Here is a sampling of upcoming faith gatherings in the San Fernando Valley area.
Dec. 10
Second 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/
Joseph and Mary – Second 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
Recognizing Wholeness – Seeing the Good in All: 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/ycv298pp
Preparing – Second Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Timothy Jenks delivers the message, based on Isaiah 40 and Mark 1, at 9:30 a.m. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. Facebook: bit.ly/41nCcKs. www.cplchurch.org
Peace on Earth – Second Sunday in Advent: Rev. Kalesita ‘Ulu’ave-Tu’ifua delivers the message, based on Psalm 85:8, at 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/
While We Wait… – Second Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Douglas Dickson explains the message, based on Isaiah 64, 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
Children’s Christmas Pageant and Second Sunday in Advent: The Rev. Jonathan B. Hall, PhD, delivers the Advent message, 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/yrbeedwe
Reseda Church of Christ: Praise and worship, 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Dewayne Winrow is the senior pastor. Location, 7806 Reseda Blvd. 818-342-4755. resedachurch.com. www.facebook.com/ResedaChurch
Singing Loud for All to Hear: The Rev. Chamie Delkeskamp delivers the message, based on Luke 1:26-55, 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
We Need Not Vote Alike to Love Alike: The Rev. Matthew McHale discusses the topic, with worship associate Tracy Watson, 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: Matt Toronto gives an educational viewpoint 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
Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Center: The event includes music by the band Mostly Kosher, Hanukkah story retelling (1, 2 and 3:45 p.m.), dance, crafting activities, photo booth, latkes and jelly doughnuts, noon-5:30 p.m. Hanukkiah lighting, 5 p.m. Admission $18; $15 seniors and full-time students; $13 ages 2-12. Reservations. Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. Details and to purchase admission: www.skirball.org/programs/hanukkah-festival
Toluca Lake Jewish Festival and Hanukkah Party: Chabad of Toluca Lake presents the event that includes entertainment, live music, raffle prizes and a “gelt drop,” 3:30 p.m. Event location, Chase Bank parking lot, 10550 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. www.chabadoftolucalake.com/
St. James Sunday Concerts presents Joy to the World: A Christmas concert with favorite songs and audience singalong, 4 p.m. Free admission. A voluntary offering will be taken. St. James Presbyterian Church, 19414 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. 818-345-2057. Flyer: tinyurl.com/3bysctdw
Hope! A Gospel Christmas Celebration: Simi Valley United Methodist Church presents its Chancel Choir and Gospel Band performing the cantata by Joel Raney; followed by an original composition played and sung by composer Luis Conte; a performance by the Adult Handbell Ensemble; an organ solo and Christmas carol singalong, 4 p.m. Free admission. A freewill offering will be taken, and with all proceeds benefiting For the Need Foundation of Simi Valley (fortheneed.org). Location, 2394 Erringer Road, Simi Valley. 805-526-6231. simivalleychurch.com/
Given the Chance, We Are Meant to Shine: The Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey delivers the message, 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. sepulvedauu.org/services/given-the-chance-we-are-meant-to-shine/
Jazz Vespers at Northridge United Methodist Church: A “Celebration of Holiday” concert as 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/y3smh3x6
Dec. 11
Parks Chapel AME Church Community Holiday Toy Drive: Donate new, unwrapped toys to be given out to children in the church’s local community on Dec. 16. Donations may be dropped off: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today and also, Dec. 13-14. Location, 1102 Fourth St., San Fernando. 818-898-1833. More information at 848-568-2493 or 818-617-8349.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Pan Pacific Park: Village Synagogue leads the blessings for the fifth night of Hanukkah and lighting the hanukkiah and entertainment by Kosha Dillz, Idan Raichel Project and Zusha, 5:30 p.m. Make a reservation to attend, free/$10 (also, sponsorships). Location, across from The Grove, Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/villagesynagogue. Details and to make a reservation: tinyurl.com/4cbvpkcu
Hanukkah at the Shoppes – Westlake Village: Chabad of Conejo leads the event with blessings and hanukkiah lighting, 5:30 p.m. Location, 30770 Russell Ranch Road. shoppesatwestlakevillage.com/events.
Dec. 12
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting – Calabasas: The Commons at Calabasas hosts the event for the sixth night of Hanukkah, 6:30 p.m. The event includes live music, Hanukkah food treats and concludes with a fireworks show. Location is at the Calabasas Civic Center Plaza, adjacent to the Commons, 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. www.shopcommons.com/events/menorah-lighting/
Jews of the West – An Adult Education Series: Rabbi Mark H. Sobel presents the second of a five-part series, “Sephardic Jews of the Northwest – The Lure of the Sea,” 7 p.m. Free to attend; donations appreciated. Lectures available to watch on Zoom. Upcoming: “The Alamo and Peddlers of Texas – Stephen Austin, Anthony Wolf, Galba Fuqua and Israel Zanwill,” 7 p.m. Jan. 19; series continues on Feb. 13 and March 12. Temple Beth Emet, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. 818-843-4787. See the flyer: tinyurl.com/3xprukjm
Dec. 13
Getting Ready for Blessings – A Mid-Week Advent Service: The Rev. Timothy Jenks delivers the message, 6:30 p.m. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. Facebook: bit.ly/41nCcKs. www.cplchurch.org
Dec. 14
Hanukkah in the Foothills: The community is invited to learn about Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, with candle lighting, food, games and music, 5 p.m. Location, Elk’s Lodge, 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. www.facebook.com/hanukkahinthefoothills/
Dec. 15
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
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/
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 Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley. 818-767-4488. www.bethelsunvalley.com/
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
Send information at least two weeks ahead. holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.