Handicapables Host Special Day
* The West Ventura County Handicapables host a day of spiritual and social enrichment today at Sebastian Church, 325 E. Santa Barbara St., Santa Paula.
Registration and get-acquainted time are at 11 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:30. A luncheon, with entertainment, will follow the service. People of all faiths are welcome. For information, call 452-4050 or 648-6686.
Church to Present Gospel Concert
* Evangelistic Missionary Baptist Church of Port Hueneme will present gospel recording artist Kurt Carr and his backup singers in concert tonight at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Carr will perform works from his albums “Awesome Wonder” and “No One Else.”
Carr will be joined by the church’s Mass Choir, the Ventura County Mass Choir and the Ventura County Youth Choir. Proceeds will benefit the church’s ministry and building fund. Show time is 7 p.m. Cost is $11, $13 and $26. For information, call 486-2424 or 985-4368.
Ventura Adventists to Gather
* Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church holds a service at 10:45 a.m. each Saturday. Bible study for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m.
The church is at 6300 Telephone Road. For information, call 642-5387.
Ojai Valley Adventist Sermon Series
* Pastor David Smith of Ojai Valley Adventist Church will continue a sermon series titled “Your Most Radical Decision” today. The seventh installment is titled “I Surrender a Little Bit.”
Services are held at 10:45 a.m. each Saturday and include contemporary and traditional Christian music. Bible study begins at 9:30 a.m.
The church is at 291 E. El Roblar Drive. For information, call 955-7631.
First Presbyterian Services
* The Rev. Diana Hopkins will deliver the sermon “Healing God’s Way” at 10 a.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Oxnard. The message will be based on the scriptures Isaiah 43:18-25 and Mark 2:1-12.
There will be Sunday school for youths during the service. Adult Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. Child care is available at all services. The church is at 850 Ivywood Drive. For information, call 983-0204. Internet: https://www.1stpresoxnard.com.
Unity Center Church Service
* The Rev. Irma Oestmann will deliver the message “Your Greatest Gift” on Sunday at Unity Center Church in Thousand Oaks. The 10 a.m. service will include music by Roger Kraft and Zachery Spencer.
Children’s church is held during the service and child care is available. Also Sunday, a continuing adult discussion series will be held at 9:15 a.m.
The church meets at Old Meadows Park’s Community Room, 1600 Marview Road. For information, call 496-6901.
Baptist Church Offers Services
* The Rev. D. Paul Hickman will deliver a message on Sunday at Thousand Oaks Baptist Church. The morning worship service begins at 10:45, followed by an evening service at 6. Other programs include training hour, 5 p.m. Sunday; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; prayer hour, 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The church is at 2685 Calle Abedul. For information, call 492-4224.
Unitarian Universalist Sermons
* Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura will host a talk by Peter Hale of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Santa Barbara during services Sunday. Hale will speak on “The Divinity of Everyday Objects.”
The Rev. Judith Cohen will also deliver a sermon Sunday at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura.
Services are held at 9:15 and 11 a.m. Child care and religious education are available during the first service.
The church is at 4949 Foothill Road. For information, call 644-3898. Internet: https://www.uuventura.org.
‘Foundations of Freedom’ Talk
* Pastor Tim Fearer will continue his Romans series Sunday with “Foundations of Freedom: Peace of God, Finally” at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Hueneme. The worship service is at 10 a.m.
Nursery care is provided for babies and toddlers. Children ages preschool through fifth grade are dismissed to “Kid’s Church.”
The church is at 755 Bard Road, Port Hueneme. For information, call 483-8610.
Guest Speaker to Offer Sermon
* Guest speaker Elmarie Parker, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, will deliver a sermon Sunday at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Camarillo. The sermon is titled “The Lord’s Prayer: Forgive!” and is based on the scripture Matthew 6:12, 14-15.
A celebration service is held at 8:30 a.m., followed by a traditional service at 10 a.m.
The church is at Las Posas Road and Antonio Avenue. For information, call 484-0530.
‘Christianity 101’ Continues
* Paster Rob Calderhead will continue the sermon series “Christianity 101” on Sunday at United Methodist Church of Westlake Village. This week’s installment will focus on “the nature and task of the church.”
An informal interactive service meets at 8 a.m. in Alton Hall; casual attire is encouraged. Traditional worship services are held at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages meet at 9 a.m. Infant and toddler care is provided during each service.
The church is at 1049 S. Westlake Blvd. For information, call 497-7884. Internet: https://www.umcwv.org.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Service
* St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Oxnard holds its Sunday worship service at 10:15 a.m. Child care is available for children up to age 4. Also Sunday, the Rev. Victor Salas will lead a Spanish-language Bible study session at 12:30 p.m.; the Japanese ministry worships at 2 p.m., led by the Rev. Shiro Kato.
The church is at 1800 South C St. For information, call 487-2711.
Camarillo Community Church
* Camarillo Community Church holds Sunday worship services at 8, 9, 10:10 and 11:20 a.m. This week’s message is “Marks of Greatness.”
Children’s programming is at 9, 10:10 and 11:20 a.m.
The church is at 1322 Las Posas Road. For information, call 482-2657.
Services at St. Columba’s in Camarillo
* St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Camarillo will hold the following schedule of services and programs each Sunday throughout February: 7:45 a.m., Holy Eucharist celebration; 9 a.m., adult forum; 10 a.m., Holy Eucharist celebration and Sunday school.
The church is at 1251 Las Posas Road. For information, call 482-8831.
Thousand Oaks Fellowship
* Pastor Phil Robillard will begin a new sermon series on Sunday titled “Jesus of Nazareth, Friend of Sinners” at Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Thousand Oaks. The church will hold its worship celebration at 10:05 a.m.
A nursery and Sunday school classes are provided, while those who are high school or college age remain for the regular service.
The church has music, teaching and a casual atmosphere. The fellowship is at 480 W. Gainesborough Road. For information, call 379-0237.
Shabbat Service in Simi Valley
* Congregation B’nai Emet in Simi Valley will hold a Shabbat service at 8 p.m. Friday, led by Rabbi Michele Paskow and Cantor Michael Russ.
The congregation meets at 4645 Industrial St., Unit 2C. For information, call 581-3723.
The women of congregation B’nai Emet will offer a “Bunko Night!” activity on Feb. 24 at Men Nar Banquet and Event Center, 77-A Tierra Rejada Road, Simi Valley. The evening will include playing the dice game bunko, plus dinner, raffles, silent auction and door prizes. $25. For information, call 581-3723 or 583-2923.
The congregation will also hold its Purim carnival from noon to 4 p.m. March 11 at 3050 Kadota St., Simi Valley.
An evening of Broadway music will be staged with members of the Young Artists Ensemble March 17 at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi. $35.
For information, call 581-3723.
Workshop on Language of Jesus
* The Pleasant Valley Church of Religious Science Center for Positive Living will continue its Tuesday workshop on using the language of Jesus (Aramaic) in everyday living. The Rev. Larry Vogel will lead the workshop installments using translations by scholars who speak Aramaic. The goal of the program is to better understand what Jesus really taught. The installments are held Tuesdays through March 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 per session.
The church is at 221 Daily Drive, Suite No. 1. For information or registration, call 482-1948.
Sermon at Church of Christ
* The Rev. E. W. Greene will deliver a sermon Sunday at United Church of Christ in Simi Valley. Services are held each Sunday at 10 a.m.
The church is at 370 Royal Ave. For information, call 526-6001.
Unitarian Universalist Service
* The Rev. Betty Stapleford will lead the 10 a.m. Sunday service at Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Services are held at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. For information, call 492-8751.
Methodist Sermon From Luke
* Simi Valley United Methodist Church will hold worship services, directed by the Rev. Brandon Cho, at 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday. The sermon “Love Enemies?” will be based on scripture from Luke.
Child care for infants and preschoolers is offered during both services. Sunday school for adults and children begins at 9 a.m. Mission Hispana Biblica celebrates worship in Spanish at 1:30 p.m., followed by fellowship in Witman Hall.
The church is at 2394 Erringer Road. For information, call 526-6231.
Singer-Songwriter to Perform
* The Camarillo section of the National Council of Jewish Women will hold a meeting at 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Orchid Building, 816 Camarillo Springs Road. Entertainment will be provided by Joey Aaron, a guitarist and singer-songwriter. The public is welcome. Cost is $1.
For information, call 484-1104.
Introduction to Bahai Faith
* Bahai Faith Community of Ventura is offering introductory course work to the Bahai faith at a private residence in Ventura. The weekly meetings focus on the history, beliefs and practices of the faith, which emphasizes the spiritual unity of people. The meetings are held each Monday, through February, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For information, call 659-4660.
Sessions for Nonpracticing Catholics
* St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Simi Valley will continue its “Landings Program” geared toward inactive or nonpracticing Catholics. The Monday evening sessions will be held at 7:30 through April 2. For information, call Madeleine at 522-6107. The church is at 5863 E. Malton Ave.
Series Aims at Energizing Marriage
* Sonrise Christian Fellowship in Simi Valley on Friday will hold the second installment of its 11-part series “10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage.” The meetings are held on consecutive Fridays beginning at 7 p.m. Topics include “Learning to Talk,” “Resolving Honest Conflict” and “Building a Creative Love Life.” The cost for the series, including materials, is $10. Free child care will be provided. For information or to register, call 581-1628.
On Friday, the church will host the seminar “Recovery From Spiritual Abuse,” presented by Jeff Van Vonderen, author of “The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse.” Discussions will focus on the nature of spiritual abuse, characteristics of spiritually abusive systems and recovery methods. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $75. Participants can register at the door the morning of the event. For information or to register in advance, call 581-1628.
The church is at 2350 Shasta Way.
Services in Westlake Village
* Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village holds the following services and programs each Sunday:
Worship services at 9 and 10:30 a.m.; a celebration for ages 3 years through fourth grade at 9 a.m.; Sunday school for ages 3 to adult at 10:30 a.m. Nursery care is provided during both worship services.
The church is at 32111 Watergate Road. For information, call 496-2394. Internet: https://www.wpcwestlake.org.
Services Offered at St. Matthew’s
* The Rev. Lynne Austin gives a sermon each Sunday at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Newbury Park. Worship services are at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
Worship at St. Matthew’s is relaxed and interactive, with child care and children’s classes available during the second service. The church is at 1360 S. Wendy Drive. For information, call 498-6910.
Grief Support Group to Meet
* GriefShare, a recovery seminar and support group, meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Ventura Missionary Church.
The program features nationally recognized experts discussing grief and recovery topics. Sessions include “When Your Dreams Fall Apart,” “The Seasons of Grief,” “The Emotions of Grief,” “When Your Spouse Dies,” “Your Family and Grief” and “Growing Through Grief.” The sessions are free. An optional workbook is $15.
The church is at 500 High Point Drive. For information, call 642-0550.
Winter Schedule at First Baptist
* First Baptist Church in Thousand Oaks offers the following winter schedule of Sunday services and programs: Bible study, all ages, 9:15 a.m.; worship service, 10:30 a.m.; children’s church, 10:30 a.m.; youth fellowship, 5:30 p.m.; children’s program, 5:30 p.m.; adult training, 5:30 p.m., and evening worship service, 6:30 p.m.
The church is at 1250 Erbes Road. For information, call 495-2531.
Services With Music, Casual Dress
* Channel Islands Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Oxnard has services with contemporary music and casual dress at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday.
The church is at 1851 Holser Walk, Suite 200. For information, call 485-0050.
Services at Simi Presbyterian
* Simi Valley Presbyterian Church will hold worship services with live contemporary music at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8 and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. A traditional worship service is held at 11:15 a.m. Sundays.
For information, call 526-5475. Internet: https://www.simiprez.com.
Sunday Service at Our Saviour’s
* The Rev. Mary Ann Fiene preaches during the 9:15 a.m. Sunday service at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oxnard. Sunday school is held at 11 a.m. Child care is provided.
The church is at 905 Redwood St. For information, call 486-5383.
Camarillo Methodists to Gather
* Camarillo United Methodist Church will hold worship services, directed by Jim Decker-Mahin, each Sunday at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school and child care are available during both services for infants through fifth grade.
The church is at 291 Anacapa Drive. For information or to obtain a Sunday school registration form, call 482-4312.
Mass Schedule at St. Anthony’s
* St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Oxnard will celebrate Mass at 5:15 p.m. today and hear confessions from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m. in English, and a Spanish-language Mass will be celebrated at noon and 1:30 p.m.
The church is at 2511 South C St. For information, call 486-7301.
Life Design Ojai Winter Session
* Women are invited to attend the winter session of Life Design Ojai, which continues at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at Ojai Valley Community Church.
Life Design meets each Wednesday through March 14. The winter study topic is “A Way to Win: Aligning Attitudes,” written by Christine Wood.
In addition to the study, Life Design will offer a parenting class, craft class, exercise class and a time for women to get caught up on their small projects.
Child care is available with preregistration. Cost is $25 for study book; electives are $15-$30. To register, call 649-3558 or 649-9494.
The church is at 907 El Centro St. For information, call 645-8182.
Casino-Style Fund-Raiser
* St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church in Thousand Oaks will host its annual fund-raiser, “A Night at the Mardi Gras,” on Feb. 24 in the parish hall. The casino-style event will offer a chance to play blackjack, craps, poker and other games using “funny bucks.”
There will also be appetizers, desserts and a no-host bar. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight. Advance $30; at the door $40. Admission will include $3,000 in play money. Proceeds benefit St. Paschal Baylon school.
The church, which celebrates Mass each Sunday at 7:30, 9 and 10:45 a.m., is at 15 E. Janss Road. For information, call 496-0222.
Church Plans Benefit Gala
* St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Camarillo will host its benefit gala “Pennies From Heaven” on March 3 at Las Posas Country Club. The eighth annual event will include dinner, dancing and an auction. Proceeds will support the church’s educational and developmental programs for children. Tickets are $50 if reserved on or before Wednesday and $60 after. For information or to purchase tickets, call 987-3537 or 529-8063.
LDS Class to Focus on Family History
* The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ventura will host a free family history class Friday geared to the beginning and intermediate participant. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon.
The church is at 3501 Loma Vista Road. For information or to register, call 643-5607.
*
Religion Briefs runs Saturdays. Please submit items at least a week in advance to Religion Briefs, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001. Items may be faxed to 653-7576.