Religion Notes

GUEST SPEAKER: Irish native Father Paddy Norton will speak on “The Sovereignty of God and Our Living Faith” at a Catholic Community luncheon Wednesday at Barone’s restaurant, 10123 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. Fellowship begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Cost is $13. Reservations: (818) 846-3271.

CABARET SHOW: A “White Light Cabaret” featuring original music, comedy and song, will be performed Friday at the Namaste Interfaith Center, 6020 Woodman Ave., Van Nuys. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with curtain time at 8 p.m. A $10 donation is asked. Information: (818) 781-4176.

NEW BEGINNINGS: A program titled “New Year--New Hope” will be presented at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Information: (818) 894-9251.

PRAYER GROUP: A centering prayer support group, for those new to meditative practice, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Jan. 19 at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Information: (818) 784-4515.

KIDS’ PROGRAM: The winter quarter of La Crescenta Presbyterian Church’s young TNT (Thursday Night Together) program, for children 3 through the third grade, will begin Thursday at the church, 2902 Montrose Ave. This session, which meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m., will highlight the birth of Jesus. Information: (818) 249-6137.

THINKING AHEAD: “Resolutions and Desires for the 21st Century” will be discussed at Sunday’s meeting of the Ethical Culture Society of Los Angeles. The free program begins at 11 a.m. at the Children’s Community School auditorium, 14702 Sylvan St., Van Nuys. Information: (310) 470-2873.

FOR THE CHILDREN: A “Tot Shabbat” service for young children will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by regular Shabbat services at 7 p.m. at Kol Tikvah, a reform Jewish congregation at 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. Information: (818) 348-0670.

MUSICAL SERVICE: The King Lutheran Church offers a rhythm and blues worship service, led by a live rhythm and blues band, every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the church, 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. Sunday morning worship is at 10 a.m. Information: (818) 342-0302.

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