CHRISTMAS SERVICES: With Christmas falling on Monday...

CHRISTMAS SERVICES: With Christmas falling on Monday this year, churchgoers have a range of choices for services to attend--a final Advent service on Sunday morning, a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, a traditional midnight Mass at a Catholic parish or Christmas Day rites at many, but not all, churches.

For example, at Northridge Lutheran Church, across from Northridge Hospital Medical Center, co-pastors Dana Hanson and Thomas Natterstad on Sunday will have a 9:30 a.m. service and return for Christmas Eve services at 5 and 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, members of the church will hold their third annual Christmas party and dinner for needy families and individuals at Louise Park.

The large Church on the Way will hold candlelight services Sunday night at different times at its two church facilities: A 7 o’clock service will be held at its “west campus” on Sherman Way, and a 10 o’clock service will be conducted at its main site at 14300 Sherman Way.

The Rev. Dudley C. Rutherford will lead three services at the merged Shepherd of the Hills/Hillcrest Christian Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch, at 10 a.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

INTERFAITH BANQUET: The San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council has announced that its fifth annual Human Relations Awards dinner will be held Feb. 22 at the Warner Center Marriott.

Retiring Rep. Anthony Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills) will be given the “Spirit of the Valley” award to recognize his more than 20 years’ service to the Valley, a spokesman said.