1,400 Lutherans to Gather in Ontario for Fellowship Meeting

More than 1,400 Lutherans are expected to gather for spiritual renewal and fellowship today through Wednesday in Ontario at the 83rd annual convention of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League.

The gathering, focused on praising and giving thanks to God, will feature special music from a 300-voice choir and a message from Dale Meyer, speaker of “The Lutheran Hour” weekly radio program and host of the television talk show “On Main Street.” Other speakers will include Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Concordia University Executive Vice President Shang Ik Moon, Jotham S. Johann of the Lutheran Center for Asian-American Missions and Evangelism, the Rev. Phillip Campbell of Mission Networking, Board for Black Ministry, and the Rev. Loren Kramer, president emeritus of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Pacific Southwest District.

The convention will be held at the Ontario Convention Center. The laymen’s league is a volunteer organization of 150,000 members and an auxiliary of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church-Canada. (800) 944-3450, Ext. 269.

EVENTS

Philosophical Research Society President Obadiah Harris will speak on “The Eightfold Path of Yoga” Sunday at 11 a.m. at the society, 3910 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles. Huston Smith, a comparative religion scholar, will speak about his new book, “Cleansing the Doors of Perception,” at 11 a.m. July 30 at the society. Suggested donation for both lectures is $10. (323) 663-2167.

* The heritage of Christian Egypt will be explored at a symposium on “Coptic Monasticism” today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UCLA’s Royce Hall conference room 314. His Grace Bishop Serapion, bishop of the Coptic Diocese of Los Angeles, will deliver the opening address. The symposium is sponsored by the St. Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Society, the UCLA Coptic Orthodox Christian Club and the UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. (310) 558-3973 or https://www.stshenouda.com.

* Women of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds will discuss religion and sexual diversity Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5450 Atherton St., Long Beach. The program, sponsored by the feminist spirituality center FEAS2T, will feature a ritual and feast. (888) 394-7942 or https://www.spiritualfeast.com.

* The Holy Spirit Retreat Center will offer a five-day retreat, “Dancing With the Divine Feminine,” Sunday through Friday. The retreat will feature morning body prayer, evening drumming circles, ritual events and presentations, including Scripture. Fee is $265 for a private room, $225 for a shared room and $165 for commuters. Meals are included. The center is at 4316 Lanai Road in Encino. (818) 784-4515.

* First Lutheran Church of Burbank is offering a free vacation Bible school Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The church is at 1001 S. Glenoaks Blvd. (818) 843-3597.

* Church in Ocean Park will sponsor a mixed media art exhibit, sale and performance next Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. The church is at 235 Hill St., Santa Monica. (310) 399-1631.

* Temple of Heaven Art Society will present its third annual Christian art festival Friday and next Saturday at 6 p.m. at New Life Community Church, 18800 Norwalk Blvd., Artesia. “The Gospel, the New Millennium and the Arts” will feature music, painting, poetry and other works of artists from South Korea, Canada, Singapore and the United States. Admission is free. (562) 423-2220.

* The National Catholic Family Conference sponsored by St. Joseph Communications in West Covina will be held next weekend, July 29 and 30. Featured speakers include biblical scholar Scott Hahn and Tim Staples, a Catholic convert and apologist. The event will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Drive and Pine Avenue. Adults $65. Registration at 8 a.m. Call (626) 331-3549.

MUSIC

Gospel singer and evangelist Shirley Caesar will perform in concert today at 7 p.m. at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 8th St., Los Angeles. Caesar has won more Grammys--nine--and received more nominations--16--than any gospel artist in history. Tickets are $50, $40 and $30. The concert is sponsored by Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Fernando. (818) 896-1302.

* A gospel brunch featuring vocalist Ruth Featherstone, the duet One Voice and the bands Free Indeed and Brotherhood will be held Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hollywood Park Pavilion, 3883 W. Century Blvd., Inglewood. The brunch, sponsored by M.E.T. NETwork Diversified Groups Inc., also will feature crafts and clothing vendors. (888) 363-8638.

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