Religion Briefs: LCPC, local Islamic Congregation to co-host service project, dinner
La Cañada Presbyterian Church and Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge will co-host a service project and dinner open to the community from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Demarest Family Life Center at La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd.
The gathering is the second in a series of events to build peace and understanding between Christian, Muslim, interfaith and secular communities in the La Cañada area, according to its organizers. The first was a recent forum on religious extremism.
Participants on May 14 will pack hygiene kits that will later be given out to homeless men and women in Pasadena for a service project hosted by the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge. The group will also share a meal together and get to know one another.
“A desire of Muslims of LCF is to contribute to our local community as an article of faith that is expressed by action,” stated Levent Akbarut, co-organizer. “When neighbors work together on small acts of service, big outcomes are bound to happen. We are certain the community will be uplifted in a multitude of ways.”
Megan Katerjian, the other co-organizer and interim associate pastor of outreach at La Cañada Presbyterian, stated, “Joining together to serve others is also a great way to unite our two communities by our common mission to serve people in need. I’m hopeful about the relationships that will grow and conversations that will happen as we serve together.”
This activity is open to the community and is family-friendly. Guests can arrive at any time during the event for the service project and are encouraged to bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner. Registrations can be made here.
LCUMC joins other churches to raise school-lunch funds
During the recent Lenten season, La Cañada United Methodist Church, together with other area churches, raised more than $1,000 to benefit Andrew Jackson Elementary School in Altadena.
According to the local church, about 90% of Jackson’s students receive free or reduced-price meals. The school’s officials, including Principal Rita Exposito, welcome volunteers and assistance from surrounding communities. In previous years, La Cañada United Methodist donated funds to the school for library books, but this year joined CV United Methodist, Tujunga United Methodist and the Church of God’s Mission to raise funds for school site improvements.
This Sunday at the La Cañada church, Pastor Elaine Cho addresses “Work of the Holy Spirit” during the 10:30 a.m. regular worship service. Early elementary Sunday school is available during the service; youth meet for lunch and their class at noon.
La Cañada United Methodist is located at 104 Berkshire Place. Call (818) 790-3605 for more details, or visit lcumc.com.
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Carol Cormaci, carol.cormaci@latimes.com
Twitter: @CarolCormaci
