Rabbi to Discuss Annual ‘Renaissance Institute’ Week

Rabbi Arnold Rachlis reports on the annual “Renaissance Institute” week during the 8 p.m. service Friday at University Synagogue. The institute is a retreat attended by President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well as scholars, artists, politicians, business people and journalists. Folk dancing will follow his report. The synagogue is at 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine. (949) 553-3535.

The Rev. Robert H. Schuller will interview Dave Mercer, executive director of the USA YMCA, during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday worship services at the Crystal Cathedral. Guest vocalist Wayne Shepperd and the cathedral’s Chancel Choir will perform. The church is at 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. (714) 971-4000.

The Rev. Karen Stoyanoff will deliver the message “Journey Toward Wholeness” in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church. Child care and youth religious education will be offered. The church is at 1259 Victoria St., Costa Mesa. (949) 646-4652.

The Rev. Tari Lennon will lead the 10 a.m. Sunday service at Neighborhood Congregational Church. Child care will be available. A memorial service for long-time member Larry Lantz will take place at noon. The church is at 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach. (949) 494-8061.

The Rev. Suzanne Black Dougherty will speak on “A Journey Toward Wholeness” at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church of South County. The talk will focus on problems such as racism, sexism, ageism and class prejudice. Thomas Epple will discuss “Religious Tolerance in a German Classic” during the 9:30 a.m. early bird service. The church is at 25801 Obrero Drive, Suite 7, Mission Viejo. (949) 581-0245.

Special Services

As part of Mission Emphasis Month, speaker John Culver will discuss his experiences as a 20-year missionary in Indonesia at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. The talk will focus on forgiveness and suffering. The church is at 13922 Prospect Ave., Santa Ana. (714) 544-7850.

Soka Gakkai International-USA will offer “The Winning Life,” an introduction to Buddhism, at 10 a.m. Sunday. Soka Gakkai is at 1500 E. Warner Ave., Santa Ana. (714) 444-9580.

A “ReMembering Church” inquiry night will take place from 7:15 to 9 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio Catholic Church in conference room 2. Those who have been inactive, feel alienated, or who just want to talk are invited. The church is at 5800 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim. (714) 974-1416.

Performances

St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church will present the Cappella Romana Vocal Chamber Ensemble in concert at 7:30 tonight. The program will include Greek, Russian and English Orthodox sacred choral music from three centuries. Cost is $15, $10 for students and seniors. The church is at 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine. (949) 733-2366.

“The Other Twelve Disciples” chancel drama will be performed at 10:15 a.m. Jan. 24 at La Habra United Methodist Church. The drama portrays the women who supported Jesus’ ministry. The church is at 631 N. Euclid St., La Habra. (562) 691-1797.

Other Notes

A debate on “School Vouchers: Good Law? Good Policy?” will take place from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at Whittier Law School. The event is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League of Orange County and Long Beach, the Orange County chapter of the International Assn. of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, the National Jewish Law Student Assn., and the Jewish Law Student Assn. of Whittier Law School. Reservations are suggested. Whittier Law School is at 3333 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 979-4733.

Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut, a Torah scholar and author of the Torah commentary used throughout the world, will speak during the 10th Annual Scholar-in-Residence Shabbaton beginning at 8:15 p.m. Friday at Congregation B’nai Tzedek. The program will run through next Saturday. Dinner and lunch can be purchased at a nominal cost with reservations. The congregation is at 9669 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley. (714) 963-4611.

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church will sponsor a Benson Elementary School homework club from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays during the school year. Volunteers, who must complete a child abuse prevention program ($5) and be fingerprinted, are needed. The church is at 1221 Wass St., Tustin. (714) 544-3141.

Presbyterian Church of the Master is organizing small ministry groups (8 to 10 people) which will meet at various dates and times. There will be men’s, women’s and mixed groups. The church is at 26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. (949) 582-2670.

Orange Coast College will offer a beginning Hebrew course (Hebrew 180) from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 27 at Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine. Students (10th grade through adult) will earn five college units. The synagogue is at 3900 Michelson Drive, Irvine. (949) 786-5230.

The Anaheim United Methodist Church and Temple Beth Emet will present “Apocalyptic Literature” at 8 p.m. Thursday at the temple. A Tractate Ketubot class, in English, will be offered from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Sundays. There will also be a “Hebrew Reading for Beginners” course from 7 to 7:50 p.m. Sundays. The temple is at 1770 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 772-4720.

Orange County Religion Notes is published 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.