NEW DIRECTOR: Barton H. Kogan of Beverly...

NEW DIRECTOR: Barton H. Kogan of Beverly Hills has been named executive director at Temple Kol Tikvah. Kogan, an active member of Sinai Temple in Westwood for 25 years, will be in charge of managing and coordinating temple activities such as weddings and bar mitzvahs, he said. Kogan, who has been active in temple and synagogue life, has a business background, is a founder of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and has held many other positions on various committees in the Jewish community. As executive director of the 600-member congregation, his goal is to “expand the membership by 15% this year and also to reach nonaffiliated Jewish families.”

AFRICAN MISSIONARY: South African Missionary Chris de Wet will be the featured speaker at Calvary Bible Church’s annual “Mission Sundays” service. De Wet, who was born and raised in South Africa, graduated with a degree in missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and a religious study degree from University of Cape Town. He is one of the founders of the African Ministries Network (AFMIN). De Wet will speak at the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services at the church, 1101 S. Main St., Burbank. Information: (818) 556-4840.

HOLY NIGHT: “Christmas in July” will be celebrated at Christ the King Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday. The service will include Christmas carols and a reflection on the story of Christmas by Pastor Jeffrey Nelson. The church is located at 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. Information: (818) 342-0302.

LAST PERFORMANCE: The last of the summer concert series at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center will feature a performance by the classical chamber musicians Star Society. The group will perform music by Mozart, Von Weber and Bruch and offer commentary and discussion on each piece and composer. The concert will be played at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Tickets are $8 for adults, $2 for children under 12. Information: (818) 784-4515.

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