HINDU CELEBRATION: Valley Hindu Temple will celebrate...
HINDU CELEBRATION: Valley Hindu Temple will celebrate India’s Republic Day with a free cultural show featuring portrayals of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters at 1 p.m. Sunday at the temple, 18700 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge. Information: (818) 772-7736.
GOSPEL CONCERT: Marsha Stevens, singer and composer, will perform a free concert at 5 p.m. Sunday at Metropolitan Community Church, 346 Riverdale Drive, Glendale. Stevens, who has recorded six solo albums and a concert video on her independent label, focuses her talents on evangelizing in the lesbian and gay community. Information: (818) 500-7124.
JUDAISM COURSE: Conejo Jewish Academy is offering a free eight-week course, “Living Judaism,” exploring rituals, prayer, intimacy and Jewish life cycles, at 8 p.m. on Mondays through March 23 at the academy, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. Class began Jan. 26, but registrations will be accepted until Monday. Information and registration: (818) 991-0991.
MEDITATION GROUP: Centering Prayer, a meditation support group, will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and every other Tuesday through June 30, at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Information: (818) 784-4515.
JEWISH MYSTICISM SERIES: Daniel Matt, scholar-in-residence at Temple Judea in Tarzana, will present a free series on ancient Jewish mysticism and modern science from Friday through Feb. 1 at the temple, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. Matt, professor of Jewish spirituality at the Center for Jewish Studies in Berkeley, , will discuss “Shekhinah: The Feminine Face of God” at 8:15 p.m. Friday, as well as “Essential Teachings of Kabbalah: Finding God in Everyday Life” from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 31 and his book, “God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony Between Science and Spirituality,” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 1. Reservations recommended. Information and reservations: (818) 758-3800.
TEEN TALK LINE: Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W. Ave. J, offers a free confidential phone line for teens who need to talk when they are bored, lonely, sad or worried from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (805) 949-8662. The service is staffed by teens and could use more volunteers. Information and to request volunteer applications: (818) 942-0419.
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News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.