NEW PRESBYTERY MODERATOR: The Rev. Chet Gean,...

NEW PRESBYTERY MODERATOR: The Rev. Chet Gean, pastor of the Kirk o’ the Valley Presbyterian Church in Reseda, became the new moderator for the Presbytery of San Fernando on Jan. 1. Gean has been active in the Presbytery since becoming pastor at Kirk o’ the Valley in 1991 and has previously served at several churches in California and Washington. His community involvement has included activities with the Kiwanis, Tri-City Drug and Substance Abuse Task Force and the YMCA.

EUCHARISTIC DISCUSSION: “The Holy Eucharist: The Most Outstanding Gift of the Heart of Jesus” will be presented by Father Anthony Prem Raju at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Barone’s restaurant, 10123 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. Raju, from St. Louis de Marillac Catholic Church in Covina, has been in the healing ministry for 23 years and conducts leadership training and inner-healing retreats. Born near Bombay, India, he was ordained in an Indian seminary in 1979 and worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta. The cost is $9 for lunch. Paid reservations requested. Information: (818) 784-1960.

HEALING GATHERING: Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs and cantor Caren Glasser will lead a free “Healing Gathering,” an hour of psalms and music, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Information: (818) 348-0670.

MUSIC AND COMEDY: The Namaste Interfaith Center will host “The White Light Cabaret,” an evening of original music and comedy, at 8 p.m. Friday at the center, 6020 Woodman Ave., Van Nuys. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. A $10 donation is requested. Information: (818) 781-4176.

FAMILY DINNER: Temple Aliyah will hold a Shabbat dinner for families with young children at 5:45 p.m. Friday at the synagogue, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. Complete with prayers and singing, the dinner is limited to 15 families. The cost is $25 per couple; kids eat free. Information and reservations: (818) 889-6065. Also, the temple will accept reservations through Jan. 12 for an evening with KABC talk show host Larry Elder at 8 p.m. Jan. 20. Prepaid tickets are $25 for a reserved section, $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Information and reservations: (818) 346-3545.

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