Project Forces Easter Sunrise Service Out of Hollywood Bowl

A cornerstone of Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus three days after his crucifixion, will be celebrated by Christians throughout the world Sunday. Locally, the day will be observed in special services. Worshipers should keep in mind that Sunday is also the beginning of daylight saving time.

EASTER

For only the fifth time in its 79-year history, the nondenominational Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service will be held at a temporary location because of construction at the Bowl. Services will be held at the nearby First United Methodist Church of Hollywood, 6817 Franklin Ave., at the corner of Highland Avenue, beginning at 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Doors open at 5:15 a.m. The Rev. Edward J. Hansen will deliver the main Easter sermon. A highlight of the service will be the traditional release of the white birds of peace. (323) 874-2104 or (323) 938-8410.

* The Rev. Kenneth Tweeth will lead the 92nd annual Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rock Canyon State Park north of Mojave beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday. (805) 824-4238.

* The Blended Family Foursquare Church, 18730 Erwin St., Tarzana, will have an outdoor Easter service at 10 a.m. After the service, worshipers can visit settings based on Christ’s resurrection. (818) 343-9377.

* The City of Angels Kateri Circle, a community of Native American Catholics, will celebrate Easter Mass at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the San Conrado Catholic Mission, Bouett and Amador streets, Elysian Park. The Mass will feature Native American traditions with full regalia and color. (213) 637-7263.

* Dignity / L.A., a community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, will celebrate an Easter Vigil Mass tonight at 8 p.m. at the Dignity Center, 126 S. Avenue 64, Highland Park. (323) 344-8064.

* The music and drama ministries of Orange-Villa Bible Church, 1820 E. Meats, Orange will present “The Way of the Cross,” a program of narration, song and drama, on Easter Sunday at 10:40 a.m. (714) 637-3250 or (714) 281-1760.

* The evangelism department of West Angeles Church of God in Christ will sponsor the fourth annual Resurrection Walk today beginning with a rally at the First Church of God, 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., at 7:30 a.m. The walk will proceed at 9 a.m. down Crenshaw Boulevard, culminating with festivities at the West Angeles Church, 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 733-8300.

* An Easter Walk will re-create the story of Jesus at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax, on Easter Sunday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Easter services will be held at 6, 9 and 11 a.m. (818) 763-8218.

* The Festival of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave., with services at 7 and 9:15 a.m. Easter Sunday. The Jubilate Handbell Choir and a brass ensemble will be featured at the second service. (818) 348-5714.

* Brentwood Presbyterian Church, 12000 San Vicente Blvd., will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday with services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. (310) 826-5656.

PASSOVER

Sarah’s Tent, led by Rabbi Judith Halevy, will present a Passover Seder of Spiritual Transformation on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Adat Shalom Synagogue, 3030 Westwood Blvd., West Los Angeles. Reservations at (310) 712-2615.

MUSIC

Paul Roberts will present a Wurlitzer organ concert at Trinity Baptist Church, 1015 California Ave., Santa Monica, on Monday at 7:30 p.m. (310) 395-9961.

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, LECTURES

John Mark Reynolds, professor of philosophy and Christian apologetics at Biola University, and Daryl D. Schmidt, professor of religion at Texas Christian University, will debate the topic “Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead?” as the Great Debates series continues at the Church at Rocky Peak, 22601 Santa Susanna Pass Road, Chatsworth, on April 11 at 7 p.m. (818) 709-0113.

* Author Jim Smoke will lead a seven-week divorce recovery program, “Growing Through Divorce,” beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2100 Mar Vista, Newport Beach. The program is co-sponsored by Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church and Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot. Child care and special youth programs will be available. (949) 644-1341.

* Ananda W.P. Guruge, dean of academic affairs at Hsi Lai University and former Sri Lankan ambassador to the United States, will present an illustrated lecture on the “Buddhist Art of India: Ajanta and Ellora,” at Hsi Lai University, 1409 N. Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. (626) 571-8811, Ext. 105.

* As part of the celebration of the third millennium and the “Year of the Father,” the Charismatic Renewal Center of the San Bernardino Diocese will host Catholic Crusade 1999, “From the Father’s Heart,” April 9 through 11 at the Radisson Hotel in San Bernardino. (909) 824-6897.

*

For consideration, notices may be mailed to Southern California File, c/o Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or by fax to Nona Yates, Southern California File, at (213) 237-4712. Items should arrive two to three weeks before the event, except for spot news, and should include pertinent details about the people and organizations with address, phone number, date and time.