HEAVENLY VISION: Joni Eareckson Tada, evangelical author...

HEAVENLY VISION: Joni Eareckson Tada, evangelical author and painter who is a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident in 1967, will speak on “A Foretaste of Heaven” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. next Saturday at Grace Community Church, 13248 Roscoe Blvd., Sun Valley. A children’s choir will sing selections from her “Harps and Halos” album. Her newest book, “Heaven: Your Real Home,” has been on evangelical bestseller lists this year. She heads JAF Ministries in Agoura Hills. Tickets are $7, which includes a continental breakfast. (818) 782-5920.

GUATEMALAN DANGER: Death threats faced by Presbyterian activists in Guatemala will be discussed by the Rev. Lucio Martinez, administrator of the Caqchikel Presbytery in Guatemala, at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Van Nuys, 14701 Friar St. A snack will be served to accommodate those coming directly from work. (818) 891-4781.

MISSIONARIES CELEBRATION: Southern Baptists will gather at six locations Friday in kick-off rallies for MissionsFest, a celebration of foreign missions. Locally, a rally is planned at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 11011 Hayvenhurst Ave., Granada Hills. On Saturday, participants can meet missionaries, attend educational programs and explore missionary opportunities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest. For information, contact the California Southern Baptist Convention at (209) 229-9533, Ext. 252.

IMAGES OF MARY: A day retreat on “Contemplating the Icons of Mary,” with artist Mary Ann Wixted, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Cost is $20, which includes lunch. (818) 784-4515.

DEALING WITH STRESS: The Clergy Network will host a free luncheon featuring clinical psychologist Beth Segel-Evans addressing the topic “Life After Stress” on Wednesday at the Woodland Care Center, 7120 Corbin Ave., Reseda. The 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. program will include information on how people react to stress, and stress-reduction techniques. Reservations: (800) 707-2224.

GOSPEL RAP: Performances by a dance group and the new Praise Choir, plus gospel rap by the Posse, will be featured at a contemporary gospel worship service at 6 tonight at the First United Methodist Church of Pacoima, 12550 Van Nuys Blvd. The event is sponsored by Shalom Zone Congregational Development Ministries and the church’s youth group. (818) 896-2626.

DAY FOR MOM: The Family Life Office of the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese will sponsor a “Moms’ Day Out” reflection day from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the San Fernando Regional Center, 15011 San Fernando Road, Mission Hills. Cost is $15. Information: (213) 251-3396.