Special Services

The Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church will ring in the new year at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with a Communion service led by the Rev. Karen Stoyanoff, with assistance from the youth group. The church is at 1259 Victoria St., Costa Mesa. (949) 646-4652.

Rabbi Arnold Rachlis and Cantor Ruti Braier will lead “That Was the Jewish Year That Was: 2000” at 8 p.m. Friday at the University Synagogue. Rachlis will review political, cultural and religious events that faced Jews and Judaism during the year 2000. The synagogue is at 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine. (949) 553-3535.

The Rev. Margaret Mohit will present the message “The Circle of Life” at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Unity Community Church. Sunday school and nursery care will be provided. The annual Burning Bowl service will take place at 7 p.m. Friday. The church is at 22911 Mill Creek Road, Laguna Hills. (949) 472-9230. https://www.unity-lh.org

Glen Tedrow will speak on “A Word of Encouragement” at 5 p.m. today and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Geneva Presbyterian Church of Laguna Hills. The church is at 24301 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills. (949) 837-2323.

The Rev. Alan Landes will speak on “Star Light, Star Bright” at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. The church is at 13922 N. Prospect Ave., Santa Ana. (714) 544-7850.

Laguna Presbyterian Church will offer New Year’s Eve services at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The morning service will include nursery care and Sunday school. The evening service will offer Communion, music, a children’s workshop and nursery care. The church is at 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. (949) 494-7555.

Classes

Carol Koppenheffer, parish director of adult formation, will lead “How to Understand the Bible: An Evening for Beginners” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Irenaeus Church. Parish Bible study starts Jan. 11. The church is at 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress. (714) 826-0760.

The Women’s Ministries of Calvary Church of Santa Ana will offer several Bible study groups for the new year. The groups will study the books of Matthew, 1 and 2 Samuel, Philippians, Hebrews, and the book, “To Love With All Your Heart” by Fran Sciacca. The church is at 1010 N. Tustin Ave., Tustin. (714) 973-4800.

Jane DeLisle and Margaret Scharf will lead a New Year’s Eve “Sacred Time” retreat from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday at the St. Joseph Center Multipurpose room, 1140 W. La Veta Ave., Orange. The event, which includes a labyrinth walk, liturgy and dinner, is sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Development. Cost is $40. The center is at 434 S. Batavia St., Orange. (714) 744-3175.

Events

Temple Beth Emet will host a New Year’s Eve Casino Night celebration at 9 p.m. Sunday. There will be dinner, entertainment and gaming. Cost is $36. Reservations are required. The temple is at 1770 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 772-4720.

The Rev. Sandy Moor, a minister at the Center for Universal Truth in Mission Viejo, will speak on “Live Your Best Life” during the Inside Edge breakfast meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the UC Irvine University Club. Cost is $25 for first-time guests and $40 for returning guests. There is a $5 discount for reservations made by Monday. The center is on the UCI campus at Los Trancos and East Peltason drives. (949) 460-4242. https://www.insideedge.org

Peter Dobson will present “Poor Man’s Music: A Blues Concert” at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach. Children can attend a program in a separate classroom. The church is at 429 Cypress Drive, Laguna Beach. (949) 497-4568.

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