Here is a sampling of upcoming faith gatherings in the San Fernando Valley area.
Oct. 7
Blessing of the Animals at First Christian Church of North Hollywood: The Rev. Jonathan B. Hall, PhD, leads the outdoor blessing service, 11 a.m. Pets must be properly restrained or bring a photo of your pet. Location, in the Prayer Garden (facing Colfax Avenue), 4390 Colfax Ave., Studio City. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org. Weekly newsletter: tinyurl.com/2j6927wa
Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church: The Rev. Titus Utecht delivers the message at the “Real Presence” service, 5 p.m. Also, a traditional/blended service, 10 a.m. Oct. 8. The “Oak Leaves” newsletter: tinyurl.com/5n6jmjr8. Location, 14847 Dickens St. 818-789-0215. www.facebook.com/ShermanOaksLutheran. shermanoakslutheran.org
A New Way to Worship – Northridge United Methodist Church: Rev. Doug Dickson presents a new service at the church, 7 p.m. Location, 9650 Reseda Blvd. 818-886-1555. northridgeumc.org. Details on the newsletter: tinyurl.com/4mjxuk2x
Oct. 8
Holy Women and Holy Men – Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost: The Prince’s Players present the life of a noteworthy Christian, 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday’s service bulletin: tinyurl.com/438um2aa. Newsletter: www.popwh.org/happenings.html. Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. 818-346-6968. Email: office@popwh.org. www.popwh.org/
Getting Comfortable with Discomfort: The Rev. Michael McMorrow delivers the message, part two of five sermons on the October theme of “Playing with Paradox,” at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. Center for Spiritual Living, 17622 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. 818-363-8136. www.facebook.com/csl.granadahills. Details for this Sunday: tinyurl.com/2kxkpk4b
The King Is Coming: The Rev. Timothy Jenks explains the message, based on Psalm 24:7-10, at 9:30 a.m. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. Facebook: bit.ly/41nCcKs. www.cplchurch.org
Crucified/Resurrected: The Rev. Lance Allen delivers the message at the 9 and 11 a.m. services. The church’s October “The Spire” newsletter: tinyurl.com/3932c75r. First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge. Church voicemail, 818-360-1831. www.fpcgh.org
Going Green with Grace: The Rev. Douglas Dickson explains the message, based on Luke 15:25-32, at the 10 a.m. English-language service. Pastor Ralph Kwon delivers the message at the 11:30 a.m. Korean-language service. The October newsletter: tinyurl.com/4mjxuk2x. Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. 818-886-1555. northridgeumc.org
Remember Who You Are: The Rev. Jonathan B. Hall, PhD, explains the message, based on Deuteronomy 5:1-6, at 10 a.m. First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax Ave., Studio City. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org. Weekly newsletter: tinyurl.com/2j6927wa
Reseda Church of Christ:The Rev. Dewayne Winrow delivers the message, 10 a.m. Location, 7806 Reseda Blvd. 818-342-4755. resedachurch.com. www.facebook.com/ResedaChurch
Blessing of the Animals at St. James Presbyterian Church: The Rev. Erik W. Dailey, PhD, leads the outdoor service, 10:30 a.m. Pets must be properly restrained or bring a photo. Location, church courtyard, 19414 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. 818-345-2057. www.stjamespres.org. www.facebook.com/stjamesprestarzana
As We Are: Jeremy Pace, worship leader, with worship associate Melissa Marote, explains the message, 10:30 a.m. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 7304 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. 818-887-6101. www.emersonuuc.org
Beauty: The Rev. Michelle Hubbard gives her perspective on the church’s theme for October, based on 1 Peter 3:4, at 11 a.m. Unity Burbank – Center for Spiritual Awareness, 637 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank. 818-841-4037. Watch the service on Facebook: www.facebook.com/unityburbank. Details on the church and services in the “Words of Light” October newsletter: tinyurl.com/2rztjmmf
Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church: Pastor Pierre Howard and First Lady and Evangelist Mary Howard lead the worship service, 11 a.m. Location, 13901 Polk St. 818-364-8955. Facebook: tinyurl.com/292rauyu. www.sylmarcfc.org
Jazz Vespers at Northridge United Methodist Church: A spiritual concert with Cathy Segal-Garcia and Friends as they present a way to hear and see “the word of God through music and art,” 6 p.m. Free admission/an offering will be taken. Location, 9650 Reseda Blvd. 818-886-1555. Details: tinyurl.com/4mjxuk2x
Oct. 13
Shabbat at Temple Ahavat Shalom: Rabbi Becky Hoffman and Cantorial Soloist Elizabeth Kerstein lead the 7 p.m. service. Location, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. 818-360-2258. www.facebook.com/TASnorthridge. tasnorthridge.org
Shabbat at Temple Beth Emet: Rabbi Mark H. Sobel leads the service, 7 p.m. Check the website for the congregation’s “Chai Times” newsletter. Location, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. 818-843-4787. www.templebethemet.com
Oct. 14
Charity of Choice 5K Run/Walk and Oktoberfest– Palisades Lutheran Church: Register for the 5K Run/Walk in advance. Check-in, 8 a.m. Start time, 9 a.m. Registration fee $35; $20 students. See the website for details on designating a charity of your choice to receive a portion of proceeds (charities with the most walkers/runners participating to be vying for top three charity winners). Also, purchase tickets for Oktoberfest, 5-9 p.m. Oktoberfest includes traditional German food, games, a log sawing event and music. Tickets $22; $10 ages 13 and younger (online purchase); $25; $12 ages 13 and younger (on Oct. 14). Location, 15905 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. 310-459-2358. www.plc.cc/about-5
Oct. 15
Conejo Jewish Academy: Fall semester classes include “Caffeine for the Soul – Women Only,” an eight-Sundays course facilitated by Rebbetzin Matty Bryski, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15 (free but a donation is requested; a reservation is required; details and register: tinyurl.com/3xa5pcdr). Also, Rabbi Yisroel Levine leads the fall semester of “Mysticism Exposed,” on the Kabbalah and how its concepts may change your life, 11:15 a.m. Oct. 18 and subsequent Wednesdays (free but a donation is requested; registration is required; details and register: tinyurl.com/ybjkb8ky. Check the website for many other classes (some meet at other locations). Both of these classes meet at the Center for Jewish Life, 30347 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. 818-991-0991. jewishacademy.com
Oct. 21
Halloween Costume Ball with Italian Catholic Club of Santa Clarita: The event includes dinner, complimentary wine, dancing to music by Valery Moiseyev, a costume contest and door prizes, 6-10 p.m. Tickets $45; $20 for ages 11 and younger. Reservations required by Oct. 16. The event is held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, parish hall, 23045 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita. Information on making a reservations and how to purchase tickets, call Anna Riggs, 661-645-7877.
Hermandad del Señor de Los Milagros: A Mass is celebrated at 7 p.m. for the miracles attributed to an icon of the Passion of Jesus Christ that was painted in 17th century colonial Peru by an enslaved man who was taken from what is now believed to be the country of Angola in Africa. St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6160 Cartwright Ave., North Hollywood. 661-713-0498. www.stpatrickcatholicchurch.net/fiestas-patronales.html
Send information at least two weeks ahead. holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.