Alzheimer’s Conference Set Sept. 12 in Costa Mesa

The Interfaith Outreach Committee of the Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County will sponsor the conference “Spiritual Care of Patients and Families Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease” Sept. 12 at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. Speakers will include clinical psychologist Kent Peppard discussing “What is Alzheimer’s Disease?” and Cordula Dick-Muehlke, executive director of Adult Day Services of Orange County, discussing “Spirituality as a Basis for Dementia Care.” There will also be an interfaith panel moderated by Bill Bennett of the Crystal Cathedral of Garden Grove. This free conference is scheduled from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is required by Wednesday. Vanguard University is at 55 Fair Drive. (714) 283-1984, Ext. 230.

* What is the meaning of life? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Is it important what I believe? “Alpha” is a course designed to give you some answers. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Fullerton will sponsor the Alpha course on Christian faith, beginning with an introduction dinner on Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. Classes will continue on Sundays for 10 weeks.

Alpha, designed by the Anglican Church of England, features a series of 10 videos followed by food and fellowship, Alpha is designed to answer questions, deepen faith, and give insight into Biblical teachings in a nonthreatening environment. All are welcome. The church is at 1145 W. Valencia Mesa Dr. (714) 879-8070.

* The Orange County Buddhist Church in Anaheim will offer four eight-week classes on Buddhism, all starting Oct. 1. “The Essence of Spirituality, East and West” (Mondays from 7:30-9 p.m.) will look at what it means to be “religious” or “spiritual” using classic theories.

“Introduction to Buddhist Calligraphy” (Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m.) is a beginning course in Japanese calligraphy, which is writing with the Japanese brush, or fude. After covering the basics, the course will focus on the meaning of key Buddhist characters.

“Introduction to Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu” (Tuesdays at 7:30-9 p.m) is a survey course outlining the basic teachings of Buddhism, the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, and the development of Buddhism leading to Jodo Shinshu.

“Shoshinge to Koso Wasan” (Thursdays at 7:30-9 p.m.) will study Shinran’s Shoshinge and poems of the seven masters.

Application deadline is Sept. 28. The church is at 909 S. Dale, near the intersection of Dale Avenue and Ball Road in Anaheim. (714) 827-9590 or:

https://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/3540/BECPage.htm.

Special Events

* A Mass focusing on “Our Father’s Desire: His Children Be Whole” will be offered at 7:15 p.m. Monday at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Brea. Featured speakers will be the Rev. Robert Faricy, professor of mystical spirituality at the Gregoria Pontifical University of Rome, and Sr. Lucy Rooney of Liverpool, England. Music will be provided by the Catholic praise band “Ruach.” The church is at 585 S. Walnut St. (714) 525-1774.

* “Finding a Stillpoint: An Evening for Women” will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana. Therapist Candy Dabney will discuss ways women can maintain spiritual and emotional strength while balancing jobs, families and community. Dessert will be served. Care for children to age 5 will be provided. Cost is $5. The church is at 13922 N. Prospect Ave. (714) 544-7850.

* A Selichot program featuring mysticism and music will take place at 8 p.m. next Saturday at Temple Beth David in Westminster. The community is invited to the observance, which will include discussion sessions, dessert and singing. Also, the temple’s sisterhood will sponsor a kickoff meeting from 2 to 4:30 p.m. next Sunday in the Social Hall. There will be food, recipe sharing, a craft project and a guest speaker. Reservations are required by Sunday. Temple Beth David is at 6100 Hefley St. (714) 892-6623.

Congregation B’nai Israel will hold an open house next Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon to introduce interested members of the community to the many programs and services the synagogue has to offer. Representatives from the synagogue’s religious school, preschool, and board of directors will be on hand to meet prospective members.

Also, the synagogue will present, as a prelude to next Saturday’s Selichot services, a program titled “Qualities of Mercy: A True Story of Forgiveness” with Peter and Linda Biehl. The Biehls will discuss their involvement in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission proceedings and their commitment to helping black South Africans after the killing of their daughter, Amy, in 1993.

An 18-minute film clip will be shown from the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Long Night’s Journey into Day.” The program will begin at 9 p.m. at the synagogue, which is at 2111 Bryan Ave., Tustin. Parking is free and light refreshments will be served after the program. Reservations are required. (714) 730-9693.

Education

* The United Methodist Men of the United Methodist Church of Garden Grove will sponsor a “Denim and Diamonds Texas BBQ” beginning at 6 p.m. next Saturday. An auction will occur at 7:15 p.m. Cost is $10 per person or $35 for families of four or more. Proceeds will help fund the scouting ministry’s trip to Washington, D.C. The church is at 12741 Main St. (714) 539-8478.

* Peace advocates of all ages are invited to join in the Orange County Peace Walk/Peace Jam 2001 on Sept. 22 at Triangle Square shopping center in Costa Mesa. The interfaith event is being held in celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Walkers will gather on the upper level of Triangle Square at 11:30 a.m. for opening festivities. Geeta Sacred Song an Orange County Native American and international peace shaman, will lead participants in a ceremony to begin the walk. Doves will be released, and rose petals will be scattered as walkers begin circling Triangle Square, carrying banners, chanting, singing and playing musical instruments. Triangle Square is at 1870 Harbor Blvd., where the Costa Mesa Freeway ends. (949) 646-4652 or www.ocuuc.org.

Music

* A “Shabbat Alive” jazz and pop celebration service will take place at 8 p.m. Friday at the University Synagogue in Irvine. The service will be styled after services created in South Africa. Music will be provided by cantor Ruti Braier, accompanied by musicians and the University Synagogue Choir. Child care will be provided. The synagogue is at 4915 Alton Parkway. (949) 553-3535.

* Choral singers, all voice parts, are invited to join a small, enthusiastic volunteer choir at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. The choir sings at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service, plus special musical events. If interested, please call Michael Sanders, director of music, at (949) 661-0110.

* John Riel and Andrew Lawson will present a lecture series next Saturday in Irvine on religion and the meaning of life. Topics include: What is the origin of life? What about morality? What is my destiny? The lectures will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Woodbridge Community Church, 5000 Barranca Parkway. (949) 552-1101.

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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 to gena.pasillas@latimes.com.