First Sermon in New Sanctuary Set

The Rev. Margaret Mohit of Unity Community Church in Laguna Hills will give the first sermon in the congregation’s new worship facility on Sunday at 10 a.m. The church was founded 30 years ago but did not have a permanent church building until now. Mohit, who has served the congregation since 1984, will discuss “Make Way for Angels.”

The church offers a 24-hour “Silent Unity” prayer ministry, a telephone recording called “Helpful Thoughts for Daily Living” and workshops. It is also one of the many Unity churches that distributes “The Daily Word,” a monthly magazine published since 1924 through Unity School of Christianity, Unity Village, Missouri.

The church is at 22911 Mill Creek Road. Information: (714) 472-9230.

The Jewish community will celebrate Hanukkah beginning Sunday, and the Chabad Chai Center announced that comedian Joey Bishop will light the first candle of Chai Center’s giant menorah at Fashion Island Newport Beach on Sunday at 4 p.m. The menorah will also be lit each evening after that at 4 p.m.

The public is invited to the lighting of the menorah and musical entertainment. Information: (714) 786-5001.

Hanukkah will be celebrated at University Synagogue in Irvine during the service Friday at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Arnold Rachlis and Cantors Ken and Shannon Bane will lead the service, which will include the lighting of the menorah.

The synagogue is at 4915 Alton Parkway. Information: (714) 553-3535.

The First United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach recently celebrated the first anniversary of its Surfside Fellowship, an informal group that meets for services that begin with music by the Praise Band and offers messages that concern everyday life.

Senior Pastor Bob Murphy of Santiago Hills Community Church in Orange will lead the Surfside Fellowship Thanksgiving service on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. He founded the Surfside Fellowship before going to serve his new congregation.

The church is at 2721 Delaware St. Information: (714) 536-3537.

St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Brea will offer a Healing Mass on Monday at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome, particularly those with physical or emotional illnesses.

The church is at 485 S. Walnut Ave. Information: (714) 525-8539.

Newport Vineyard Christian Fellowship’s Friday Night Bistro Christian Coffee House is sponsored by the singles group at the church. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and music begins at 9 for the holiday event Friday. Admission is free.

The bistro is at 102 E. Baker St., Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 556-8463.

In observance of World AIDS Day on Thursday, the Rev. Bruce Sonnenberg of the He Intends Victory ministry in Irvine asks that Christians become involved in helping AIDS sufferers. “Compassion, not judgment, should be our response,” he said.

Suggestions on how to offer help include: welcoming AIDS and HIV sufferers to worship services, visiting AIDS patients at their homes and hospitals, starting a food bank and volunteering to help with their housecleaning and transportation needs.

The ministry is offering free information on how to minister to people with AIDS or HIV, which includes copies of their book of testimonies titled “He Intends Victory,” written by Dan Wooding. Wooding is the founder and president of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times), based in Garden Grove. He is involved in a “Bridge of Friendship” ministry matching new Russian Christians to America pen pals. If interested in being a pen pal call (714) 530-6598. ASSIST ministries is also planning to link pen pals by computer through the Christian Interactive Network of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

To receive the AIDS ministry information write to: He Intends Victory, P.O. Box 18499, Irvine, CA 92713 or call (800) HIV-Hope.

Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach will celebrate Hanukkah on Friday during a service at 6 p.m. Dinner will follow the service with everyone bringing a vegetable dish or dessert. The men’s group will prepare the potato latkes.

For dinner reservations call the temple which is at 1011 Camelback St. Information: (714) 644-1999.

The Morasha Jewish Day School is planning a Hanukkah party on Friday and has extended a special invitation to seniors to participate. The party is from noon to 1:15 p.m. and lunch will be served.

Admission is free. The party is at Temple Beth El, 27462 Terrace View, Aliso Viejo. Information: (714) 457-9552.

Zion Lutheran Church in Anaheim will host a concert by the 30-member African Children’s Choir on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The choir was formed by the Friends in the West organization, and was originally made up of orphans.

A free-will offering will be taken. The concert is at 222 N. East St. Information: (714) 535-1169.

Congregation Kol Simcha is planning a dinner dance on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Hacienda Restaurant in Santa Ana. The congregation was formed primarily for gay Jewish people, but all are welcome.

Everyone should bring a small gift and a menorah to the dinner and Rabbi Jane Litman will lead the service. Information: (714) 551-2072.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will host its third annual Nativity exhibit in Orange beginning Friday and continuing through Dec. 4. More than 300 creche exhibits will be on display and musical entertainment will be provided by church and community groups.

Admission is free. Hours are Friday, 7 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 3, 2 to 9 p.m.; and Dec. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at 674 S. Yorba St. Information: (714) 544-5956.

Entertainer Harry Babbitt will be the guest at the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s luncheon on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Master in Corona del Mar. He was the lead singer for the Kay Kyser band, appeared in seven movies and recorded many popular songs.

Cost is $3 per person and reservations are required. The luncheon is at 2900 Pacific View Drive. Information: (714) 759-1031.

Shir Ha-Ma’alot Harbor Reform Temple in Irvine will celebrate Hanukkah during a party on Dec. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the temple. A potluck dinner and entertainment for all ages is planned.

The temple is at 3652 Michelson Drive. For more information call the temple office at (714) 857-2226.

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Anaheim will have its monthly spaghetti dinner on Friday and will accept letters to Santa Claus. The letters will be answered.

The dinner is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and reservations are not necessary. Cost is $1.50 per person, or a maximum of $3 per family. The church is at 2580 W. Orange Ave. Information: (714) 828-1077.

The Rev. Sandie Richards will give the message “We’re Expecting” Sunday for the first Sunday in Advent service at Community United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach.

The services are at 8:30 and 10 a.m. at 6662 Heil Ave. Information: (714) 842-4461.