Religion Notes

LIVING NATIVITY: Several churches will offer living Nativity presentations. Among the offerings: 6:30 to 8:30 tonight and Sunday at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 7136 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park; information, (818) 348-1419. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1020 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, (818) 240-3860. First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, (818) 763-8218.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The San Fernando Valley Chorale will present “Joyous Sounds of Christmas” at 3 p.m. today at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 15950 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. Suggested donation is $5 general, $2 children. Information: (818) 891-2922.

HANUKKAH EVENTS: Several events are planned to celebrate Hanukkah, which ends Sunday with the lighting of the eighth candle. A Hanukkah Pajamika party will be from 5 to 6 p.m. today at Kol Tikvah Preschool, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Cost is $7 general, $5 children. Those who attend are asked to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to Vista Del Mar for a less fortunate child. Information: (818) 992-1960. The Sherman Oaks and Aviva groups of Hadassah Southern California will host a free Hanukkah celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday at Valley Cities Jewish Community Center, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Information: (818) 783-3488.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: Many churches will hold special Christmas Eve services. Among them: At St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 7136 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park, 5:30 p.m. family services and 10:30 p.m. regular services; information, (818) 348-1419. St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 20121 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, 5:30, 7 and 11 p.m.; information, (818) 360-7460. North Hollywood Church of Religious Science, 6161 Whitsett Ave., 7 and 9 p.m.; information, (818) 762-7566. Congregational Church of the Chimes, 14115 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 7 p.m. family service and 11 p.m. candlelight service; information, (818) 789-7124. Glendale Church of Religious Science, 2146 E. Chevy Chase Drive, 7 p.m.; information, (818) 244-8171.

ORGAN MUSIC, SINGING: A service of lessons and carols, featuring the 45-voice St. Cyril’s Choir and the church’s new pipe organ, will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church, 15520 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Information: (818) 986-8234.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: A Blue Christmas Service, especially for those who have lost loved ones during the last year or those feeling a need to be uplifted at this hectic time, will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 7136 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park. Information: (818) 348-1419.

VOCALIST PERFORMS: Contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Mandie Pinto has scheduled several local performances, including 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, 10000 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills; 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 27265 Luther Drive, Santa Clarita; and 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 27 at Grace Baptist Church, 22833 Copperhill Drive, Santa Clarita. Information: (818) 349-5360.

CHRISTMAS, WINTER SOLSTICE: The Namaste Interfaith Center will bring in the Christmas season and winter solstice with candlelight and music at 11 a.m. Sunday at 6020 Woodman Ave., Van Nuys. Information: (818) 781-4176.

DINNER FOR HOMELESS: First Lutheran Church of Northridge will host a Christmas Day dinner for the homeless at 2 p.m. at 18355 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge. Those interested in helping with the event are asked to call the church at (818) 885-6861.

PERSPECTIVE ON CHRISTMAS: The Rev. James Bodman will describe the Unitarian-Universalist perspective on Christmas at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Information: (818) 894-9251.

TREES FOR A CAUSE: First Christian Church of North Hollywood will operate its benefit Christmas tree lot through Tuesday at 4390 Colfax Ave. Running 17 years, the project has raised more than $130,000 for children’s charities worldwide. Information: (818) 763-0026.

SPECIAL ADVENT VESPERS: A special prayer service of music, psalms and scripture will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Information: (818) 784-4515.

TOT SHABBAT: Families with young children are invited to a special Tot Shabbat family worship service from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. Christmas Day at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. Information: (818) 761-6983.

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