Forum to Explore Religion-Technology Links

The seventh annual Religious Diversity Faire at UC Irvine will go high-tech this year with religious leaders, scientists, ethicists and corporate executives discussing how religion and spirituality are affected by advances in technology.

“We’re on the cutting edge of a conversation that’s just beginning,” said Kay Lindahl, coordinator of the Nov. 18 event.

Lindahl said the event’s organizers have revamped the all-day event, designed to promote understanding among religions. Under the new format, the high-tech theme will be carried throughout the day in eight workshops, which include the relationship between religion and scientific discoveries; the conflicts between medical technology and ethics; and the use--and abuse--of the Internet and how that affects values.

Lindahl said she hopes the high-tech theme will drive attendance from its usual 500 participants to 800 or more.

Key speakers include Henry Samueli, co-founder of Broadcom in Irvine; Francisco Ayala, professor of biological sciences at UC Irvine; and Lisa L. Stenmark, western director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley.

“We live in one of the most diverse regions in the world,” Lindahl said. “For us to get to know each other in a safe environment is crucial to the harmony of our community.”

Cost is $15 for advance registration and $18 at the door. Students pay $5. The event is sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Alliance for Spiritual Community, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, and UCI. The event takes place at the UCI Student Center on University Drive. (949) 661-3087. www.religiousdiversityfaire.org

Performances

The Episcopal Chorale will be featured at the Pentecost Revisited service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at St. James Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Chorale comprises more than 50 voices and presents concerts locally and abroad. St. James is at 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach. (949) 675-0210.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tustin will celebrate the Feast of All Saints at 9 a.m. Sunday. The choir will sing Gabriel Faure’s Requiem as the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Church school children will enter in procession dressed as saints from the Anglican hymn “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God,” presenting a banner created at a pre-All Saints Day retreat. St. Paul’s is at 1221 Wass St. (714) 544-3141.

Tustin Presbyterian Church will celebrate the season of All Saints with a British Evensong presented by the Chancel Choir at 4 p.m. Sunday. The choir will also perform “Missa Brevis” by Zoltan Kodaly. A reception will follow. The church is at 225 W. Main St. (714) 544-7070.

The Men’s Club of Temple Beth Emet will present “An Afternoon of Comedy and Big Band Music” at 2 p.m. Sunday in the social hall. Featured comedians will be Steve Mittleman and Wendy Kamenoff. Music will be provided by the Bones West Band, with members from the Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton and Les Brown bands. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over 60 and $6 for children under 12. The temple is at 1770 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 772-4720.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton, with McAulay and Wallace Mortuaries and Loma Vista Memorial Park, will present a Concert of Remembrance at 7:15 p.m. Sunday as part of its 2000-01 concert series. The performance is free. The church is at 111 W. Las Palmas Drive. (714) 879-8290.

The St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Friends of Music will present a piano recital at 4 p.m. Sunday. Music director Michael Sanders will present works by Hummel, Faure, Strauss and others. A reception will follow. The church is at 31641 La Novia Ave., San Juan Capistrano. (949) 661-0110.

Special Events

The Rev. James E. Bodman will lead a celebration of El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Church of Orange County. Participants may bring and share an article connected to the memory of a loved one. The church is at 511 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. (714) 758-1050.

Holiday events

The First Congregational Church of Buena Park will host its Fall Boutique from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. The event will feature a craft sale, a drawing and a salad luncheon for $5. The church is at 6633 Beach Blvd. (714) 522-1831.

The United Methodist Women of the United Methodist Church of Garden Grove will host a Holiday Bazaar and brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in Acker Hall. The UMW supports missions locally, nationwide and abroad. The luncheon is $5. The church is at 12741 Main St. (714) 534-1070.

*

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