Briefly In Worship

Blessing of Animals set

Neighborhood Congregational Church’s 15th annual Blessing of the Animals is from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Vendors for pet needs will be on hand, along with volunteer service opportunities to care for the animals of our community. The blessing takes place at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to this free festival and celebration at 340 St. Ann’s Drive. For more information, call (949) 494-8061.

Mumbai Massacre remembered

Chabad centers around the world will commemorate the first anniversary of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, with programs and services throughout the week.

Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach will introduce “Shabbat”¦Just Do It,” an innovative program for children ages 5 to 13 and their families at 11 a.m. Saturday at Chabad.

The program will include Junior Congregation and Mini Shabbat service led by the Chabad Hebrew School staff, simultaneously during services in main sanctuary. Children will partake in a Torah procession, stories, prizes, raffles, and a Challah lunch and cake.

After services, children will present a medley of Shabbat songs, and a letter to the “Mumbai Miracle,” Moishele, the toddler who survived.

“Our tradition teaches that in the face of tragedy, we find comfort through positive action,” said Rabbi Eli Goorevitch. “This Shabbat program is a fitting tribute to the life and values of Rabbi Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg, directors of the Chabad Jewish Center in Mumbai, who were among those brutally murdered that day.”

Chabad is at 30804 S. Coast Hwy.

For more information, call (949) 499-0770 or visit www.chabadoflaguna.com.

Alternative holiday shopping mart

The fifth annual Alternative Christmas/Holiday Market at Neighborhood Congregational Church will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 at the church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive.

Items include hand-crafted gifts by artisans around the world and donation gift cards sponsoring a family in need.

For $20, two girls in Afghanistan can go to school for a year; and $25 will provide 50 chicks for a family.

The Friendship Shelter will offer beaded bracelets, and Darfur refugees can get solar cookers for $30. For $15, Pacific Marine Mammal Center can feed a rescued marine mammal for a day.

Thanksgiving Feast open to all

Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, is hosting a Thanksgiving Worship Service and Feast with worship at 10 a.m. and a pot-luck feast at 11 a.m. All are welcome.

For more information, call (949) 494-8061.