Buddhist Church Obon Festival

The Oxnard Buddhist Church presents its free annual “Obon Festival” today from 1 to 9 p.m. on the church grounds.

The public is invited, the Rev. Kakei Nakagawa said.

Japanese cultural demonstrations, such as displays of Sumi-e pictures and watercolors, and a variety of Japanese food and dress will be featured.

Karate, judo and kendo demonstrations will begin at 1 p.m.

San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple’s “Ichimi Daiko” drumming group will perform at 3 and 5 p.m.

The Oxnard temple’s “Togen Daiko” drumming group will perform at 7 p.m.

Games and prizes will be announced throughout the day.

The Buddhist church is at 250 South H St. For more information, call 483-5948.

Models Sought for Church Benefit

Community volunteers and aspiring models are invited to try out for modeling roles at Ventura’s College United Methodist Church autumn gala fashion show and fund-raiser today.

The fashion show is scheduled Sept. 19.

“Breaking from fund-raising tradition, the church will stage a cutting-edge, high-fashion entertainment gala to benefit its programs, including youth activities,” said show organizer Dale Ecker-Gordon.

Nonprofessional male and female models, ages 7 and older, are encouraged to audition. Training will be provided for those who have never modeled.

Tickets for September’s catered fashion show are $35 per couple, $20 single and $10 for children younger than 12.

Clothing merchants interested in featuring their fall lines at the show are encouraged to call Ecker-Gordon.

The church is at 16 Baylor Drive. For details on audition requirements or the September fashion show and benefit, call 647-1882.

Worship Schedule Modified

All Saints Episcopal Church in Oxnard has announced a modified summer worship schedule.

On Sunday, Rite I begins at 8 a.m. The Spanish service begins at 9 a.m. and Rite II begins at 10 a.m.

Child care is provided from 9 to 11:30 a.m. At noon, a youth trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo will depart.

A computer club for youths of all ages will meet Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the church.

All Saints is at 144 South C St. For additional information, call 653-7519.

Temple to Hold Open Houses

Temple Etz Chaim of Thousand Oaks will host open houses at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 26, Aug. 16, Aug. 30 and Sept. 13. Prospective members are invited for a tour of the temple and the opportunity to meet with Rabbi Shimon Paskow and Hazzan Jeff Cohen.

Information on preschool, religious school, sisterhood, men’s club, 50-plus club, adult education and choir programs will be available.

Services are Fridays at 8:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Child care is offered the first Saturday of each month.

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

Free Concert by Gospel Singer

The community is invited to a free concert featuring South African gospel singer Manuel Escorcio at Ojai Valley Community Church Sunday.

Escorcio has received numerous musical awards in South Africa. He sang as a tenor in more than 40 operas in Cape Town in recent years.

Escorcio sings gospel songs fluently in six languages.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the church, 907 El Centro St., Ojai. For more information, call 646-4324.

Free ‘Bahai 101’ Course of Study

An informational course of study called “Bahai 101” will begin Wednesday and run weekly through Aug. 12 in Ventura.

“Bahai is the youngest, second-most widespread and one of the fastest-growing independent religious belief systems in the world,” said instructor Jan Dietrick.

The free classes will run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1889 Montgomery Ave. To register or for more information, call 659-4660.

Lutheran Invitation to Service

Young people who are interested in a church vocation can explore a variety of options at the seventh annual Invitation to Service at Cal Lutheran University from Thursday through next Saturday.

The costs is $95, and the event is open to young adults from Region II of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For more information, call Linda LeBlanc at 493-3936.

Lutheran Women’s Guest Speaker

The Ascension Lutheran Women’s Ministries of Thousand Oaks will sponsor a breakfast with Deborah Smalley of Faith/Lift Ministries at 8:30 a.m. July 25.

Reservations are required at 581-5156 for the $10 breakfast and morning of fellowship. The breakfast will be held at the church’s founders’ hall at 1600 Hillcrest Drive.

Child care is available with advance notice.

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Religion Briefs runs each Saturday. Please submit items at least a week in advance to Religion Briefs, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001. Items, which must have a publishable telephone number, may be faxed to The Times at 653-7576 or 653-7548.