Priest’s Book Challenges Some Church Tenets

Father Edward Beck will speak and sign copies of his book, “God Underneath--Spiritual Memoirs of a Catholic Priest,” at 2 p.m. today at Borders in Yorba Linda.

The book challenges the church’s formal teachings on homosexuality, female priests, priestly celibacy and conservative Christianity. The bookstore is at 22401 Old Canal Road.

SPECIAL EVENTS

* Impressionist Peter M. Small will perform a one-man show Aug. 12 on the life of the late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir at Temple Isaiah of Newport Beach. The show is part of an open house at the temple to welcome new members. The show begins at 1 p.m. The temple is at 2401 Irvine Blvd. (949) 548-6900.

* “Our Christian Response to the Energy Crisis” conference Aug. 11 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Orange will explore how to be good stewards of God’s natural resources as well as their own financial resources. The Rev. Ginny Erwin, rector of Trinity, will share creative ways her church has significantly cut electricity usage. The event takes place from 8:45 a.m. to noon. The church is at 2400 N. Canal Street. (714) 573-7801.

* Temple Beth David in Westminster will host a series of open houses beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and continuing through the first week of September. These open houses will be a part of Shabbat Services and Oneg Shabbats. Rabbi Michael Mayersohn and representatives from the Religious School, Early Childhood Learning Center, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Choir and Youth Groups will greet visitors, showcase programs and answer questions. High Holiday information will also be available. Temple Beth David was founded in 1962 as a Reform congregation and continues with a blend of established traditions and innovative approaches to addressing the needs and concerns of the local Jewish community. The diversified membership welcomes young couples, families with children, senior adults, intermarried couples and single adults who seek to live a Jewish life. The temple is at 6100 Hefley St. (714) 892-6623.

* Ladies of the Buena Park Garden Grove Christian Women’s Club, a Stonecroft Ministry, invite women of the community to a “Fun in the Sun” luncheon Thursday at the Buena Park Holiday Inn. Featured speaker Gracie Reed will discuss “Courage, Purpose and Meaning in Life Following a Personal Crisis.” In addition, Jessica Wilburn will give advice about skin protection. Music will be provided by Dianne Krylo. Cost is $14.50 and reservations are required by Monday. The event occurs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Holiday Inn is at 7000 Beach Blvd. (562) 799-0348.

EDUCATION

* A summer lecture series focusing on basic life questions will be hosted by Calvary Baptist Church of Huntington Beach. The free series runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 26. The church is at 8281 Garfield Ave. (714) 962-6860.

* “Tuesdays in the Word,” a summer family series, continues Tuesdays at Trinity United Presbyterian Church and runs through Aug. 21. Jesus’ “outrageous humor and whimsical playfulness” displayed in the parables of the gospel will be studied. The program is free, and child care will be provided. The programs are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The church’s senior adult ministry is presenting a Bible study on the book of Leviticus. The class for seniors meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. with lunch at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $3. The church is at 17th Street and Prospect Avenue in Tustin. (714) 544-7850.

* Mission Hills Community Church in Rancho Santa Margarita is hosting a children’s Bible camp Monday through Friday for preschoolers through sixth-graders. The cost is $35 for the first child, $25 for the second, and $15 for each additional child. The church is at 29582 Aventura. (949) 589-7880.

* Temple Beth El of Aliso Viejo will open its new preschool Sept. 10. Terry Fierle, the preschool’s director, describes the program as “the beginning of the religious school experience at Temple Beth El.” The program serves families with children as old as 5. The school also offers parenting workshops focusing on early childhood issues and a grandparenting program. In September 2002, Temple Beth El will expand its curriculum to include a kindergarten class. Temple Beth is at 2A Liberty. (949) 362-3999.

* The Unity of Tustin Campus will welcome spiritual teacher Adyashanti facilitating a “satsang” meeting from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and continuing from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Satsang is a Sanskrit term meaning “being in the company of truth.” The meetings involve silent meditation, a question-and-answer period and spiritual songs of divine love. The event will center around a “sangha,” a Sanskrit term meaning “spiritual community.” Anyone attending the satsang is welcome as part of the sangha. Unity is at 14402 S. Prospect Ave. (714) 730-3486. https://www.unitytustin.org.

Religious event notices of countywide interest 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