Religion Notes

HAUNTED HOUSE: The parish hall at St. Finbar Catholic Church will be transformed into a haunted house from 6 to 10 tonight and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at 2120 W. Olive Ave., Burbank. The event will benefit the parish school. Admission is $5 general, $3 for children. Information: (818) 848-0191.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: Churches from around Los Angeles will join to try to heal racial divisions and break down cultural barriers at a “reconciliation celebration” at 3 p.m. Sunday at New Life Church of the Nazarene, 10650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. The festivities will include music, food, fellowship and worship sponsored by New Life Church, Cornerstone Korean Presbyterian Church, the Love and Faith Christian Center of South Central Los Angeles and the Panorama City Spanish Nazarene Church. Information: (818) 368-0700.

ROOTS, RITUALS AND SPIRITUALITY: Mark Greenfield, director of Watts Towers Arts Center, will moderate a free symposium featuring 15 contemporary artists represented in “Roots, Rituals and Spirituality: A Multicultural Exhibition,” currently showing at the Finegood Art Gallery of the Jewish Federation-Valley Alliance. The symposium will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the gallery, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. The exhibition, on display through Nov. 9, explores the impact of heritage and culture on creative expression and is a departure from the gallery’s predominant focus on the work of Jewish art and artists. Information, or to arrange docent tours: (818) 587-3218.

SONGS SACRED AND SECULAR: St. Nicholas Episcopal Church will present soprano Sarah Lesch and pianist Chris Hudson in a concert titled “Songs Sacred and Secular” at 4 p.m. Sunday at the church, 17114 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Free-will offerings appreciated. Information: (818) 788-4486.

PIRKE AVOT CLASSES: Rabbi Steven Tucker of Temple Ramat Zion will teach a new 10-week course on “Pirke Avot--The Ethics of the Fathers” at 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday at the temple, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. The fee for nonmembers is $55. Information: (818) 360-1881. An eight-week course, “Pirke Avot--Sayings of the Fathers: Ageless or Aging,” will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. The cost is $36. Information: (818) 346-0811.

BENEFIT LUNCHEON: The annual benefit luncheon for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Terrace Parkway, North Hollywood. Admission is $45. Information: (818) 246-2673.

ENTERTAINMENT GROUP: Lutherans who work in the entertainment industry will discuss a proposed pan-Lutheran fellowship group at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at Salem Lutheran Church, 1211 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Disney’s Don Hahn, producer of “The Lion King” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and David McFadzean, executive producer of ABC’s “Soul Man” and “Home Improvement” sitcoms, will be on a panel during the daylong meeting. Information: (626) 449-8900.

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