WHAT’S IN A NAME: In a move...

WHAT’S IN A NAME: In a move to attract new members, Lutheran Church of The Master in Sylmar will hold a referendum Sunday to consider dropping Lutheran from its name, while still adhering to the faith. Although the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has a worldwide faith of more than 80 million people who consider themselves Lutherans, they constitute only 3% of the population of Southern California, “where most people simply do not understand anything about the Lutheran faith,” according to a church statement. Among the names that will be considered are Church of the Foothills, Christ Community Church, Hope Community Church and Church of Hope and Joy. “We need a more attractive name to the general public,” said Pastor Sam Platt, who leads the 200-member church. “If we do it, it will make history.”

INSTALLATION SERVICE: The Rev. Ron Degges will be installed Sunday as senior minister of the Little White Chapel Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Burbank. Degges began his ministry at the church on May 1, after moving with his family from Alexandria, Va. The installation service, called “A Covenant of New Beginnings,” will be at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 1711 N. Avon St. Former Pastor Ken Scovill will be the keynote speaker. A reception will follow the service. (818) 848-8611.

DRAMATIC SHARING: The First Southern Baptist Church on Sunday will host “An Evening of Dramatic Sharing” featuring 10 dramatic sketches by 15 boys and girls ages 6 to 17. Written by the youngsters, the sketches will address the power of prayer, God’s presence in mother-daughter relationships and how a girl can fit into a new school. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 10853 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood. Admission is free. (818) 761-4800.

FREE CONCERT: Majesty, a 10-member musical ensemble from The Master’s College, will give a free concert at 7:30 tonight at Placerita Baptist Church. Composed of full-time students, the group travels on the West Coast during the school year and tours throughout the United States and abroad in summertime. Music will include selections from their four albums, including their most recent release, “Majesty Live, Vol. 2.” The church is at 22020 Placerita Canyon Road, next to the college. Access is available from San Fernando Road only. (818) 367-6193 or (805) 259-3540.

FOR JEWS IN RECOVERY: A special Yom Kippur study session for Jewish alcoholics, addicts and others in 12-step programs will be offered Sept. 23 at Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village. Titled “On Recovery and Repentance,” the program sponsored by the Reform synagogue and the Alcohol Drug Action Program of Jewish Family Service will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at 12326 Riverside Drive. Admission is free; reservations are suggested. Anonymity will be respected. (818) 763-9148.

ART AND MUSIC: Tonight marks the second evening of a community art and music festival featuring entertainment and art by First Christian Church of North Hollywood church members. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performances start at 8 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for seniors. Proceeds will benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry and the church’s general fund. Child care will be available. (818) 763-8218.

REFLECTION DAY: Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino will offer the first in a series of “Reflection Days” on Thursday. Father John Coleman will lead the program titled “Praying with St. Teresa of Avila” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4316 Lanai Road. Reservations: (818) 784-4515.

SCOTTISH MUSIC: The sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums will fill First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills when the award-winning John McGlashan School Pipe Band performs following the 9:30 a.m. service Sunday. The group from Dunedin, New Zealand, is touring the western United States where members are competing in Scottish festivals and giving concerts. (818) 360-1831.

AFTER THE HIGH HOLY DAYS: A Sukkot and Simchat Torah workshop, focusing on the themes of the fall holidays that follow the Jewish High Holy Days, will be offered Wednesday through the University of Judaism Department of Continuing Education. Taught jointly by Rabbi Stephen Robbins and Cantor Eva Robbins of Congregation N’vay Shalom, the workshop is planned from 7 to 10 p.m. at the campus at 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. Cost is $32 per person. (310) 476-9777, Ext. 246.

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