Symbolic Resurrection, Care of Butterflies

More than 300 butterflies will be released between Easter services at Santa Margarita United Methodist Church at 10:15 a.m. Sunday to convey the Easter message of resurrection and new life.

Pastor Mark Feldmeir said leaders of the event will explain to children that even though the caterpillar dies, its life will continue as a beautiful butterfly--just as, according to the Christian tradition, Jesus’ death did not mark his end.

Each participant will be given a box containing a butterfly newly hatched from its chrysalis and prepared to take flight from the ball fields directly across the street from the church.

Though there is no charge to participants, a suggested $5 contribution will go toward the church’s Habitat for Humanity mission project.

Information: (949) 589-1502.

Divorce and Recovery

Best-selling author Jim Smoke will lead a seven-week divorce recovery program at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach beginning Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Smoke has held such programs since 1975. Anyone may attend, regardless of religion, he said.

“Divorce is a bad experience that happens to people and they have to live and work through that,” Smoke said. “It’s a reality of today’s society.”

It typically takes about two to three years to overcome a divorce and its aftermath, Smoke said. The course only represents the beginning, he said. The last week of the program will include separate sessions for the particular faiths.

In addition to St. Mark Presbyterian, the $59 program is sponsored by Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church and Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot. Free child care will be provided for children 4 and under. St. Mark is at 2100 Mar Vista, at the corner of Jamboree Road and Eastbluff Drive.

Information and registration: (949) 644-1341.