MULTICULTURAL ISSUES: Pamela Brubaker, professor of religion...

MULTICULTURAL ISSUES: Pamela Brubaker, professor of religion at Cal Lutheran University, will address “Multicultural Issues in the Bible” during a five-night adult Vacation Bible School beginning Sunday at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 7769 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. Sunday’s kickoff program will feature a performance by the New City Parish Gospel Choir from Los Angeles. A light supper will be served at 6 p.m. each night, followed by classes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A program for children 3 and older will be offered at the same time. There is no cost, however a freewill donation will be taken to cover dinner expenses. (818) 340-2170.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC: Reseda Baptist Church will welcome the Continentals’ 1996 “Faith in Motion” tour with a concert on Thursday. The Ventura-based group features contemporary Christian music delivered by more than 30 performers and a live orchestra. During the past 28 years, the Continentals have visited more than 70 countries on every continent in the world, except Antarctica. Thursday’s concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the church located at 18644 Sherman Way. (818) 881-3651.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION: Nationally acclaimed artist Marty Bell, noted for her paintings of cottages and idyllic settings, will speak about the inspiration behind her work at 6 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church of Canoga Park, 20553 Sherman Way. A display of Bell’s work, along with creations by congregation members, will follow at 7 p.m. (818) 348-5801.

MYSTERIES OF OLD: A program on “The Ancient Mystery Schools” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Namaste Interfaith Center, 12447 Magnolia Blvd., Valley Village. The program will provide an insightful look at the sites of learning that helped mold the great minds of the ancient world. Cost is $10 per person. (818) 763-3330.

BREAKFAST MINISTRY: Recording artist and evangelist Dick Williams will speak and minister with music at a Westlake Women’s Aglow breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Plug Nickel restaurant, 717 Lakefield St., Westlake Village. Cost is $8 for regulars or $6 for those attending the first time. Reservations, due by Tuesday, can be made by calling (818) 597-9266.

TAKE A TOUR: A carnival atmosphere will permeate the 10-acre campus of the new Shomrei Torah Synagogue during its open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday featuring hot dog and popcorn vendors, balloons, music and a clown. Tours of the Conservative congregation’s facilities will be available. The temple plans additional open house events from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday in August; 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 20, Aug. 28 and Sept. 5; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 8. (818) 346-0811.

Temple Ahavat Shalom, a contemporary Reform congregation, has scheduled several open house events for prospective members. Times are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 25; 7 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 and Sept. 6. The synagogue is located at 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258.

BLOOD DRIVE: The American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Sunday at Woodland Hills United Methodist Church, 5650 Shoup Ave. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. (818) 346-6528.

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