MARCH FOR JESUS: In more than 1,000...

MARCH FOR JESUS: In more than 1,000 cities around the world today, Christians will march, sing and pray during the 1996 Global March for Jesus. Locally, more than 3,000 people are expected to gather at 9 a.m. at Hansen Dam Recreation Center, 11850 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace. The 2 1/2-mile walk will start at 10 a.m. “The March is not a protest and there is no political agenda,” said Tom Pelton, director of March for Jesus USA, in a written statement. “Churches in cities come together simply to express their unity and common faith.” (818) 888-6492.

GIVING THANKS: The Clergy Network is gearing up for its fifth annual awards luncheon to be held June 6 at the Woodland Hills Marriott. The Humanitarian Award will go to Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon, who, according to a statement by the organization, “has demonstrated, by his involvement and concern, the value of human life and the importance of improving the status of the underprivileged and disenfranchised.” The Rev. Allyn Axelton, who served as president of the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council from 1991 to 1995, will receive the Outstanding Service Award. The Caring Award will be given to Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and SOVA (a Hebrew word that means to eat and be satisfied) will receive the Service to the Community Award. Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan will present the awards. (818) 372-0729.

BISHOP VISIT: The Right Rev. Arthur David Seeland will make his annual visitation Sunday to St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Catholic Church, which is the relocated Pioneer Church situated within Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen St., Chatsworth. A high Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. A fund-raising barbecue and reception honoring the bishop will be held afterward at a home in Simi Valley. (800) 540-9200.

CLERGY COUNCIL: Local clergy will gather Thursday for the inaugural meeting of the Valley Interfaith Clergy Council, initiated by the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, at the Los Angeles Times Valley Edition, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a free breakfast at 9 a.m. Times religion writer John Dart will speak at 9:30 a.m. on “The God Beat--Perils and Pleasures of Reporting on Religion.” Reservations: (818) 718-6460.

LECTURE: A Christian Science lecture, “Your Spiritual Identity” will be given by Ruth Allan of Long Island, N.Y., a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Church of Christ, Scientist, 6177 Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills. Admission is free. (818) 347-4418.

MUSICAL TREAT: Bluegrass gospel music will be performed by the Hodge Family Singers at an 11 a.m. service Sunday at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 7500 De Soto Ave., Canoga Park. (818) 348-4266.

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