Program Exposes Participants to 10 Faiths

A yearlong program that will expose participants to 10 faiths begins Dec. 27 with the Muslim Ramadan celebration of Eid al-Fatr.

“An Invitation to Meet Your Religious Neighbors,” which costs $25, is sponsored by the Orange County chapter of National Conference for Community and Justice, a nonprofit group that promotes interfaith activities.

The faith tour includes trips to an Irish Catholic St. Patrick’s Day celebration, an interfaith Jewish Seder, a tour of the Buddhist Hsi Lai temple, a Native American Indian powwow, a worship service at the Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana, an interfaith Thanksgiving service and a visit to a local charity.

A bus has been reserved for a trip to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, where the group will learn how various faith communities have survived persecution throughout history. On Jan. 21, Protestant Christian Christoph Mieli will give his daring account of recovering millions of Holocaust survivors’ assets through his actions as a Swiss bank guard.

The cost is $25. Information and reservations: (949) 252-5388.

Hanukkah Events

The Sisterhood of Temple Aviv Judea Messianic Synagogue will host its annual Hanukkah boutique following today’s 8 a.m. services. Homemade chili, baked goods, crafts and other gifts will be available for purchase. The synagogue is at 815 S. Esplanade Ave., Orange. (949) 581-0716.

Chabad of Irvine will host a Hanukkah celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday at Fashion Island’s Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. Festivities include a performance by the Chabad Children’s Choir, dancing and face painting. Admission is free. Fashion Island is at 1045 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 786-5000.

The community is invited to a Hanukkah dinner and service at 6 p.m. Friday at Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot, a Reform Jewish synagogue. After dinner, families are invited to bring their menorahs to the sanctuary to light the candles for the second night of Hanukkah. A 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service will follow. Cost is $14 for adults and $8 for children over age 3. Dinner reservations and payment are requested as soon as possible. The synagogue is at 3652 Michelson Drive, Irvine. (949) 857-2226.

Christmas Events

Light of the Canyon United Methodist Church will present a Christmas dinner and show “The Bethlehem Inn” at 7 p.m. this evening and Sunday. The church is at 101 S. Chaparral Court, Anaheim Hills. (714) 283-4633.

Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church will present a production of Menotti’s Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” under the direction of Daniel Gary Busby, at 8 p.m. this evening and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10. The church is at 20444 Magnolia St., Huntington Beach. (714) 962-3333.

The contemporary Christian band Basix will present the concert “A Magical, Musical, Miracle Christmas for the Kids” at 7 p.m. Sunday at Yorba Linda Friends Church. The band is also collecting gifts for abused and neglected children in the Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children. Concertgoers may bring toys to the show. The church is at 5211 Lakeview Ave. (714) 777-2875.

Lutheran High School will present its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. today. Performers will include the concert band, concert choir, Unlimited Warranty, Bel Canto, jazz band, hand bells and women’s chorus. A dessert hour will precede the concert. Admission is free. The school is at 2222 N. Santiago Blvd., Orange. (714) 988-5151.

The Music Ministry of Community United Methodist Church will present “Sing We All Noel: The Wonder of Christmas” at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday. The church is at 6652 Heil Ave., Huntington Beach. (714) 842-4461.

A Christmas concert featuring the Contemporary Ensemble from the Life Teen Mass and the Adult Choir of St. Irenaeus Church will take place at 7:30 p.m. this evening in the sanctuary. An offering will be taken. The church is at 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress. (714) 821-5531.

The Chancel Choir and Friends of Music of the United Methodist Church of Garden Grove will present the annual Christmas dinner and concert at 6:30 p.m. today in Acker Hall. Tickets are $10. The church will offer a Blue Christmas service, also known as the “Longest Night Service,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Those for whom Christmas is a painful or lonely time are encouraged to attend. The church is at 12741 Main St. (714) 534-1071.

South Shores Church will present a Christmas concert featuring the church choir, orchestra and hand bell ensemble at 5 and 7 p.m. today and at 5 p.m. Sunday. The event will be narrated by Gale Storm Masterson. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under age 10. Care for children to age 2 is available by reservations. The church is at 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Monarch Beach. (949) 496-9331.

The Santa Margarita United Methodist Church will present its annual “Round the Table Carol Sing” at 7 p.m. Sunday. Special holiday music will be presented by the chancel choir. Hot cider and refreshments will be provided. The church is at 22521 Empresa, Suites 103-105, Rancho Santa Margarita. (949) 589-1502. https://www.smumc.com.

Woodbridge Community Church will host a family Christmas at 6 p.m. Friday. Travel back in time to downtown Bethlehem to the night when the Savior was born. There will be Bible-time crafts, food, music and drama. Guests can have their photos taken at a Nativity scene with actors. Food and hot drinks will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. The church is at 5000 Barranca Parkway, Irvine. (949) 552-1101. https://www.woodbridgechurch.com.

The sixth annual “drive-thru” Nativity will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. today at Mount of Olives Church. Turn back the calendar 2,000 years to a 10-scene reenactment of the Christmas story, performed with animals and actors in period settings and costumes. Admission is free. The church is at 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo. (949) 837-7467.

Other Events

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will honor the Rev. Linda A. Crowder at 10 a.m. Sunday. Leaders of the congregation will present Crowder with symbolic gifts representing her many ministries as assistant to the rector, the Rev. Reese M. Riley. She will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, and Riley will preach. The church is at 1221 Wass St., Tustin. (714) 544-3141.

Soka Gakki International-USA will present “The Winning Life: An Introduction to Buddhism” at 7 p.m. Thursday. Attendees will learn about the life-improving aspects of Buddhism. Soka Gakki is at 1500 E. Warner Ave., Santa Ana. (714) 444-9580.

The First Woman’s Church of Costa Mesa/Newport celebrates Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, Winter Solstice and Hanukkah with its annual December drama “The Birth of the Sun” from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Big Spirit Loghouse. This month’s theme of higher consciousness will be expressed through music, dance, poetry and drama as the church celebrates the Inner Light. The Loghouse is at 210 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach. (949) 645-6211.

Religious event notices may be sent to Gena Pasillas at The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa 92626. They also may be faxed to (714) 966-7711 or sent by e-mail to gena.pasillas@latimes.com