Concert Will Feature History of Worship Music

The history of Christian worship music, from Gregorian chants to rock ‘n’ roll, will be presented Sunday at a “Worship Through the Ages” concert in Anaheim Hills.

Cornerstone Bible Church is putting on the worship celebration as an alternative to traditional Christmas concerts.

“We’re just trying to do something a little different,” said Susan Northington, a church administrator.

The performance also will feature skits, Scripture readings, video tapes and a narrator who will take the audience through 2,000 years of music, including traditional and Christmas hymns.

The concert begins at 10:30 a.m. at El Rancho Middle School in Anaheim Hills. Admission is free. Nursery care provided. Information: www.cornerstone-bible.org

Events

The Jewish Community Center of Orange County will host a festival of books this month. William G. Dever, professor of Near East archeology at the University of Arizona, will discuss his book “Ancient Ties Between Egypt and Israel” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Niles Elliot Goldstein will discuss his book “God at the Edge” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $5 for members, $7.50 for others in advance and $10 at the door. The center is at 250 E. Baker St., Costa Mesa. (714) 755-0340.

A panel dialogue on the prospects for peace in Jerusalem will take place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Monday at Biola University. Rabbi David Eliezrie, president of the Rabbinical Council of Orange County and rabbi at Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen in Yorba Linda, will be among other panelists at the event. James L. Hirsen, a professor at Trinity International University of Law in Santa Ana, will moderate. Biola University is at 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada. (562) 906-4546.

Temple Beth Ohr will present “Celebrating Jewish Music” at 7 p.m. Sunday. Performers will include Shannon McGrady Bane, Paul Stein and Mary Ann Brown. The temple is at 15721 E. Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada. (714) 521-6765.

Services

The Rev. Margaret Mohit will present the message “The Beginner’s Mind” at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Unity Community Church. Sunday school and nursery care will be provided. The church is at 22911 Mill Creek Road, Laguna Hills. (949) 472-9230. www.unity-lh.org

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church will celebrate the installation of the Rev. James L. Roessler as pastor at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 5895 Ball Road, Cypress.

Information: (714) 527-6311.

Holiday Events

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present its fifth annual “Behold Your King 2000” concert and Christmas celebration at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The Cypress Stake Choir and Children’s Chorus will perform holiday music. Christmas messages will broadcast from Temple Square at Salt Lake City via satellite. The church is at 5151 Orange Ave., Cypress. (714) 826-3207.

The Tustin Presbyterian Church Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of Bob Volbrecht, will present the “Magnificat in D Major” at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The church is at 225 W. Main St., Tustin. (714) 544-7070.

St. John’s Episcopal Church and School will sponsor a St. Nicholas Party at 3 p.m. Sunday. The annual Christmas Concert will take place at 3 p.m. next Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. The church is collecting food and gifts for needy children in conjunction with the Episcopal Service Alliance. The church is at 30382 Via Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita. (949) 858-5144.

The Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Tzedek will hold its annual Hanukkah Boutique, Scholastic Book Fair and Bake Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in the Social Hall. The synagogue is at 9669 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley. (714) 963-4611.

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church presents “A Christmas to Remember” to be held Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The concert features the church music groups, including the Chancel Choir, with full orchestra and soloists Powerhouse (youth grades 7 -12), and Praise Team. A donation of $5 for adults and $2 for teens (children are free) will be appreciated. Tickets are available at the church office or door. Child care is provided. The church is also presenting its sixth annual “drive-thru” Nativity, including live animals and actors, from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 16. Admission is free. Mount of Olives is at 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo. (949) 837-7467.

The traditional service of lessons and carols will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The adult and youth choirs, St. Paul’s hand-bell choir and stringed instrumentalists will participate. St. Paul’s is at 1221 Wass Street, Tustin. (714) 544-3141.

The Temple Bat Yahm Sisterhood Annual Hanukkah Bazaar will have a grand opening preview from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. this evening. Admission is $1.50. The Sisterhood offers a selection of Hanukkah and Judaica merchandise. Remaining bazaar hours (at no charge) are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. The temple is at 1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach. (949) 644-1999.

St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church will host a holiday concert, with Handel’s “Messiah” during a lessons and carols service at 4 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 31641 La Novia Avenue San Juan Capistrano. (949) 661-0110.

The Zion Lutheran Church and School Parent Teacher Student League will hold its 11th annual Christmas Boutique from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Saturday. Proceeds will help support student activities. The church is at 1244 E Cypress St., Anaheim. (714) 772-8353.

St. Clement’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church will host a candlelight service of lessons and carols at 5 p.m. Sunday. An offering will be taken. The church is at 202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente. (949) 492-3401.

The Children’s Department of Cornerstone Church will present the Christmas musical “Star Journey” at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church is at 1250 N. Red Gum, Anaheim. (714) 632-8840.

Mariners Church will celebrate Christmas throughout December, beginning with the 12th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5 and 7 p.m. Sunday. There will be six Christmas Eve services this year: 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 23, and 9 and 11 a.m. and 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24. The church is at 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine. (949) 854-7600. www.marinerschurch.org.

The Way of Life Church Music Ministry will present “Glory! A Soulful Celebration of the Season” at 10 a.m. Sunday. The church is at 2920 White Star Ave., Anaheim. (714) 238-9292.