Religion Notes

NATURE OF GOD: The Rev. Bill Schirmer will discuss “What Is God Really Like?” at 10 a.m. Sunday at La Crescenta Church of Religious Science, 4845 Dunsmore Ave. Free. Information: (818) 249-1045.

NEW YEAR’S STORIES: Storyteller Martha Stevens will present “Stories to Start the New Year” at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Free. Information: (818) 894-9251.

COMEDY AND AUCTION: Beit Hamidrash Synagogue and West Valley Hebrew Academy will host the 13th annual Night of Comedy & Benefit Auction at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. The event will feature entertainer Jack Riley and the singing group the Drifters. The $25 cost includes drinks and dessert. Proceeds will benefit the school’s scholarship fund. Information and reservations: (818) 712-0365.

JEWISH HISTORY: Rabbi Steven Tucker will teach “A Journey Through Jewish History Part II,” a class on Jewish history from the year 500 to the present, at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. The cost is $30 for guests and free for members. Information: (818) 360-1881.

CATHOLIC LUNCHEON: Kay Murdy, a master catechist for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, will speak at the Catholic Community luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. The $14 cost includes a buffet lunch. Information and reservations: (818) 846-3271.

CHRISTIAN CLASS: “The Alpha Course,” a 10-week introduction to the Christian faith, will be taught at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. Free. Information and reservations: (818) 346-6968.

JUDAISM INTRODUCTION: Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs will teach an eight-week class, “Introduction to Judaism,” exploring the drama of family and individual relationships in the Torah, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Kol Tikvah Temple, 20400 Venture Blvd., Woodland Hills. Free. Information: (818) 348-0670.

WOMEN’S GROUP: Women’s Issues, a group for women exploring personal concerns, life changes and relationships, will meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. The cost is $25 for an eight-week session. Information: (818) 222-7511.

EPIPHANY CELEBRATION: Epiphany, the day when the Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem, will be celebrated with Christmas carols and a viewing of the Wise Men searching for the Christ child at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Christ the King Christian Lutheran Church, 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. Free. Information: (818) 342-0302.

YIDDISH CULTURE: The Valley chapter of the Los Angeles Yiddish Culture Club will present “Musical Memories of the Shtetl” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Adat Ari El’s Deiber Chapel, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. The cost is $3 for guests and free to members. Information: (818) 784-5886.

POETIC SPEAKER: Author and poet Merle Feld will speak at the Shabbat services at 8:15 p.m. Friday at Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. Free. Information: (818) 342-3177.

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