FALL RALLY: School kits and personal hygiene...

FALL RALLY: School kits and personal hygiene packages for needy local children, assembled at 10 San Fernando Valley Lutheran churches, will be delivered at a rally today in Sherman Oaks. The event is sponsored by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Zone 3, whose members assembled the kits from materials they gathered and donations they received from fellow church members, said Audrey Kirschbaum, league member at the First Lutheran Church of Burbank. The kits will be distributed to underprivileged children in the San Fernando Valley. At the rally, Pastor Johnny Lopez will talk of his ministry to the Orange County Latino community and will entertain with singing and guitar music. A luncheon will follow and child care will be provided. A donation for lunch is suggested. The rally will begin at 10 a.m. at Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church, 14847 Dickens St.

MULTICULTURAL DAY: A Jewish Multicultural Day will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Valley Cities Jewish Community Center, 13164 Burbank Blvd. in Van Nuys. The events will include music, children’s arts and crafts, mock international weddings, art exhibits, films and international foods. Jewish communities participating are Israeli, Sephardic, Ethiopian, Yemenite, Russian, Polish, North African and American. Family admission is $5 at the door, or $2 for individuals.

SHABBAT DINNER: A Shabbat dinner and service for singles, ages 21 to 38, will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at Valley Beth Shalom, a Conservative synagogue at 15739 Ventura Blvd. in Encino. The event is part of a program called “Shabbat: A Singular Sensation,” which will be repeated at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Adat Ari El, a Conservative synagogue at 12020 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the host temple. Cost is $15 per person.

EXAMINING THE RIOTS: A program to help develop a faith-based response to the recent civil unrest in Los Angeles will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the First United Methodist Church of Reseda, 18120 Saticoy St. The event, sponsored by the Santa Barbara District Peace With Justice Committee of the United Methodist Church, will bring together representatives of San Fernando Valley churches to examine their churches and communities for problems and solutions. Robert Smith, Los Angeles district superintendent of the United Methodist Church, will be the keynote speaker. In addition, a panel will discuss such issues as racism, immigration, economic justice, education and police and community relations. Child care and lunch will be provided. A free-will offering will be taken. Reservations, due Monday, may be made by calling (818) 344-7135.

ADVENTIST STUDENTS: The Northridge Seventh-day Adventist Church is seeking to form an Adventist club at Cal State Northridge during the spring semester. Interested CSUN students may attend an organizational meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at the church, 17700 Plummer St. The church will provide a light supper.

News and announcements for this column may be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.