John Allen, a senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and senior Vatican analyst for CNN, will speak during the First Friday Club luncheon on Dec. 2 at the Martin Center of the University of Akron, 105 Fir Hill, in Akron.Allen writes a weekly column, “All Things Catholic,” which gives insight on the global church. He has written several books on the Vatican and divides his time between Rome and his home in Denver.The Kansas native earned a graduate degree in religious studies from the University of Kansas. His topic for the luncheon is “Rome is from Mars, America from Venus.”The First Friday Club of Greater Akron is a Catholic organization that sponsors monthly luncheons to promote a better understanding of issues that impact church, family, work and community life. The luncheon series is in its 12th year and typically draws more than 200 people from the Summit County area.Cost of the luncheon is $15. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Prepaid reservations can be made by sending a check to the First Friday Club of Greater Akron, 795 Russell Ave., Akron, OH 44307. For more information, call 330-535-7668.In other religion news:Thanksgiving eventsGoodyear Heights Community Church — 464 Brittain Road, Akron. 6 p.m. Sunday. Thanksgiving Communion service. Song, sharing and communion. 330-733-6664.Green Clergy Association — at Queen of Heaven Church, 1800 Steese Road, Green. 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday. A service of Thanksgiving to include prayers, reading and a program of music by the choirs of Green area churches. The Rev. Joseph P. O’Donnell, parochial vicar of Queen of Heaven Church, will be featured speaker. Freewill offering will support Green Good Neighbors. A social follows the program. 330-896-2345.Greentown Church of the Nazarene — 10031 Cleveland Ave. NW, Lake Township. Free Thanksgiving Day dinner. 1 to 5 p.m. Menu includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, cranberry relish, dinner rolls, iced tea, coffee, pumpkin pie and apple cake. Monetary donations accepted. New hygiene and toiletry items also accepted. 330-499-3004.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church — 50 N. Prospect St., Akron. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Community Thanksgiving service. Fellowship and doughnuts in the Chapel Lounge following the service. 330-376-5154.Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church — 2425 Myersville Road, Springfield Township. 7 p.m. Wednesday. Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. The Rev. John Burton of Springfield Fellowship will preach. 330-699-5086.Queen of Heaven Church — 1800 Steese Road, Green. 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday. Thanksgiving Day Mass. Canned goods and cash donations will be collected to benefit Green Good Neighbors. 330-896-2345.Tallmadge Lutheran Church — 759 East Ave., Tallmadge. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Community Thanksgiving Eve service. Includes special anthems and music for the season. 330-633-4775.EventsLakemore United Methodist Church — 1536 Flickinger Road, Lakemore. 4 to 6:30 p.m. today. Swiss steak dinner. Includes mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, applesauce, bread, dessert and beverage. Adults $7, ages 3-12 $3.50. Carryout available. 330-733-6531.Providence Baptist Church — 458 Madison Ave., Akron. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26. Christmas Bazaar. Crafts, baked goods, handmade items, ribbons, wreaths and more. Table available for $25. 330-253-3932.St. Columba Cathedral — 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown. 7 p.m. Nov. 27. Annual Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, featuring the cathedral choir under the direction of Dr. Daniel Laginya and organist Mary Ann Bilas-Bush. Free and open to the public. 330-744-5233.St. George Orthodox Church — 3204 Ridgewood Road, Copley Township. 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Holiday Extravaganza buffet & card party. Door prizes and raffle. $15 donation. Cash bar. Ticket sales close Friday. Contact Alice Elias at 330-882-6787 or 330-620-3264 or Mimi Hicks at 330-338-9678.PerformancesBrecksville United Church of Christ — 23 Public Square, Brecksville. 4 p.m. Sunday. The Bel Fiore String Quartet from the Cleveland Institute of Music perform a concert of chamber music. Freewill offering. Light reception will follow. 440-526-4364.New Life Episcopal Church — 13118 Church Ave. NW, Lake Township. 4 p.m. Sunday. The Malone University Flute Ensemble will perform. It includes senior Cindle Coleman from Canton, junior Anna McAnallen from New Castle, Pa., and freshman Jenna Beacon from Smithville. Free and open to the public. A reception with food and drink will follow. 330-699-3554.Springfield Baptist Church — 1920 Krumroy Road, Springfield Township. 7 p.m. Sunday. Christian concert featuring Julie Hufstetler. Freewill offering.Zion Temple Baptist Church — 515 Ardella Ave., Akron. 6:30 p.m. today. Raymond Hinton and Annointed Voices of Praise presents Annual O’Give Thanks Concert.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