CANTOR APPOINTED: Gary Bachlund has been appointed...

CANTOR APPOINTED: Gary Bachlund has been appointed principal cantor for the 1997-98 season at Temple Beth Emet, a Reform Jewish congregation, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. Bachlund, a tenor, served five years at Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge and has appeared as guest cantor at several others. Since a Carnegie Hall debut in 1986, he has appeared with leading opera companies around the world, among them the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Opera de Paris, Oper Koln and Frankfurt Oper. Bachlund will work with the temple’s Rabbi Mark Sobel during Friday night services and holidays.

LIVING NATIVITY: A free outdoor nativity drama will be presented from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 8520 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park. Other activities include carolers, a petting zoo, pony rides, children’s crafts, door prizes and refreshments. Information: (818) 341-3460.

MEALS FOR THE HOMELESS: The San Fernando Valley Homeless Coalition will sponsor a Homeless Memorial Day from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Sepulveda United Methodist Church, 15435 Rayen St., North Hills. The memorial honors homeless people who died in the Valley in 1997 and provides encouragement to people who remain homeless. A free holiday meal, blankets and hygiene items will be given. Transportation is available. Information: (818) 890-4034.

CANDLELIGHT SERVICES: St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church will hold a candlelight service of lessons and carols at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, 15520 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Information: (818) 986-8234. Church of the Chimes will hold an interdenominational service at 8 p.m. Sunday at 14115 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Information: (818) 789-5813. First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills will offer a service from 5 to 11 p.m. Christmas Eve at 10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge. The service includes a family celebration designed for primary and preschool-age children with their weekday school choir at 5 p.m. Information: (818) 360-1831. Desert Winds Community Church will host candlelight celebrations at 5 and 7 p.m. Wednesday at 2121 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale. A special drama, carols and choir performance will be featured. Information: (805) 266-3400.