REBBE MEMORIAL: A public service commemorating the...

REBBE MEMORIAL: A public service commemorating the June 12 death of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, the rebbe , or grand rabbi, of the Chabad Lubavitch movement of Hasidic Judaism, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Eretz Cultural Center, 6170 Wilbur Ave., Reseda.

The shloshim , a service held about 30 days after death, will include prayers, hymns and words from disciples of the Brooklyn-based leader who died at age 92. Israeli Consul General Uri Oren of Los Angeles and Los Angeles City Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky will also speak briefly, said Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon, leader of Chabad of the Valley.

Seating will be available for 1,000 people at the cultural center.

Chabad of the Valley, now based in Encino but hoping to complete a $3-million headquarters facility in Tarzana, has affiliated synagogues in Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Northridge, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Ventura.

SATURDAY SERVICES: Following a trend in Catholic parishes and some large evangelical churches, the 60-member Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church will begin Saturday evening worship services today in addition to its regular Sunday morning service.

The Rev. Ann Tiemeyer, pastor of the Van Nuys church, said the Saturday services, which will start at 7 p.m., will be more lively and contemporary in style than the traditional Sunday services.

Large parishes and congregations have scheduled Saturday evening Masses or worship services for the convenience of members who either work on Sunday or need the time for other activities.

Christ the King, aligned with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is at 17400 Vanowen St. For information, phone (818) 342-0302.

FIRST AME CHOIR: The gospel choir from the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles will perform in a free, hourlong program Thursday in the auditorium at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

The concert, starting at 6 p.m., is part of a series of programs for employees and volunteers at the Catholic-run medical center.

Hospital officials decided to open this event to the public but, because of limited seating, reservations are requested. Call (818) 843-5111, Ext. 3054, for information and reservations.

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