Saturday Classes Will Discuss Bible, Jewish Law

Questions about the Bible and Jewish law can be answered t a special Bible class offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Chabad of Irvine Jewish Center, 4872 Royce Road.

Rabbi Meir Gitlin will discuss the Torah portion that applies to that week’s worship service, with in-depth explanations and examples from commentaries. Worship services follow the class at 10 a.m.

The class will be held in the main sanctuary of the center and is open to community members regardless of affiliation.. A luncheon will be served following the services.

Additionally, the center will hold a Tisha B’Av service at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Traditionally celebrated on the ninth day of the Hebrew month Av , the special holiday commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem by the Babylonians and Romans. Tisha B’Av services will include a reading of Eichach (Lamentations), followed by a documentary film on the Holocaust. For more information on this and other services, call (714) 786-5000.

The “Meet the Missionary” program will resume Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove, 11832 Euclid St. The Rev. Otto DeCamp, a retired missionary from Korea, will speak at the 5 p.m. meeting. DeCamp and his wife, Elizabeth, spent nearly 40 years in Korea helping to build the Christian Radio Network, according to a church spokesman. Program participants are asked to bring a lunch to share; beverages will be provided. For more information call (714) 534-2269.

The Coastline chapter of B’nai B’rith Women will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the County Line Restaurant, Barranca Parkway and Lake Street in Irvine. All women are invited to attend the no-host dinner meeting. For more information call (714) 651-8619.

The Rev. Coby Juda, a certified hypnotherapist, will conduct a demonstration from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Eternal Light Church of Religious Science at 2340 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente. Juda will show how hypnotherapy can help with weight loss, stress, anxiety, smoking and insomnia. There is a $5 donation. For more information call (714) 361-1010.

“Judaism and the Second Commandment” is the topic of discussion at the 8 p.m. Sabbath service Friday at Temple Beth El, 30121 Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel. Rabbi Allen Krause will officiate during the services. An Oneg Shabbat service celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Simon will follow. For more information, call (714) 364-2332.

“One Vine, One God” is the title of a talk to be given by the Rev. Philip Quirk at 9:15 and 11 a.m. services Sunday at the Church of Religious Science, 27802 El Lazo Road in South Laguna. Quirk is affiliated with the Huntington Beach Church of Religious Science. A meditation service will also be held from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. For more information call (714) 831-2683.

“Viva La Difference!” is the theme of the Rev. Randy M. Gibson’s sermon during 9 and 11 a.m. services Sunday at the United Methodist Church of Laguna Hills, 24442 Moulton Parkway. Sunday School will be held at 9 a.m. with classes for teens and adults held at 10 a.m. Nursery care will be provided. The church also has room for families for a trip to Yosemite National Park Aug. 18-24. For more information call (714) 837-3414.

The Rev. Donald H. Gard will preach at 9 and 11 a.m. services Sunday at Geneva Presbyterian Church of Laguna Hills, 24301 El Toro Road. “The Burning Bush” will be his topic. The Children’s Summer School will continue to be held at 9:15 a.m. for grades 1 through junior high. A coffee fellowship hour will follow the 9 a.m. service. For more information call (714) 837-2323.

Bixby Chapel in Garden Grove will feature a piano concert by recording artists Enoch and Rebekah at 6 p.m. Sunday at 9851 Bixby Ave. The chapel’s own music ensemble, Living Praise, will also perform. Child care will be provided during the concert. For more information call (714) 539-1232.

The musical “Godspell,” based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, will be performed Thursday through next Saturday at the First Christian Church of Orange, 1130 E. Walnut St. Proceeds from the three-day run will benefit Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps the homeless. The musical’s cast includes many professional actors who are volunteering their time to the project. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and those in military service. For more information, call (818) 440-0837.

Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ will feature guest preacher Afrie Joye at 10 a.m. services Sunday at 30121 Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel. Joye has acted as a staff associate in Christian education at the church. For more information call (714) 495-1310.

“The Healing Religion” is the title of a speech by the Rev. Harold Beu at 10:30 a.m. services Sunday at Orange Coast Universalist Church, 1259 Victoria St., Costa Mesa. Beu, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Whittier, will explore the role of religion and religious images in healing processes. Child care will be provided. For more information call (714) 646-4652.

The Rev. Michael Laffoon will officiate at 10 a.m. services Sunday at St. Antiochian Orthodox Mission at the Irvine Recreation Park, 3415 Michelson Drive in Irvine. Rev. Laffoon was recently named the church’s first full-time pastor. The church also welcomes any questions or inquiries concerning the Orthodox faith. For more information call (714) 857-3656.