Channel Islands Fellowship Presents Musical

Channel Islands Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Oxnard invites the public to its Christmas musical, “A Shepherd’s Story,” performed at 1851 Holser Walk, Suite 200, at 7 p.m. today and at 6 p.m. Sunday and Thursday.

The audience should wear warm clothing, because the performance begins outside.

For information or directions, call 485-0050.

Concert Set for Mission San Buenaventura

The Ventura Master Chorale, led by Burns Taft, will fill the 200-year-old Mission San Buenaventura in downtown Ventura with song Sunday.

The concert, held in front of the 18th century altar, will feature the full chorale, the MasterSingers Chamber Ensemble and the Children’s Concert Choir, performing an array of holiday music, both new and familiar.

The concert will start at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and $18, and may be purchased in advance by calling 653-7282. Tickets may also be bought at the Ventura Bookstore, and Things From Heaven, both on Main Street in downtown Ventura; Henson’s Music in Camarillo and Oxnard; or at the door. For information, call 983-8135.

The mission, founded by Junipero Serra, is at 211 E. Main St.

Temple Etz Chaim Launches ‘Cherbourg’

Sabbath services will begin at 8:15 p.m. Christmas Day at Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks. Rabbi Shimon Paskow will speak on “The Boats of Cherbourg.”

On Dec. 26, Sabbath morning services begin at 10 a.m. and on Dec. 27, morning minyan begins at 8:15 a.m.

The temple is at 1080 Janss Road. For more information, call 497-6891.

Unitarian Universalist Explores Symbolism

The Rev. Bets Wienecke of Goleta will explore the history and meaning of the Unitarian Universalist symbol--the flaming chalice and challenge of commitment--at Ventura’s Unitarian Universalist Church on Dec. 27.

Religious education is available for all grade levels. A social hour will follow the 10 a.m. service on the patio.

The church is at 4949 Foothill Road. Call 644-3898 for more information.

St. John’s Lecture Series on ‘Christianity’

Paul Ford, a professor of theology and liturgy at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, will present a five-week lecture series on the C.S. Lewis book “Mere Christianity,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays beginning Jan. 10.

The cost is $13 per person, $18 per couple, or $10 per full-time student, with a $3 discount for those registering before Jan. 7. The church is at 1555 Poli St., Ventura. Call 648-2737 for more information.

All Faiths Women of Vision Conference

Sponsored by the Ventura Interfaith Ministerial Assn., the second annual All Faiths Women of Vision Conference, called “Building Community: Transforming Intolerance and Violence,” will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 10 at Temple Beth Torah in Ventura. Workshops and discussion groups will follow the keynote panel.

Registration is $10. Call 647-4181 for registration information. The temple is at 7620 Foothill Road.

Project Understanding’s Shelter Is Open

The faith-based Project Understanding has opened a 20-bed winter shelter for women, children and families at Temple Beth Torah in Ventura, which it expects to be open through March 15, depending on the weather.

Volunteers to help chaperon or cook are needed. For information, call 650-8711. The temple is at 7620 Foothill Road.

Religion Briefs run Saturdays. Please submit items at least a week in advance to: Religion Briefs, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura, CA 93001. Items, which must include a publishable telephone number, may be faxed to 653-7576.