Religion Notes

CRITTER MONTH: The Woodland Hills Church of Religious Science will kick off a monthlong celebration of animals with a pet story contest from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday at Pacific Lodge Boys School Chapel, 4900 Serrania Ave., Woodland Hills. Information: (818) 883-1300.

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SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Vocalist Deirdre Mary Rogers will open Holy Spirit Retreat Center’s summer music festival with her performance of ancient Celtic music and swing standards at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The cost is $8 per concert, or $35 for a series of five concerts. Proceeds from the series benefit the center’s scholarships and retreats. Information: (818) 784-4515.

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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. Racism, nuclear war, nonviolence and Eastern philosophy will be discussed. The cost is $35, and includes lunch. A $10 deposit is due by Friday. Information and registration: (818) 784-4515.

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YOUTH CONCERT: The Life Assurance Co., a group of young performers, will present the musical “The Ride” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Bethel Lutheran Church, 17500 Burbank Blvd., Encino. Information: (818) 788-2653.

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BIRTHDAY PARTY: St. John’s in the Valley United Methodist Church will host its annual “Everybody’s Birthday Party” at 5:30 p.m. July 4 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.

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TEEN TALK: Lancaster United Methodist Church offers youths Teen Talk, a phone hotline to discuss relationships, grades, sex 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.

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FAMILY SHABBAT: Valley Cities Jewish Community Center will host single-parent family Shabbat potluck dinners 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.

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