Program to Feature Original Music

The South Coast Worship Center will present its 1988 South Coast Christmas Spectacular next Saturday and Sunday at 5 and 8 p.m. This year’s program will feature a dramatic musical composed by Phil Barfoot, who is pastor of the center and producer of the holiday program. “The 1988 South Coast Christmas Spectacular is a community event that will feature both traditional and contemporary Christian music with a 50-member drama cast and community chorus,” Barfoot said. Toy Soldier Rifle-ettes, comedian and musician Yabo Obien and the South Coast Brass Ensemble are on the program.

The ticket price is $10 and includes dessert and a beverage. The South Coast Worship Center is in the theater of Woodbridge High School, 2 Meadowbrook, Irvine. For ticket information, call (714) 642-3707.

The Korean Christian Men’s Assn. will present its International Christmas Music Festival at 7 tonight at the Orange Korean Church, 643 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton. Choirs from several churches will sing carols and hymns representing the cultures of Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, Japan, Tonga, Cambodia and Laos. For information, call Jesoo Kim (213) 232-2743.

L’Chaim Jews for Recovery workshops meet at 8 p.m. Mondays at Temple Beth Sholom, 2625 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana. The program offers a means for Jews to learn about alcoholism and other chemical dependencies and to participate in a spiritual approach toward recovery. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments are served 30 minutes before the workshop begins. For information, call (714) 532-6724.

Shir Ha-Ma’alot Harbor Reform Temple will have its annual Hanukkah party at 7:30 tonight. The evening will feature Israeli-style folk dancing music and a trained instructor to teach dance steps. Traditional Hanukkah fare will be served. Cost is $15 per person. The temple is at 2100 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach. For information, call (714) 644-7203.

The annual St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Christmas concert will be presented at 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the church, 600 St. Andrews Road, Newport Beach. The Sanctuary Choir, Orchestra and Soloists will perform under the direction of Don G. Fontana. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for students. Child care will be available, but reservations are required. for information, call (714) 631-3821.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will offer a “Messiah” sing-along program Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at 8702 Atlanta Ave., Huntington Beach. Anyone 14 years or older may participate. A profession organist and soloist will perform, with audience members to sing the chorus. There will be a rehearsal from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants may bring their own scores or buy or borrow one at the door. Sunday dress is requested. For information, call Denese Wecker at (714) 963-0704.

Jerry L. Schmalenberger, president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, will preach at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 24231 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills. Guest musician Michael Koller will play Christmas selections the new Galanti organ. The program also will include a singing of Christmas carols. For information, call (714) 837-4673.

Geneva Presbyterian Church will present its seventh annual Festival of Lessons and Carols at 5 and 7 p.m. Sunday at 24301 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills. The 75-minute festival will be directed by Don Walker, church music director. Admission is by ticket only. Free tickets are available at the church between Sunday morning services. For information, call (714) 837-2323.

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd will present its annual outdoor Christmas Pageant, “O Holy Night,” at 6 p.m. today and Sunday. The pageant, which will be on the church lawn, will feature a narrated recreation of the Nativity with music of the Christmas season. The church is at 7082 Crescent Ave. in Buena Park. Admission is free. For information, call (714) 827-6021.

“Scrooge’s Christmas,” a musical version of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” will be presented Friday and Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Westminster Cultural Arts Center Auditorium, 7571 Westminster Blvd. The event is sponsored by Westminster Lutheran Church. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children and senior citizens. For ticket information, call (714) 891-5695.

The public is invited to a “Messiah” sing-a-long at the Laguna Presbyterian Church on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. Participants are asked to bring their own “Messiah” music, or copies can be rented. For information, call (714) 497-2228.

Chabad of West Orange County will hold a menorah-lightning ceremony tonight at Westminster Mall at 7:30. All of the eight lights of the large Hanukkah menorah will be kindled. For information, call (714) 846-2245.

First Southern Baptist Church, 10350 Ellis Ave. in Fountain Valley, will present its annual Christmas musical program, “Christmas Around the Tables,” at 7 tonight and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. A donation of $2 per person is requested. Child care will be provided at no charge for children 3 years and younger. For information, call (714) 968-4222.

The choir of First Presbyterian Church in Orange and the Southern California Brass will perform a Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at 191 N. Orange St., Orange. The concert will be conducted by Larry K. Ball. Nursery care will be provided. For information, call (714) 538-2341.