Firstthursdaytoledo

03/24/2025

First Thursday’s April Presentation

The First Thursday speaker series will conclude for the season on April 3rd with a presentation by Municipal Court Judge Timothy Kuhlman entitled “Criminal Justice Reform: Why the U.S. has too many people in jail and Lucas County has not.” It will be held at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St.

Judge Kuhlman will reflect upon the twelve year history of criminal justice reform in the County, how the Court sets bonds, the relationship between criminal justice and addiction, procedural fairness, re-entry challenges, and related issues impacting reform efforts.

The monthly event begins with lunch at noon followed by a 30-45 minute talk and a Q&A period. The cost is $15, cash or check at the door. Those who do not wish to purchase a lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. No RSVP is required.

The luncheon series, subtitled “Culture at the Crossroads,” will resume in October and run through April, 2026. It is sponsored by an interfaith coalition of social justice advocates.

Contact: Rev. John Bl**er; [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

02/25/2025

YOU’RE INVITED!

The First Thursday speaker series on March 6th will feature Dr. Tim Reichard addressing issues of animal welfare and the rights of all of nature at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St.

Dr. Reichard has extensive experience in wildlife ecology, as well as practicing veterinary medicine in zoos nationally, including the Toledo Zoo. He has served as chairperson of the animal welfare committee of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The monthly event begins with lunch at noon followed by a 30-45 minute talk and a Q&A period. The cost is $15, cash or check at the door. Those who do not wish to purchase a lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. No RSVP is required. The menu for March 6th is: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans, biscuits, and cake.

The series will conclude in April with Judge Timothy Kuhlman reflecting on the role of presiding judge in the Toledo Municipal Court System.

First Thursday luncheons are sponsored by a coalition of social justice advocates.

Contact: Rev. John Bl**er; [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

01/27/2025

YOU’RE INVITED!

The February offering in the First Thursday Luncheon series will take place on February 6th at the Monroe St. United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St.

The featured speaker, Joe Moran, will address “The Final Verdict: A Discussion of the Death Penalty”.

His overview will carry renewed relevance given the reinstatement of Federal executions by the Trump Administration.

Mr. Moran worked for 30 years at the Municipal Court Probation Department and was its chief probation officer before his retirement. He is currently the treasurer of Toledoans for Prison Awareness.

The monthly event begins with lunch at noon followed by a 30-45 minute talk and a Q&A period. The cost is $15, cash or check at the door. The menu for February 6th will be: smoked sausage, potato pancakes, peas, roll/butter, tossed salad and fruit salad. Those who do not wish to purchase a lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. No RSVP is required.

The series will continue through April with topics including the rights of animals and all of nature, and the role of presiding judge in the Toledo Municipal Court System.

First Thursday luncheons are sponsored by a coalition of social justice advocates.

Contact: Rev. John Bl**er; [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

12/18/2024

YOU’RE INVITED!!

January’s First Thursday Presentation

The Monroe Street United Methodist Church (3613 Monroe St., Toledo) will host it’s next First Thursday Luncheon on January 9th, 2025 rather than on January 2nd – due to the New Year’s holiday.

The presentation will feature retired pastor Larry Clark reflecting on the situation in Palestine in light of the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. This past August, Rev. Clark was part of an ecumenical delegation to that region to support efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, and to stand with Palestinians in the West Bank who were under attack by Settlers. He will relate his first hand experiences with this delegation, and answer questions related to the situation in Gaza and the West bank.

The monthly event begins with lunch at noon followed by a 30-45 minute talk and a Q&A period. The cost is $15, cash or check at the door. Those who do not wish to purchase a lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. This month’s menu includes chopped steak, buttered noodles, fried cabbage, corn, pudding and buttered rolls.. No RSVP is required.

The series will continue through April, and is sponsored by an interfaith coalition of social justice advocates.

Contact: Rev. John Bl**er; [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

10/28/2024

YOU’RE INVITED!!

November’s First Thursday Presentation

The Monroe Street United Methodist Church (3613 Monroe St., Toledo) will host the second presentation in the First Thursday Luncheon series: Culture at the Crossroads, on November 7th.

Mr. Phil Park-Thomas, a specialist in Native American history and culture, will explore the unique challenges faced by tribal communities both historically and in the contemporary American context.

The monthly event begins with lunch at noon followed by a 30-45 minute talk and a Q&A period. The cost is $15, cash or check at the door. Those who do not wish to purchase a lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. This month’s menu includes rib tips, roasted potatoes, macaroni & cheese and coleslaw. No RSVP is required.

The series will continue through April, except in December, and is sponsored by an interfaith coalition of social justice advocates.

Contact: Rev. John Bl**er; [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

09/26/2024

This years Culture At The Crossroads series brochure is pictured below. We hope to see you at the events!

09/25/2024

You’re Invited!!

First Thursday Luncheons Resume on October 3rd.

The First Thursday Luncheon series – Culture at the Crossroads – will open its seventh season on October 6th at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St.

Mr. Mark Heller, a senior attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, will address the issue of immigration, noting that “It’s not just about the southern border”. He’ll reflect upon issues relevant to Toledo and Lucas County, while his office further stated that it “is proud to serve Haitian community members in Springfield and other parts of our service area”.

Lunch is served beginning at noon, with a 30-45 minute presentation at 12:30 pm followed by a question/answer period. The cost is $15 (cash or check at the door), while those with dietary restrictions who bring their own lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. RSVPs are not required, and parking is available behind the church.

This year's talks, held on the first Thursdays of October through April (December excluded) will feature presentations on Native American issues, the Israeli-Palestinian question, capital punishment, the rights of nature, and the challenges of prisoner re-entry.

Contact: Fr. John Bl**er, 419-344-1295; [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

03/22/2024

“What is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)”?
-- The First Thursday Luncheon topic for April 4th. --

A representative from Congresswoman March Kaptur’s local office will join us for an overview, an update, and to answer questions on the progress of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Since 2010, the multi agency GLRI has partnered with federal organizations to target the biggest threats to our Great Lake ecosystem, and to formulate goals for its long term health.

Now in its sixth year, this will be the final luncheon of the 2023-2024 season. The series takes place on the first Thursdays of October- April (except December) at the Monroe St. United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St., with lunch beginning at noon, followed at 12:30 pm by a 30-45 minute presentation with a question/answer period.

The cost for the lunch and presentation is $15 (cash or check at the door). Those not wishing to purchase a lunch or desiring to bring their own lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. Parking is available behind the church.

Note: reservations and RSVPs will not be accepted this year.

The First Thursday Series is organized by Monroe Street United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Church, and local Catholic and other social justice advocates.

Contact: Fr. John Bl**er, 419-344-1295; [email protected]
Rev. Larry Clark, 419-473-1167; [email protected]

02/22/2024

YOU’RE INVITED!

Michael Szuberla to Outline “Ten Transformative Ideas for a Resilient 21st Century Toledo”

As part of the First Thursday Luncheon Series on March 7th, Michael Szuberla, of Promedica’s grants department, will outline “Ten Transformative Ideas for a Resilient 21st Century Toledo. Mr. Szuberla has extensive experience in the promotion of green infrastructure, environmental design, and urban agriculture. A founding director of Toledo Grows, he developed an award-winning job training program for adjudicated youth, and initiated an urban agriculture course of studies at Owens Community College.

Now in its sixth year, the luncheon talks take place on the first Thursdays of October- April (except December) at the Monroe St. United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St., with lunch beginning at noon, followed at 12:30 pm by a 30-45 minute presentation with a question/answer period.

The cost for the lunch and presentation is $15 (cash or check at the door). Those not wishing to purchase a lunch or desiring to bring their own lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. Parking is available behind the church.

Note: reservations and RSVPs will not be accepted this year.

The First Thursday Series is organized by Monroe Street United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Church, and local Catholic and other social justice advocates.

Contact: Fr. John Bl**er, 419-344-1295; [email protected]

Rev. Larry Clark, 419-473-1167; [email protected]

01/22/2024

YOU’RE INVITED!!

Sonya Quin to explore “The World of the Mentally Ill”; February 1st, noon

Sonya Quinn, the Community Engagement Coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Toledo (NAMI), and a native Toledoan, will explore the world of the mentally ill as part of the First Thursday Luncheon Series: Culture at the Crossroads. Mental health affects everyone, and Ms. Quinn will help attendees to better understand some misconceptions regarding mental illness and the societal barriers endured by its victims.

Now in its sixth year, the luncheon talks take place on the first Thursdays of October- April (except December) at the Monroe St. United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St., with lunch beginning at noon, followed at 12:30 pm by a 30-45 minute presentation with a question/answer period.

The cost for the lunch and presentation is $15 (cash or check at the door). Those not wishing to purchase a lunch or desiring to bring their own lunch will pay only $5 for the presentation. Parking is available behind the church.

Note: reservations and RSVPs will not be accepted this year.

The First Thursday Series is organized by Monroe Street United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Church, and local Catholic and other social justice advocates.

Contact: Fr. John Bl**er, 419-344-1295; [email protected]

Rev. Larry Clark, 419-473-1167; [email protected]

12/26/2023

YOU’RE INVITED!
Bob Lynn: “Political Musings for 2024”, January 4th, noon

Bob Lynn, a longtime advocate for working people, a co-founder of Toledo Area Jobs with Justice, and a Democratic Committeeman for many years, will offer his perspective on the potentially tumultuous political environment for 2024, as part of the First Thursday discussion series – “Culture at the Crossroads”.

Now in its sixth year, the luncheon talks take place on the first Thursdays of October- April (except December) at the Monroe St. United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St., with lunch beginning at noon, followed at 12:30 pm by a 30-45 minute presentation

The cost for the lunch and presentation is $15 (cash or check at the door). Vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions may bring their own lunches – or not as they so choose – for the cost of $5 for the presentation only. Parking is available behind the church.

Note: reservations and RSVPs will not be accepted this year.

The Culture at the Crossroads series is organized by Monroe Street United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Church, and local Catholic and other social justice advocates.

Contact: Fr. John Bl**er, 419-344-1295; [email protected]
Rev. Larry Clark, 419-473-1167; [email protected]

11/01/2023

YOU’RE INVITED!

Tom Troy on “The State of Local Newspapers”, November 2nd, noon
The First Thursday luncheon series – “Culture at the Crossroads – will present its second luncheon speaker, Tom Troy of the Toledo Blade, on November 2nd, at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St.

Mr. Troy, the current editor of The Blade’s Opinion section, will address the increasing demise of local newspapers and the reduction in traditional investigative journalism. He will also explore the decline in readership due to the emergence of the internet and social media, and the resultant threat to authoritative information.
Prior to his editorial and reporting work with the Blade, Mr. Troy was a writer for United Press International, and worked on newspapers in Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware.
At each luncheon, food will be served at noon, followed by the presentation and a question & answer period. NOTE: RSVPs for the luncheon will not be required this year.

The cost for the lunch and presentation will remain at $15 (cash or check at the door). Vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions may bring their own lunches – or not as they so choose – for the cost of $5 for the presentation only. Parking is available behind the church.

The gatherings are held on the first Thursdays of October through April with the exception of December. This year’s talks will address climate change, mental illness, political musings for 2024, among other topics. They are organized by Monroe Street United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Church, and local Catholic and other social justice advocates.

Contact: Fr. John Bl**er, 419-344-1295; [email protected]
Rev. Larry Clark, 419-473-1167; [email protected]