■ Sacred Grounds Toledo hosts its seventh annual Garden Tour and Networking event on Wednesday.
Attendees will stop at two faith communities that have native prairies and learn about other garden and habitat projects they could initiate at their house of worship or home. Attendees will also see where native plant seed is cultivated, harvested, and processed for Metroparks Toledo.
The program begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Creek Conservation Area, at the Stiles Road parking lot, in Whitehouse. Groups will then caravan to subsequent sites.
An itinerary can be requested with registration to join the tour en route. Networking and refreshments will be available at the final stop. RSVPs can be made at bit.ly/sgt_tour24 or by calling 419-936-3015.
Sacred Grounds is a National Wildlife Federation program that connects faith communities, government agencies, and community organizations to establish wildlife habitats. To learn more about the local initiative, visit raingardeninitiative.org/sacred-grounds.
■ Two upcoming women’s conferences are meant to uplift and encourage women.
The Birthing Room Conference, on Aug. 17, has the theme of liberation. It will encourage women to uncover their gifts and talents, deal with past hurts, and turn to God to be set free.
The conference is hosted by local social worker Kerry Smith-Emery and runs noon to 5 p.m. at The Summit, 23 N. Summit St., Toledo.
Those interested should register by Sunday at bit.ly/4diZwhI. Cost to attend is $75, with a meal included.
The Church at Lion of Judah hosts a Women of Valor ladies retreat on Aug. 10. There will be time for worship, connection, and deepening of faith.
The retreat runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 9400 Jackman Rd., Temperance. Registration, $30 is at bit.ly/3LGXhbW and includes lunch.
Speakers include Tabatha Hartman, wife of the church’s Pastor Matthew Hartman and leader of its women’s ministry; Cynthia Schneider, wife of Rabbi Kurt Schneider; and Mary Michel, founder of Journey of the Heart Ministries Women’s Mentoring.
■ St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral holds its summer festival Friday through Sunday, featuring cultural food, music, and dance.
Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 3754 Woodley Rd., Toledo. Tickets are available at the gate: $5 or free for children 10 and younger.
Area bands are set to perform each day. There will also be carnival games and crafts. Homemade Middle Eastern food is available for dine in or take out.
The cathedral also holds its Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sunday. For more information, go to facebook.com/StGeorgeTOL.
■ The Padre Pio Prayer Group at Christ the King Catholic Church continues its first Saturday monthly meetings.
Meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. with the praying of the rosary, followed by an 8 a.m. Mass, anointing of the sick, and a discussion. The church is located at 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo.
Padre Pio Prayer Groups have met across the nation since the 1950s, formed by the namesake Catholic saint who believed in the power of prayer. Contact magdalena@magdalenaskiles.com for more information.
First Published August 1, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
