O.C. RELIGION NOTES : Single Mothers Support Group to Begin Weekly Meetings at Crystal Cathedral

Fresh Start, a support group for single mothers, will begin its weekly meetings at 7 p.m. Thursdays on the 11th floor of the Tower of Hope at the Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. The group is designed to support single mothers in their struggles and joys of raising children. The group will be led by an experienced single mother. Admission is free, with child-care services available. For information, call (714) 971-4129.

A panel discussion on the aftermath of Tien An Men Square is planned Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church of Orange County, 1120 W. Santa Ana St., Anaheim. The program, entitled “Whither Socialism--In the Aftermath of Tien An Men Square,” will include the Rev. Maurice Ogden, Unitarian Church of Orange County; Shirley Cereseto, professor emeritus in sociology at Cal State Long Beach; and Roger Dittman, professor of physics at Cal State Fullerton. For information, call (714) 758-1059.

David Peck, a psychologist and member of the board of directors of Friendship Shelter, Laguna Beach, will be the featured speaker at the Outreach Information Series to be held after the 10 a.m. Sunday service at St. Mary’s Church, 428 Park Ave., Laguna Beach. Peck will describe the services offered by the local homeless shelter and discuss the opportunities for volunteer involvement with the program. For further information, call (714) 494-3542.

A presentation on “Dead Sea Scrolls” will take place Sunday and Sept. 24, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Laguna Hills, 24442 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills. The presentation will be led by John C. Trever, director of the Dead Sea Scrolls Project. Trever is a recognized authority on the Dead Sea Scrolls, and has more than 30 years of experience in teaching, lecturing, travel and research publishing. The program is open to the public. For information, call (714) 837-3414.

An astro-numerology class will be offered for 12 weeks starting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Sparks of Truth Chapel, 1782 Iowa St., Costa Mesa. The Sparks of Truth Chapel is a metaphysical, Christian healing ministry that emphasizes the healing power, the Gospels, and the teaching of Jesus Christ. The Sunday sermon, entitled “God Answers Prayers,” will be led by the Rev. Maria Holz. For information, call (714) 545-2339.

An evening discussion on AIDS is planned Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente. Speakers will include the Rt. Rev. John M. Krumm, assisting bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles; Fran Carmen, Mother’s of AIDS Patients; Steve Peskind from Laguna Shanti, and a representative from the AIDS Service Foundation in Costa Mesa. Prayer will be held for those with the disease and their families. For information, call (714) 492-3401.

A ground-breaking ceremony for Crystal Cathedral Spire is planned Sunday at 10 a.m. at the cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. The Crystal Cathedral Spire, designed by Phillip Johnson of New York, will complete the cathedral and will house the Mary Hood Chapel. The top of the spire will contain a 52-bell carillon. For information, call (714) 971-4069.