Adat Ari Synagogue Gets New Rabbi

Rabbi Akiva Gerstein is the new rabbi at Adat Ari, North Orange County Synagogue, a Conservative temple in Anaheim Hills. He was ordained in 1965 at the Yeshivat Anshe Maamad in Jerusalem. He served as rabbi at Congregation Agudusachim in San Antonio, Tex., before assuming his new duties at Adat Ari.

In addition to his rabbinical responsibilities at the temple, he will also serve as the religion school director.

He will be present at the synagogue’s open house on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at 5100 E. La Palma Ave., Suite 104. Information: (714) 970-9304.

The United Methodist Church of Laguna Hills will offer a one-week Vacation Bible School beginning Monday for age 3 to sixth grade and for adults. Classes are from 7 to 8:15 p.m., following an optional 6 p.m. dinner that costs $1 per person.

There is no fee, however donations will be accepted. An ice cream social is planned for Friday. The church is at 24442 Moulton Parkway. Information: (714) 837-3414.

Temple Beth Ohr of La Mirada has selected Richard Schwartz to serve as the new cantor. He is a member of the Cantors Assembly and the Guild of Temple Musicians and is also a composer, lyricist and performer of popular music. He will participate in the Sabbath service on Friday at 8 p.m.

The temple is at 15721 Rosecrans Ave. Information: (714) 521-6765.

“Bringing About Balance” is the Rev. Margaret Mohit’s topic Sunday as she continues her series on “Spiritual Principles for Everyday Living” at Unity Community Church in Laguna Hills.

The service is at 10 a.m. at 22981 Mill Creek. Information: (714) 472-9230.

The Unitarian Church of Orange County is planning a “Mid-Summer Night’s Musicale and Munchies” on Sunday at 7 p.m. with entertainment by Leaine Gibson, “Lilies of the West,” Stan Shapin and Dollie Meyers.

A donation is requested. The church is at 1120 W. Santa Ana St., Anaheim. Information: (714) 758-1050.

Michael Fennelly will give a piano concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Community Presbyterian Church in San Juan Capistrano. He is studying for his master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. A free-will offering will be taken.

On Sunday, Associate Pastor Benjamin S. Yu of Chinese Presbyterian Church of Orange County will give the sermon at 9 and 10:45 a.m. His topic is “The Recovery of Passion.”

The church is at 32202 Del Obispo. Information: (714) 493-1502.

“Keeping Our Kids Catholic” is the topic that Prof. William Marra of Fordham University in New York will discuss Sunday at St. Mary’s by the Sea Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.

He will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the church, 321 10th St. Information: (714) 536-6913.

Prospective members are invited to Temple Beth David of Orange County’s Sabbath Service Open House on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Other open houses are planned for each Friday of next month.

Temple Beth David is a Reform congregation led by Rabbi Michael Mayersohn and Cantor Lisa Sharlin. The temple is at 6100 Hefley St., Westminster. Information: (714) 892-6623.

Newport Beach Christian Women’s Club will host a luncheon and fashion show Tuesday at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. The theme is “South Seas Summer.”

The cost is $16 for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon at 1221 W. Pacific Coast Highway. Reservations: (714) 760-9616.

A workshop titled “Unlearning Abuse: Healing the Pain” will be offered on Aug. 6 at the Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach. The workshop participants will learn how to help those who have suffered abuse. The Rev. Tari Lennon, senior minister at the church, and family counselor and registered nurse Mary Louise Peterson will lead the workshop.

The cost is $10 per person. In order that there will be enough materials, participants are asked to call the church office for reservations. The workshop is from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 340 St. Ann’s Drive. Information: (714) 494-8061.

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Anaheim will host “Sunday Fest II” after the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, which will include food and the showing of a video. Participants are asked to bring a salad to share.

The church is at 2580 W. Orange Ave. Information: (714) 828-1077.

During missionary trips and through correspondence with Christian workers worldwide, Beverly Caruso collected stories from 80 countries and compiled them into a book of devotional readings called “Faith Builders from Around the World.” The wife of Pastor Peter Caruso of New Life Community Church in Orange, she is the author of four other books.

The church is at 1224 E. Katella Ave. Information: (714) 637-1733.

South Coast Community Church in Irvine is offering a Wednesday series of dinners and speakers. Kenton Beshore, senior pastor at Mariners Church of Newport Beach, will speak during the next program on Wednesday.

Dinner is at 5:30, followed by worship and the program at 7. Reservations are necessary for dinner tickets, which are $7 for adults and $2.50 for children. Those who would like to bring their own dinners are welcome to do so. The church is at 5120 Bonita Canyon Road. Information: (714) 854-7600.

Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot Harbor Reform Temple in Newport Beach will host an informal reception Friday at 7 before the 7:30 p.m. service.

On Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. Rabbi Bernie King will lead the Learner’s Minyan, which meets weekly. The synagogue is at 2100 Mar Vista Drive. Information: (714) 644-7203.

Organist Jan Pieter Van Driel of the Netherlands will give a concert Friday at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. The concert is at 8:15 p.m., following a 7:40 carillon concert by James R. Lawson.

Admission is $8, or $6 for seniors and students. Doors open at 7:30 for the concert at 12141 Lewis St. Information: (714) 971-4000.

Guest speaker William Baird, director of the Pro-Choice Defense League, will speak Sunday on “The Politics of God, Government and Sex” at the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church in Costa Mesa.

He will speak at 10:30 a.m. at 1259 Victoria St. Information: (714) 646-4652.

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism announced it will launch a campaign with the Rabbinical Assembly to help members become more comfortable with ritual observances. Through the “Make a Lulav Shake” campaign, congregants will be encouraged to purchase a lulav and etrog, ritual objects associated with the holiday of Sukkot.

National campaign information: (212) 533-7800.

“God Has No Favorites” is the Rev. George Munzing’s sermon topic Sunday at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana. Violinist Joan McLaughin and soprano Kathy Whiddon will perform during the 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. services.

A Spotlight Class for the developmentally disabled meets each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the church, 13922 Prospect Ave. Information: (714) 544-7850.

The First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa offers a free half-hour blood pressure testing clinic at 10 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month.

The weekly Prayer Breakfast is on Wednesday at 6 a.m. at Denny’s restaurant, 105 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. The church is at 420 W. 19th St. Information: (714) 548-7727.