocated to survivors with immediate needs that cannot be met through other resources.
The Rev. Chuck Campbell, who received the check from the Rev. Foster Mays on behalf of the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition, indirectly inspired the fund-raising effort, according to parishioner Sarah Schendel. He presented “Human Trafficking 101” at St. Michael's on Feb. 13. The congregation subsequently organized a silent auction on March 27, raising about half of the sum they donated on Tuesday. They matched it through a church discretionary fund.
Human trafficking and its social justice implications have long been on the minds of congregants, who even before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic had planned to welcome the Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms in Nashville, to speak through their Off the Beaten Path series. Thistle Farms is a residential program and support network for women who have been victims of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
Reverend Stevens is now scheduled to speak at the church at 7:30 p.m. May 11. Her presentation is open to the public, and admission is $10. St. Michael's is at 4718 Brittany Rd., Toledo.
Climate workshop
Zoar Lutheran Church hosts a workshop for church leaders and musicians on Saturday.
“God’s Creation Needs the Church; God’s Church Needs Creation” is intended to equip attendees and their congregations to address the climate crisis and its related environmental issues; organizers aim to offer “ideas for sermons, teaching, youth group activities, adult education, worship planning, and community-building that connects people’s faith with God’s Creation.”
The Rev. Leah Schade, an assistant professor of preaching and worship at Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky, is the guest speaker. She also preaches at worship services at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. May 1, as well as at an adult forum at 9:45 a.m. May 1.
Zoar Lutheran Church is at 314 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration, $20, covers lunch and is requested by phone by Thursday. Call the church office at 419-874-4346.
Catholic Business Network
The Catholic Business Network continues its speaker series on Thursday. The Rev. Geoff Rose speaks on “Inspiring Change, Empowering Youth: Building the Kingdom” over breakfast at The Pinnacle in Maumee.
Father Rose is the president of St. Francis de Sales School and the co-founder of Mark 5:11 Ministries. He was ordained an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales in 2002.
The Catholic Business Network's speaker series aims to empower business leaders and professionals to “promote Catholic values in the workplace.” It welcomes all faiths.
The Pinnacle is at 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee. Doors open at 7 a.m., a complimentary breakfast buffet opens at 7:30 a.m., and the program begins at 8 a.m. For more information or to register for the free event, go to bit.ly/3rJiacX.
Storytelling Day
Sylvania United Church of Christ hosts a Storytelling Day on May 1.
A variety of storytellers are set to participate, sharing their stories and related activities at stations through which participants will rotate every 15 minutes. Children will also be able to choose a free work of multicultural literature to take home.
The idea is that sharing and listening to stories is an important way to increase empathy. Storytelling Day is open to the public, and organizers note that while religion may be a part of someone's story, the event is not a religious program.
Storytelling Day runs 3 to 5 p.m. Sylvania UCC is at 7240 Erie St., Sylvania, and a video-conferencing option will be available for those who cannot attend in person. There is no cost to attend. For more information, go to sylvaniaucc.org/storytelling-day.
First Published April 24, 2022, 1:30 p.m.
