Religion Notes
OBON FESTIVAL: The Rev. Doei Fujii and the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will hold their 49th annual Obon Festival from 4 to 10 p.m. today and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford St., Pacoima. Obon is a Buddhist memorial service that emphasizes the oneness of life. There will be exhibits of bonsai, handmade Japanese dolls, dancing and food. Free admission. Information: (818) 899-4030.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY: Pastor Jeffrey Nelson will present a “Christmas in July” service featuring carols and a Christmas message at the 5:30 p.m. service today and the 10 a.m. service Sunday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17400 Vanowen St., West Van Nuys. Information: (818) 342-0302.
MORALITY DISCUSSED: Jon Nelson, co-president of Atheists United, will present a service on “Morality: Relative or Absolute” at the 10:45 a.m. Sunday services at Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Ave., North Hills. Information: (818) 894-9251.
BIBLE SCHOOL: A vacation Bible school for children 3 to 10 will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. Free. Information and registration: (818) 346-6968.
HILLEL LECTURE: Rabbi Yaacov Dayo will lecture on “Eating the Fruit: Right or Wrong” from 8 to 10 p.m. Monday at Cal State Northridge’s Hillel House, 17729 Plummer St., Northridge. Free. Information: (818) 832-8293.
NATANYA LUNCHEON: “Mystery Novels With Jewish Themes” will be discussed at the monthly luncheon meeting of Natanya Na’amat at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at a member’s home in Tarzana. A $7 donation is requested for the luncheon. Information, directions and reservations: (818) 705-3390.
CATHOLIC WOMEN: Magnificat, a group of Catholic women, will meet for a luncheon meeting with fellowship, praise and prayer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Porter Valley Country Club, 19216 Singing Hills Drive, Porter Ranch. The cost is $15. Information and reservations: (818) 347-8271.
LIKRAT SHABBAT: A Likrat Shabbat service, an informal pre-Shabbat gathering, will be held from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Friday at the West Valley Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. The service will be followed by the lighting of the candles, Kiddush and the blessing of the bread. Free. Information: (818) 464-3300.
OPEN HOUSE SHABBAT: Tot Shabbat, a Shabbat worship service for families with small children, and an open house will begin at 7:15 p.m. Friday at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. Free. Information: (818) 763-9148.
JEWISH PARENTS: Jewish Single Parent Network will hold a potluck Shabbat dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Valley Cities Jewish Community Center, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Bring a vegetarian dish to share. Child care will be provided. Free. Information and reservations: (323) 761-8800, Ext. 440.
HEALING AND SPIRITUALITY: Dr. James Finley will present “Spirituality of Healing,” a one-day program focus on prayer, reflection and exploring the spiritual dimensions of healing, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 29 at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The $50 cost includes lunch. Information and registration: (818) 784-4515.
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News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.