Religion Notes
BIRTHDAY PARTY: St. John’s in the Valley United Methodist Church will host its annual “Everybody’s Birthday Party” at 5:30 p.m. today at the church, 20600 Roscoe Blvd., Winnetka. The cost is $10 per person, or $30 per household of more than two people. Information and reservations: (818) 341-2071.
PET SEMINAR: A mini-seminar on responsible pet ownership will be presented by New Leash on Life immediately following Center for Highly Effective Living church services at 11:15 a.m. July 12 at Pacific Lodge Boys School Chapel, 4900 Serrania Ave., Woodland Hills. Puppy adoption will also be available at 11:30 a.m. at the location. Information: (818) 883-1300.
PHILOSOPHY SEMINAR: Holy Spirit Retreat Center will offer a seminar, “Traveling in the Belly of a Paradox, An Examination of the Life and Thought of Thomas Merton,” from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 at the center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Racism, nuclear war, nonviolence and Eastern philosophy will be discussed. The cost is $35, and includes lunch. Information and registration: (818) 784-4515.
SPIRITUAL CONCERT: Vocalist Eleanor Jones will perform gospel, spiritual and inspirational songs at 7:30 p.m. July 15 at the fifth annual Summer Music Festival sponsored by Holy Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The cost is $8 general, $2 for children 12 and younger. Information: (818) 784-4515.
RHYTHM AND BLUES WORSHIP: Christ the King Lutheran Church will host a rhythm and blues performance at 5:30 p.m. July 19 at the church, 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. Information: (818) 342-0302.
FAMILY SHABBAT: Valley Cities Jewish Community Center will host a single-parent family Shabbat potluck dinner at 7 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 14 at the center, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks. The cost is $2.50 for members, $5 for nonmembers. Reservations requested. Information and reservations: (818) 786-6310.
TEEN TALK: Lancaster United Methodist Church offers youths Teen Talk--a phone hotline to discuss relationships, grades, sexuality and other concerns--from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through September. Confidentiality is protected, and only toll charges apply. The hotline number is (805) 949-8662.