Armenian Church to Open Doors

The first Armenian church in Orange County will open its doors Sunday afternoon with a combination inaugural worship service and memorial for the 1915 Armenian massacres.

Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church will hold a 1 p.m. service at its new facilities at the corner of Euclid Street and McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana. According to Sylvie Tertzakian, who is with the church’s education committee, the service will be attended by many of the county’s estimated 2,000 Armenian families.

Archbishop of the Western States Datev Sarkissian of Los Angeles will officiate at the ceremonies, along with church’s pastor, the Rev. Ashod Kochian.

The Armenian Church is considered by many to be the oldest Christian church, with historians marking the official conversion of Armenian King Tiridates to Christianity in 301 AD.

Sunday’s ceremonies will include a Holy Mass and a service commemorating the 71st anniversary of strife between Armenians and the Turkish government.

While the outside of the church is completed, Tertzakian said that construction on the inside of the building and on a preschool adjoining the church will continue. The school is expected to open in September.

A series of controversial issues, such as abortion, homosexuality and divorce, will be discussed during the Adult Forums at Mt. of Olives Lutheran Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo. The forum series will be held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. through May 25 and will include a presentation by the church minister, a panel of speakers and a question-and-answer session with congregants. For more information, call (714) 837-7467.

Choir Recognition Sunday will be celebrated by Laguna Presbyterian Church during services Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. The chancel choir will sing excerpts from Handel’s oratorios. The children’s choir will accompany the adult choir in a rendition of “Tell All the World About Love.” A reception for the choir members will be held in the Fellowship Hall after the last worship service. For more information, call (714) 494-7555.

Founding pastor Adolph Kloth will lead worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4800 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. The former pastor, who retired in 1981, founded the church 10 years ago. Also featured during the service will be Lucille Kloth on the piano. For more information, call (714) 552-1918.

Church Women United will celebrate May Fellowship Day at 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive in Corona del Mar. “E’Olelo Kakou, Sisters,” (Let Us Speak Together, Sisters) will be the theme of the program, which was written by the Wai’anae Women’s Support Group of Wai’anae, Hawaii. A Hawaiian theme will dominate the event, with Hawaiian music and dance presented by Oasis of Corona del Mar. A luncheon will follow the program. The fee is $4. For more information, call (714) 548-7176.

“How to Raise a Mentally Healthy and Jewish Child” will be the topic of a presentation by psychologist Larry Meyers at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Shir Ha-Ma’alot Harbor Reform Temple. The presentation is one of several Jewish Parenting Center programs scheduled in coming weeks. The temple is at 2100 Mar Vista Drive in Newport Beach. A new series of parent/infant enrichment classes will begin Thursday. Held on six consecutive Thursdays from 10 to 11:45 a.m., parents and their infants (newborn to 14 months) will take part in activities involving music, movement and massage. There will also be weekly discussions led by Beth Krom about phases of infant development and growth. Enrollment is limited. Fee is $15 for temple members; $18 for others. For more information, call (714) 644-7203.

A Spring Variety Show sponsored by the John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Fred L. Hartley Auditorium, 376 Valencia Ave., Yorba Linda. All proceeds will benefit the Mary, Mother of the Church Shrine. For more information, call Sophie Klisiewicz at (714) 828-4127.

Both sides of the abortion issue will be presented at the 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum on Sunday at the St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar. A presentation, “Pro-Choice--Planned Parenthood” will be given by Diane Workman. The opposite viewpoint, “Right to Life--Dignity of Life” will be given by a representative of the Life Center. Sunday worship services will be held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Child care will be provided. For more information, call (714) 644-0463.

Temple Bat Yahm will be the scene of merriment Sunday when Jewish congregations from throughout Southern California gather to celebrate the Jewish year at an 8 p.m. concert. Soloists, duets and choral ensembles will sing music of holidays, festivals and life-cycle events. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the American Conference of Cantors, an affiliate of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Tickets are $10. The synagogue is at 1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach. For more information, call (714) 644-1999.

The Christian Service of Catholic Charities will honor the “Good Samaritan” of the Catholic Diocese of Orange at the Evening of Recollection celebration at 5 p.m. today at St. Edward Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. The award will be presented to the parishioner who has done outstanding work with the poor, the homeless or the aged in Orange County. Mass at 5 p.m. will be followed by a potluck supper in the parish hall. A special award will also be given to a high school student who exemplifies the “Good Samaritan” spirit. For more information, call (714) 542-6729.

Christ Chapel Metropolitan Community Church will host the Sonlite Gospel group in concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 720 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana. The concert will bring to a close a monthlong celebration of Sunday evening concerts to mark the church’s 15th anniversary. There is no admission charge. For more information, call (714) 835-0722.

Wilshire Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana will present a organ recital by Lowell Laceyat 3 p.m. Sunday at 940 W. Wilshire Ave. Lacey, organist and choirmaster of the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, Conn., will present a recital on the church’s Allen organ. His repertoire includes Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Prelude and Fugue in G Major” and Mulet’s “Carillon-Sorte.” For more information, call (714) 549-0121.

Lou DeSitter, outreach coordinator for El Rescate of Los Angeles, will be guest speaker at the Human Rights class at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2100 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach. DeSitter, an advocate for refugee rights, will speak about El Rescate, a church-sponsored organization that offers free legal and social services to indigent Central American refugees. He will also speak on the current political situation of countries in Central America. For more information, call (714) 644-1341.

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