Service Reflects on Season’s Meaning

The Rev. Karen Stoyanoff will give the message “The Joy of Giving” at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church. The service will reflect on the meanings of the holidays. Child care and youth religious education will be offered. The church is at 1259 Victoria St., Costa Mesa. (714) 646-4652.

The Rev. Chris Schriner of the U.U. Fellowship of Laguna Beach will address “Octopus Words and the Archetype of War,” reflecting on humanism and spirituality, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church of South County. A “Religious Visions--True or False” early-bird service will take place at 9:30 a.m. The church is at 25801 Obrero Drive, Suite 8, Mission Viejo. (949) 581-0245.

Dorothy Nolte and Riva Morton will discuss “The Things That Matter” at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach. A religious education program for children will be offered. The church is at 429 Cypress Drive, Laguna Beach. (949) 497-4568.

The Rev. Margaret Mohit will present the message “True Thanksgiving” at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday at Unity Community Church. Sunday school classes and nursery care will be provided. The church is at 22911 Mill Creek Road, Laguna Hills. (949) 472-9230.

The Rev. Ed Ewart will speak on “Miracle on 34th (Your) Street” at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday at Geneva Presbyterian Church. Communion will be celebrated. Sunday school for children in preschool through fifth grade will take place after the “Training for Young Disciples.”

Special Services

An intergenerational service will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ in Los Alamitos. Nursery care will be provided. The church will present its first Christmas Music Festival, directed by Brian Mann, at 7 p.m. Dec. 6. The program will include the adult choir, hand bells, a children’s chorus, soloists, instruments and a dance ensemble. The church is at 4111 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos. (714) 527-2343.

Huntington Beach Baptist Church will celebrate the opening of its Worship Center and Wedding Chapel with an open house and dedication service from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. The first service will be held at 9 a.m. Dec. 6. There will also be a concert featuring the Regents at 5:30 p.m. The church is at 18685 Main St., Suite A-397, Huntington Beach. (714) 848-8481.

The Friends Outside program of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host a reception to honor “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child” sponsors from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Center for Community Reconciliation. The Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child holiday event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, hosting more than 600 children whose parents are incarcerated. The Toys for Tots program will take part. The center is at 2525 Grand Ave., Suite N, Santa Ana. (714) 228-5600.

Rabbi Arnold Rachlis will discuss “The Hanukkah-Christmas Dilemma for Intermarried Couples, Their Families and Friends” at 8 p.m. Friday at the University Synagogue. Rachlis will explore ways intermarried couples can find a place in Jewish life. The synagogue is at 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine. (949) 654-2720.

The Rev. Jerome Henson will lead a “I Will Make You Fishers of Men” Healing Mass and Service at 7:30 p.m. Monday at St. Angela Merici Church. Those suffering from emotional, physical or spiritual illness, or those concerned for someone who is, are encouraged to attend. Music will be provided by RUACH. The church is at 585 S. Walnut Ave., Brea. (714) 525-1774.

Performances

The JuBELLance bell ringers will perform during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sunday at Tustin Presbyterian Church. There will be an Alternative Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to noon sponsored by the Mission Committee.

A Los Posadas procession with carol singing will take place at 5 p.m. A spaghetti dinner will follow. The church is at 225 W. Main St., Tustin. (714) 544-7070.

The Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot Children’s Choir will present a “Festival of Lights” concert at 7 p.m. Friday. The choir will perform at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on Dec. 13.

Barry Koff will lead a “December Dilemma’ discussion Dec. 6. The congregation is at 3652 Michelson Drive, Irvine. (949) 857-2226.

Calvary Church of Santa Ana will present the musical drama “The Christmas Post” as part of its Night Before Christmas event, 7 p.m. Friday and Dec. 5-6. There will be a children’s matinee at 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Evening tickets are $6; matinee is $3. The church is at 1010 N. Tustin Ave, Tustin. (714) 973-4800, Ext. 302.

Bazaars and Fund-Raisers

Zion Lutheran Church and School Parent Teacher Student League will host its ninth annual Christmas Boutique from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Crafts made by professional and novice artisans. Proceeds will benefit student activities. The church is at 222 N. East St., Anaheim. (714) 772-8353.

Miscellaneous

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church will offer a singles discussion series, “The Relationship Seminar--Making Healthy Choices,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Psychologist John Fry and his wife, attorney Elizabeth Livesay Fry, will discuss “Good Sex for Singles.” Admission is free. The church is at 600 St. Andrews Road, Newport Beach. (714) 631-2880.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church announces its Spirituality Window on the Web page, which highlights monthly teachings. This month’s topic will be “Twelve Step Spirituality” and “Overcoming Co-dependency.” The Spirituality Window is at https://www.emmanuelfullerton.org.

The United Methodist Church of Laguna Hills welcomed its new senior pastor, the Rev. Katherine S. Gara, on Nov. 22. She replaces recently retired Rev. James Dallas. The church is at 24442 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills. (714) 837-3414.

A prayer testimony meeting will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Second Church of Christ, Scientist. The church is at 3100 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar. (949) 631-4100.

Orange County Religion Notes is published on Saturdays. Send the item at least two weeks before the event to Orange County Religion Notes, The Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Telephone calls cannot be accepted, but faxes can be sent to (714) 966-7711. Because of space limitations, The Times cannot guarantee that all notices will be published. Items must include subject, telephone number, event date, time and exact address.