Here is a sampling of upcoming faith gatherings in the San Fernando Valley area.
Dec. 16
Community Christmas Celebration: Event includes Christmas craft activities, cookie and ornament decorating, a trivia contest, Christmas carols, gifts for children, tree lighting, desserts and a Nativity photo backdrop, 6-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley. 818-767-4488. www.bethelsunvalley.com/
Las Posadas on Olvera Street: A pre-procession activity for ages 3-12 is a children’s pinata, 6:30 p.m. tonight (and nightly through Dec. 24). The procession begins at the Avila Adobe, 7:15 p.m. tonight through Dec. 24 (statues of Mary and Joseph are carried, tonight through Dec. 23; and Mary and Joseph re-enactors, and a baby Jesus statue display, on Dec. 24). Music from Grupo Rondalla del Sol, 6:30-8 p.m. Free sweet bread and champurrado given out after the procession. Location, 845 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. Map of Olvera Street area: calleolvera.com. Details on the event here: www.olveraevents.com/olvera-street-las-posadas
Dec. 17
Third Sunday in Advent: Services, 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/
Shepherds – Third Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Lance Allen delivers the message at the 9 and 11 a.m. services. The December “The Spire” newsletter: tinyurl.com/mwaa8x3v. First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge. Church voicemail, 818-360-1831. www.fpcgh.org
In the Name of Wholeness – Enriching the World: The Rev. Michael McMorrow delivers the message, based on the church’s December spiritual values theme “Living as Wholeness,” 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: tinyurl.com/3c5jtvej
Proclaiming – Third Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Timothy Jenks delivers the message, based on Isaiah 61:1-3, at 9:30 a.m. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. Facebook: bit.ly/41nCcKs. www.cplchurch.org
Be an Actor in Your Story, Not an Observer– Third Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Jonathan B. Hall, PhD, delivers the message, based on Ezra 3:10-13, 10 a.m. First Christian Church of North Hollywood (Disciples of Christ), 4390 Colfax Ave., Studio City. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org. Newsletter for the week and upcoming events: tinyurl.com/45sdsmb3
A Birthday Surprise for Jesus: The Reseda Church of Christ Drama Group presents a play, written by Trisha Mann-Grant, at the prelude to the praise and worship service, 10 a.m. The Rev. Dewayne Winrow is the senior pastor. Reseda Church of Christ, 7806 Reseda Blvd. 818-342-4755. resedachurch.com. www.facebook.com/ResedaChurch
I Hope They Make It! – Third Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Douglas Dickson explains the message, based on John 1:1-19 and 14, at the 10 a.m. English-language service. Pastor Ralph Kwon delivers the message at the 11:30 a.m. Korean-language service. December newsletter: tinyurl.com/y3smh3x6. Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. 818-886-1555. northridgeumc.org
Joy of the Lord – Third Sunday in Advent: Rev. Kalesita ‘Ulu’ave-Tu’ifua delivers the message and the Sunday School presents the Nativity story, 10 a.m. A service in Tongan is held at noon. Knollwood United Methodist Church, 12121 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills. 818-360-8111 or 818-284-3495. knollwoodchurch.wordpress.com/
Panorama Presbyterian Church: The Rev. Darren Pollack, PhD, leads the service that includes a handbell performance by the Panorama Presbyterian Church Bronze Trio, 10 a.m. Location, 14201 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City. 818-894-8316.
Prepare the Way: The Rev. Chamie Delkeskamp delivers the message, based on Luke 1:57-58; 67 and 76-79, at 10:30 a.m. North Hollywood First United Methodist Church, 4831 Tujunga Ave. 818-763-8231. www.facebook.com/nohofumc1. “Good News” newsletter details: tinyurl.com/4a3tnsbh
Fighting Against Racism — How to Hold Ourselves Accountable: Guest speaker the Rev. Celia Young, founder of Authentic Living Ministry, discusses the topic, 10:30 a.m. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 7304 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. 818-887-6101. www.emersonuuc.org
Peace – I Am Calm and Peaceful: Liz Raci gives an inspiring message on the church’s December theme, 11 a.m. The theme is based on Philippians 4:7. 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” December newsletter: tinyurl.com/4fv5vppn
Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church: Pastor Pierre Howard and First Lady-Evangelist Mary Howard lead the worship service, 11 a.m. The church theme for 2023 is “Believe in God,” based on John 14:1. Location, 13901 Polk St. 818-364-8955. Facebook: tinyurl.com/292rauyu. www.sylmarcfc.org
St. Mark Parish – Centennial: The congregation celebrates 100 years with Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at 12:30 p.m. Location, 940 Coeur D Alene Ave., Venice. 310-821-5058. www.stmarkvenice.com/
Celebrate the Light Returning and the Winter Solstice: Speakers include the Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey, Lisa Bailey and Pastor AJ Blackwood, 5 p.m. Meet-and-greet, 4:30 p.m. Services are in-person and on Zoom (find the link on the website). The society’s December theme is “Divine Light.” Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, meeting at Center for Spiritual Living, 17622 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. 818-894-9251. Details: tinyurl.com/2p8zxzhd
Blue Christmas Service: 5 p.m. Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 24901 Orchard Village Road, Santa Clarita. 661-259-7307. www.st-stephens.org/this-week
Dec 20
Longest Night Service: Join the quiet candlelit gathering, 7 p.m. First Christian Church of North Hollywood (Disciples of Christ), 4390 Colfax Ave., Studio City. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org. Church newsletter: tinyurl.com/45sdsmb3
Dec. 21
Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk: A short introduction for walking the labyrinth, followed by a ritual ceremony before the walk, 7 p.m. Freewill offering. Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. 818-784-4515. www.hsrcenter.com. Details: tinyurl.com/4rvfh6nz
Dec. 22
Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Ahavat Shalom: Rabbi Becky Hoffman and Cantorial Soloist Elizabeth Kerstein lead the 7 p.m. service. Location, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. www.facebook.com/TASnorthridge. tasnorthridge.org
Blue Holidays — Longest Night Service: 7 p.m. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 7304 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. 818-887-6101. www.emersonuuc.org
Shabbat at Temple Beth Emet: Rabbi Mark H. Sobel leads the service, 7 p.m. Check the “Chai Times” for December: tinyurl.com/3xprukjm. Location, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. 818-843-4787. www.templebethemet.com
Shabbat at Temple Beth Hillel: 7 p.m. Rabbi Sarah Hronsky is the senior rabbi. Location, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. 818-763-9148. www.tbhla.org/
Send information at least two weeks ahead. holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.