Annual Easter Pageant Begins Run

Live animals, townspeople dressed in authentic costumes and a thunderstorm complete with lightning bolts are all part of the third annual “Glory of Easter” pageant running through April 5 at the Crystal Cathedral.

Billed as the world’s largest Easter pageant, the dramatic re-enactment of the last days of Christ on earth include a 120-foot stage, a volunteer cast of more than 400 and a taped narration by Gregory Peck.

The 80-minute Easter extravaganza uses a variety of special effects, including lightning, a simulated earthquake and the ascension of the resurrected Christ, played by Miles Herter. Other special effects include a flying angel that sings two solos while hovering over the crowd in the 12-story cathedral.

Performance times are 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. nightly, except Mondays, with a special 10:30 p.m. performance March 28. Reserved seating is $18 for the south balcony and $14 for the main floor and east and west balconies. There is also a $2 discount for children under 12. For more information or reservations, call (714) 544-5679.

“A Matter of Restitution” is the title of the Rev. David Sandberg’s sermon at 10 a.m. services Sunday at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 30121 Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel. This sermon is the third of a series of Lenten presentations titled “A Real Life Story.” The church’s senior high school youth group will meet at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (714) 495-1310.

Holy Communion will be celebrated at 9 and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday at the Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. in Laguna Beach. Congregants are also invited to bring donations of canned food for the Bell Garden Kitchen Food Center. A coffee and fellowship session will be held on the church patio between services, and nursery care will be provided. For more information, call (714) 497-2228.

Dr. Richard E. Eby, an obstetrician and gynecologist from Upland, will speak on his near-death experience at 6 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd, 8152 McFadden Ave. in Westminster. In 1972, Dr. Eby fell two stories and sustained massive head injuries. In his talk, he will discuss what he calls his temporary death and the return to his earthly body in the hospital room. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call (714) 897-0100.

Temple Bat Yahm will hold a Purim workshop for adults and children from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the temple, 1011 Camelback St. in Newport Beach. During the first hour, there will be five separate workshops for preschoolers and kindergartners; children in grades one through three; four through six, and a session for seventh-graders through adults. Each workshop will feature lessons and activities relating to the history, customs and traditions of Purim, the Feast of Lots, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from a massacre by Queen Esther. A potluck dinner will follow the workshops. The fee is $3. For more information, call (714) 644-1999.

Our Lady of Loretto, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, will hold a Day of Recollection from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at St. Francis Home, 1718 W. 6th St. in Santa Ana. Msgr. John F. Sammon will act as spiritual director. The fee of $5 includes lunch. For more information, call (714) 538-0865.

Dowrene Hahn, an anthropologist and world traveler, will present a program on Tibet at the 9:15 a.m. “adult forum” on Sunday at St. Michael and All Angels Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive in Corona del Mar. “Tibet--Top of the World” will feature slides and an informational discussion on the people of Tibet and their customs, monasteries and religion. Child care will be provided. Worship services will be held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (714) 644-0463.

Kenn and Gloria Carmichael will be guest speakers at the second “Mission Sunday” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove, 11832 Euclid St. The Carmichaels, who are now retired, specialized in Christian radio broadcasting in the Middle East and parts of Africa. They will speak about their experiences as missionaries. Soup will also be served following the service. For more information, call (714) 534-2269.

“The Passion of Jesus,” as developed in the Gospels of Mark, Luke and John, will be the focus of two classes at St. Callistus Church, 12921 Lewis St. in Garden Grove. Led by Sister Benilda Desmond, the classes will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and March 19 in room 3 at the church. For more information, call (714) 971-2091.

“Walk the Walk” is the title of the Rev. Jack F. Lamey’s talk at the 11 a.m. service Sunday at the Church of Religious Science, Laguna Beach, 27802 El Lazo Road in South Laguna. A meditation service will be held from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (714) 831-2683.

Temple Beth El and Shepherd of the Hills Church will host a presentation of the drama “Heaven’s North of Here” at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 30121 Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel. Written by Dana Point resident Moly Hardy, the play deals with youth suicide. Hardy will hold a question-and-answer session following the 45-minute performance. There is no admission charge. For more information, call (714) 364-2332.

Thirty-one churches and organizations have banded together to co-sponsor a Christian estate-planning seminar to be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday and next Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Geneva Presbyterian Church, 24301 El Toro Road in Laguna Hills. Topics to be covered include joint-tenancy, probate, death taxes, charitable trusts, gift-annuities, wills, living trusts and other estate matters. Christian attorney Lloyd G. Copenbarger will lead the seminar. A repeat seminar is scheduled for the same times March 21 and 22. There is no admission charge, but advance registration is required. For more information and reservations, call (714) 497-2500.

Beth Torah Synagogue of Laguna Hills will celebrate its first anniversary at a kosher, catered dinner to be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Clubhouse 6 of Leisure World in Laguna Hills. Muriel and Sol Cohen, who were instrumental in founding Beth Torah, will be officially honored during the event, which begins with a no-host bar, followed by a dinner catered by Camelot Caterers. There will also be live entertainment throughout the evening. For more information and reservations, call Sarah Magedman at (714) 472-9819.

“The Foolishness of God” is the title of a sermon by guest minister Herman Larsen of Whittier at 8:30 and 11:45 a.m. services Sunday at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 150 N. Palm St. in La Habra. The Rev. Larsen has served two tours of missionary duty in China, once during World War II and again as a teacher of English at the Chinese University in Taiwan. For more information, call (213) 691-0656.

“The Hug of Peace; Reconciling People” is the title of a Lenten sermon at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. services Sunday at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive in Mission Viejo. The sermon is part of a Lenten series titled “From Ashes to Easter.” The “Sunday education hour” for all ages will be held at 9:30 a.m. with an emphasis on “Hunger and Spirituality.” The adult forum will feature Stacy Kitahati from Lutheran Social Services speaking about “Domestic Hunger Issues.” For more information, call (714) 837-7467.