Religion Notes

PASSION PLAY: Shepherd of the Hills Church will stage a musical production of the Easter story, “The Passion Play,” at 2 p.m. today, 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. The cost is $10 to $15. Information: (818) 831-7880.

‘GODSPELL’ PLAY: St. Mel Catholic Parish will stage “Godspell,” a musical celebration of the ministry of Jesus based on the gospel of St. Matthew, at 7:30 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. The cost is $10. Information: (818) 340-9926.

50TH ANNIVERSARY: Trinity Baptist Church, formerly San Fernando Valley Southern Baptist Church, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday at the church, 8424 Ventura Canyon, Panorama City. The anniversary celebration will begin with Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and be followed by a worship service at 11 a.m. All former members and pastors are invited to join in the celebration. Information: (818) 786-1402.

EASTER DISCUSSION: Michael Nekora, editor of the Herald of Christ’s Kingdom magazine and lecturer on the Bible, will speak on “The Real Meaning of Easter” at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Burbank Auditorium, 248 E. Olive Ave., Burbank. The free program is sponsored by the Los Angeles Bible Students. Information: (888) 784-3724.

PALM SUNDAY SERMON: The Rev. Thomas E. Witherspoon, recently appointed minister of Unity Church in La Crescenta, will speak on courage in his Palm Sunday sermon at 10:30 a.m. at the church, 2817 Montrose Ave. He will also teach a free class, “Great Thoughts and Great Teachers,” at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Information: (818) 249-4396.

CONCERT: “Song of the Shadows,” a Lenten and Holy Week musical concert, will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Woodland Hills United Methodist Church, 5650 Shoup Ave. Free. Information: (818) 346-6528.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S LUNCHEON: “Rearranging Your Nest” will be the theme of the luncheon meeting of the West Valley Christian Women’s Club at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Calabasas Golf and Country Club, 4515 Park Entrada. The cost is $16.50. Free child care will be provided with reservations. Information and reservations: (818) 348-5247.

COMMUNITY SEDER: Cantor Kenny Ellis will lead a community second Seder at 6 p.m. Thursday in which participants will sing Passover songs and read from the Haggadah at Temple Beth Haverim, 5126 Clareton Drive, Agoura Hills. The cost is $41 general, $38 for seniors, $28 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. Information and reservations: (818) 991-7111.

PASSOVER SEDER: A community Passover Seder will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. The cost is $36 general, $28 for seniors, $18 for children 5 to 12 and $12 for children 4 and younger. Information and reservations: (818) 360-1881.

CONGREGATION SEDER: Adat Y’shua Messianic Jewish Congregation will hold a Passover Seder at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. Information: (818) 222-0200.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE: Holy Spirit Retreat Center will hold several Good Friday events beginning with a breakfast at 8 a.m. Friday, followed by a simple soup lunch at 12:15 p.m., liturgy of Good Friday at 2 p.m., a simple supper at 5:30 p.m., a video on “Taize Prayer” at 6:45 p.m. and a Taize Prayer held around the cross at 7:30 p.m. All events will be held at the center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Free. Information: (818) 784-4515.

EASTER EGG HUNT: First Presbyterian Church of North Hollywood will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 22 at the church, 5000 Colfax Ave. Free. Information: (818) 766-8103.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church will hold an Easter Sunrise Service in which the Rev. Leo Fong will present the Easter message at 6:30 a.m. April 23 on the front patio of the church, 5619 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. A continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Information: (818) 708-7068.

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