CHURCH CLOSES: Seven years after its beginning,...

CHURCH CLOSES: Seven years after its beginning, Santa Clarita Presbyterian Church will have its final worship service Sunday. The Presbytery of San Fernando, which oversees Presbyterian churches in the area, voted Sept. 24 to dissolve the congregation led by the Rev. Carolyn Fritsch on or before Oct. 18. “Great care, initiative and dedication, as well as considerable money, have been poured into this endeavor. Many faithful people have worked toward its success,” according to an article in the Presbytery’s monthly newsletter. “But instead of growing, membership has steadily declined.” Both Fritsch and the Rev. Robert Fernandez, executive presbyter, were unavailable to provide further details. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday at the church in the Golden Oaks Plaza shopping center at 21515 Soledad Canyon Road.

ROSARY CRUSADE: A 185-foot rosary with 6-inch-diameter beads will be featured at the 13th annual Rosary Crusade today at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Canoga Park. The huge rosary--extended from its original 150 feet--was assembled last year by local resident Nona Hermosura after she had a dream in which Mary, the mother of Jesus, asked her to prepare a large rosary in her honor. The rosary was donated last year to the Rosary Groups for Jesus and Mary of the San Fernando and Simi Valleys, which sponsor the annual event. Following Mass at 1 p.m. at the church at 19850 Cantlay St., there will be a procession around the church premises, ending in the adjacent church’s social hall to recite the rosary. (818) 892-0900.

GUEST SINGER: Recording artist Lois Sakamoto will give a concert of contemporary Christian music Sunday at Cornerstone Christian Church, 20040 Parthenia St., Northridge. The San Jose-based singer has toured Japan twice and in Singapore sang with Christian artist Bobby Michaels. She has also recorded a CD with producer Dick Tuney called “In All Things,” and made a Japanese recording of hymns called “Love of the Cross.” Admission is free, although a freewill offering will be taken. (818) 998-8934.

NIGHT OF FUN: An auction and barbecue are planned Sunday at Shomrei Torah Synagogue. Chicken and ribs will be served at 5 p.m., followed by the auction that is open to adults only. Every two people attending are asked to bring one wrapped “white elephant” gift valued at $10 or more, in addition to plenty of quarters. The temple is at 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. Cost is $12.50 at the door. (818) 346-0811.

A CAPPELLA MUSIC: Sacred and secular a cappella pieces will be performed by New Light Ensemble at the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills. The concert is set for 7 p.m. Sunday at 10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge. A $5 donation is suggested. All funds raised will go to the acoustic renovation of the church sanctuary. (818) 360-1831.

ESOTERIC LECTURES: Douglas Baker, English author of more than 100 New Age books, will make two appearances in Burbank during a Southern California tour. Sunday’s all-day seminar on “The Imprisoned Splendor” is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday’s program on “Esoteric Astrology” will be from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Admission Sunday is $35; admission Thursday is $15. The events will be at the Holiday Inn, 150 E. Angeleno Ave. (213) 663-3204.

METAPHYSICS OF THE BIBLE: A workshop investigating the subjects of astrology, numerology, psychic gifts and reincarnation, as found in the Bible, will be given at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Namaste Interfaith Center, 12447 Magnolia Blvd., Valley Village. Cost is $15 per person. (818) 763-3330.

QUARTET PERFORMS: A Christian quartet called 4-Givin’ will perform at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church of Reseda, 18644 Sherman Way. The group was formed out of Los Angeles Baptist High School in North Hills and includes Mandie Pinto, Adrianne Riso, Desiree Miller and Amy Barnhart. (818) 881-3651.

INSIGHTFUL PROGRAM: A seminar titled “Looking Ahead, Making Sense of Where God Is Taking You” will be led by psychologist Pamela Hogan next Saturday at St. John Eudes Catholic Church, 9901 Mason Ave., Chatsworth. The program, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is sponsored by the Beginning Experience Ministry to Separated, Divorced and Widowed. A $10 donation is asked per person. (818) 353-3318.

ECKANKAR SERVICE: “Finding God on an Ordinary Day” will be the topic of a special worship service Sunday organized by members of Eckankar. Founded in 1965, the international group calls itself “the religion of the Light and Sound of God.” Speakers will share their insight into how to recognize God’s presence in one’s daily life. Musical performances are planned and there will be a children’s room. The service will start at 11 a.m. at the Beverly Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. (310) 450-5453.

DAY OF PRAYER: Holy Spirit Retreat in Encino will host a day of prayer in which author Jim Finley will share a series of reflections on the 14th century Christian classic, “The Cloud of Unknowing.” Finley, who spent six years in a monastery, now practices psychotherapy full time. Time will be provided for group meditation and discussion. Activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday at 4316 Lanai Road. Cost is $45, which includes lunch. (818) 784-4515.

AFTERNOON OF REFLECTION: The women of the Antelope Valley Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship will spend an afternoon of reflection next Saturday. The theme of the session will be based on the book, “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity,” by Julian Cameron and Mark Bryan. The program will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the new public library in Rosamond at 3611 Rosamond Blvd. (805) 272-0530.

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