Religion Notes

OVERSEAS MISSIONS: The Rev. William J. Harvey III of Philadelphia, longtime executive secretary of the National Baptist Convention’s overseas missions, will speak at the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday at Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church, 11066 Norris Ave., Pacoima. The pastor, the Rev. Dudley Chatman, said Harvey is visiting various churches in the Southland and will address a missions rally Tuesday night in Los Angeles. (818) 899-9155.

WORLD AIDS DAY: Glendale Ministerial Assn. will observe World AIDS Day with a service dedicated to those who have died or are suffering from AIDS at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Glendale First United Methodist Church, 134 N. Kenwood St. Led by the Rev. Ignacio Castuera, the service will include prayers, readings and singing by the interfaith congregation. A dessert fellowship will follow the service. Information: (818) 243-2105.

TODAY’S JUDAISM: Rabbi Richard Levy, national president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, will discuss “Why Today’s Judaism Seems So Different From the Judaism of My Youth” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. Admission is $5. Information: (818) 763-9148.

CONFRONTING HERESY: The Interfaith Relations Committee of the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council will hold the second of a two-part free panel discussion on “What Is Heresy and What Does My Faith Tradition Tell Me About Confronting It?” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5338 White Oak Ave., Encino. Rabbi Aaron Kriegel of Temple Ner Maarrav in Encino will moderate the panel of representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roman Catholic faith, Wicca tradition, and mainline and Protestant congregations. Information: (818) 718-6460, Ext. 3002.

JEWISH CONVERSION: Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe Bernhard will talk about “A Jewish View of Converts and Conversion” from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Adat Ari El Sisterhood, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Free to Multi Interest Day students, $3 general. Information: (818) 766-9426.

MISSIONARY TO SPEAK: Father John Hampsch, a Claretian missionary whose emphasis is on teaching and healing in the Charismatic Renewal, will present “The Time of Your Life” at a noontime luncheon Wednesday at Barone’s restaurant, 10123 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. Hampsch appears in a weekly TV program, “Send Forth Your Spirit,” and is the author of “The Art of Loving God.” Fellowship begins at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $9. Information: (818) 784-1960.

HIDDEN GIFTS: “Your Greatest Gift,” a talk led by the Rev. Irma Oestmann of the Unity Center, will deal with how to tap into hidden gifts and talents at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Unity Center, 1373 Park Terrace Drive, Westlake Village. Offerings appreciated. Information: (818) 889-5589.

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