MOODY PREACHES: The Rev. Jess Moody, who...

MOODY PREACHES: The Rev. Jess Moody, who in September retired as pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch as the congregation approved a merger, will return as guest preacher tonight and Sunday morning.

Moody, who will turn 71 next month, has spent the summer at the Southern Baptist mountain conference center in Glorieta, N.M., and is an adjunct professor during the school year at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

Well-known in Southern Baptist circles, Moody created a stir in the 1980s when he moved Van Nuys First Baptist’s congregation to the northwest corner of the San Fernando Valley, eventually building a large church in Porter Ranch.

As it became evident that the congregation would merge with Hillcrest Christian Church of Granada Hills, Moody retired. The combined congregation, now under Pastor Dudley Rutherford, drew nearly 4,000 church-goers on Easter to a service under a large, rented tent.

Moody will speak at the 6 p.m. service today and the 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. services Sunday.

ISRAELI CURRENT AFFAIRS: Two programs addressing current affairs in Israel are planned locally this month. Phil Blazer, editor and publisher of the Jewish News, will discuss “The Israel Scene” at 8 p.m. Friday services at Shomrei Torah, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. His talk will include comments on newly elected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the land-for-peace question and how life has changed since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Admission is free. (818) 346-0811.

In addition, Yoav Ben-Horin, associate director of the Wilstein Institute of Jewish Policy Studies, will lead a discussion on “Israel and the Middle East: The Promise of Peace” as part of the University of Judaism’s Shabbat Twilight program at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday. The program includes a light meal, inspirational and participatory singing and the concluding Sabbath service outdoors. Admission is $22 per person, payable in advance of the Sabbath. The university is located at 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-9777, Ext. 246.

SPIRITUAL LESSON: A four-week class titled “The Way of the Wizard” will be taught by author and lecturer Tom Johnson beginning Monday at the Center for Highly Effective Living, West Hills Church of Religious Science, 6624 Lockhurst Drive. Based on the bestseller by Deepak Chopra, the class will explore 20 spiritual lessons for creating a fulfilling life. Classes will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. on four consecutive Mondays. Cost is $30 if paid upon registration or $10 per class. (818) 883-1300.

CATHOLIC LUNCHEON: Father James Clarke, Los Angeles archdiocesan adult education consultant, will be the guest speaker at a Catholic Community luncheon Wednesday. Clarke, who has been a youth minister, retreat director and conference speaker, will speak on “Love, Tolerance and Forgiveness.” Fellowship begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by noon lunch at Barone’s restaurant, 10123 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. Cost is $9 per person. Reservations: (818) 784-1960.

HEBREW CRASH COURSE: A free crash course in reading Hebrew, just in time for the upcoming High Holy Days, will begin Tuesday at Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. Sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program, classes are scheduled from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for five Tuesdays. Registration: (800) 444-3273.

‘LOVE LETTERS’: Two performances of A. R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” will be presented by St. Andrew & St. Charles Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Torah tonight and next Saturday at the synagogue, located at 16651 Rinaldi St., Granada Hills. A wine and cheese reception will precede the 7:30 p.m. performances. Cost is $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door. Reservations: (818) 831-0835.

PARENTING SEMINAR: Bruce Narramore, best-selling author of “Help, I’m a Parent” and dean of Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology, will speak on “Discipline That Works” from 7 to 10 p.m. next Saturday at the Chinese Christian Alliance Church, 18827 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge. Baby-sitting and a program for children up to fourth grade is provided. Admission is free. (818) 718-2282.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS: Temple Ramat Zion, a Conservative Jewish congregation, will hold an open house for prospective members from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday in August at 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. (818) 360-1881. Another Conservative congregation, Temple B’nai Hayim, will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday in August at 4302 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. An evening open house is also scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 21. (818) 788-4664.