BRIEFLY IN RELIGION

Christian Science church hosts lecturer

“Genuine Manhood and Womanhood: Your Sacred Identity” is the topic of a lecture to be given Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Beach, 635 High Drive. The one-hour lecture is open to all.

The speaker is Ryder Stevens of Auburn, Wash. After retiring from 23 years of active duty as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army, Stevens now works full time as a practitioner of Christian Science healing.

Stevens will discuss how the values of Christian faith can be practiced in everyday life.

“The real desire in our culture that needs to be fulfilled is the desire for a sacred intimacy with God,” Stevens said. “This heartfelt, inner sacredness must be nurtured, cherished, protected and demonstrated every day.”

Stevens received an undergraduate degree in biology from Principia College and a master of divinity degree in Old Testament history and theology from Boston University. His military service included three deployments to combat zones. Much of his time as a chaplain was given to counseling soldiers and their spouses about relationships and marriage.

For children too young to attend the lecture, child care will be provided at the church, located off North Pacific Coast Highway above the Boat Canyon Shopping Center.