Church Offers 10-Week Introduction to Christianity

The Alpha Program, a practical introduction to the Christian faith, begins this week at St. John Chrysostom Church in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The program will examine questions such as: What is the meaning of life? What happens when we die? What relevance does Jesus have for our lives? How do we deal with guilt? Light supper will precede.

Sessions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays for 10 weeks. The church is at 30382 Via Con Dios. Information: (949) 589-9049.

“Religion in an Age of Science,” a symposium addressing the cultural conflict between the scientific and humanistic approaches of religion, will be held next week at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fullerton.

Cal State Fullerton biochemistry professor Bruce Weber, a who specializes in the history of science and religion, will discuss different philosophies and recent ideas.

The symposium will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 10. The church is at 1231 E. Chapman Ave. Information: (714) 985-1516.

Synagogues throughout Orange County will participate in Jewish Federation Sabbath this month.

The Jewish Federation of Orange County raises funds to support youth services, Jewish education, emergency relief programs, food for the needy, elder care and counseling services in Orange County, Israel and 60 other countries around the world.

Speakers will discuss the importance of the Jewish Federation of Orange County and the role of its annual campaign.

Call the Jewish Federation of Orange County for more information at (714) 755-5555.

Anita Diamant, best-selling author of “The Red Tent,” will be the featured speaker at the Women’s Voices luncheon of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Orange County at 10:30 a.m. March 12 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

Community activist Beverly Jacobs, past campaign chairwoman of the Women’s Division and longtime Jewish Community Relations Council chairwoman for the Jewish Federation of Orange County, will be honored as Anne Entin Woman of the Year for her commitment to both the Jewish and secular communities.

Women’s Voices is an annual event that unites women from throughout the county who show their commitment to Jewish community by making a minimum pledge of $118 to the 2001 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. The luncheon program is $60.

For reservations or information, call the Jewish Federation of Orange County at (714)755-5555, Ext. 222.

Carlos Gutierrez will be presented the Community Spirit Award at the Garden Grove Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday.

Gutierrez, 63, is the founder and pastor of Bethany Evangelical Church in Garden Grove, which he started 35 years ago.

For nearly four decades, the father of 10 has taken a hands-on approach to his ministry and taken his mission of helping others on the road. Gutierrez has helped build four missions in Mexico by participating in the construction and raising funds.

The speaker for the event will be Rudy Ruettiger, who was portrayed in the film “Rudy.” The prayer breakfast is a nondenominational event. It will be held at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Ave. Registration and a full breakfast buffet begin at 7:15 a.m., and the program begins at 7:45.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For reservations, call the Office of Community Relations at (714) 741-5280.

A five-week Ecumenical Lenten Journey, consisting of vespers and speakers from neighboring faith communities, begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. John Neumann Church in Irvine.

This week the Rev. Connie Regener of Irvine Presbyterian Church will discuss “How My Lenten Devotions Have Changed Me!” Vespers will follow. Information: (949) 857-7936

The annual Lutheran High School of Orange County Sacred Concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Orange.

The concert will feature music inspired by the Psalms.

The church is at 802 E. Chapman Ave. Information: (714) 282-4636.