Purim, a Jewish festival that begins at sundown this year on March 6, includes a public reading of the Megillah, or scroll, of Esther, exchanging gifts of food with family and friends and giving to charity. People also attend and wear costumes to carnivals or a Purim shpiel (usually a theme musical version of the story of Queen Esther and her Uncle Mordechai to save Jews from the plotting of the evil Haman). Hamantaschen, a three-cornered pastry with traditional poppy seed filling or many other sweet or savory fillings, is a Purim treat. (Photo, March 17, 2022, by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Here is a sampling of upcoming faith gatherings in the San Fernando Valley area.
March 4
The Peacemaker: The Rev. Titus Utecht begins a four-part sermon series based on “The Peace Maker – A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict,” by Ken Sande, at the contemporary service, 5 p.m. Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Also, at the traditional/blended service, 10 a.m. March 5. March newsletter, the Oakleaves: bit.ly/3y83GWQ. Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church, 14847 Dickens St. 818-789-0215. www.facebook.com/ShermanOaksLutheran. shermanoakslutheran.org
Purim at Temple Beth Emet: A multi-lingual reading of the Megillah of Esther, 7 p.m. Location, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. 818-843-4787. www.templebethemet.com
March 5
Second Sunday in Lent at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church: Two services, 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday’s service bulletin: bit.ly/3h83EUS. This week’s newsletter: www.popwh.org/happenings.html. Location, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. 818-346-6968. Email: office@popwh.org.
Everyone Else Is Already Taken: The Rev. Michael McMorrow explains the message at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. The church’s March theme is “Cultivating Authenticity.” Center for Spiritual Living, 17622 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. 818-363-8136. www.facebook.com/csl.granadahills. This week’s details: bit.ly/3mj0p4q
How Is Your Faith – Second Sunday in Lent: The Rev. Timothy Jenks explains the message, based on Romans 4:1-8 and John 3:1-17, at 9:30 a.m. Sermons are recorded and available to watch on the church’s Facebook and website. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. Facebook: bit.ly/41nCcKs. www.cplchurch.org
Second Sunday in Lent: The Rev. Janet Hansted delivers the message, 9:30 a.m. Check here for the service bulletin: bit.ly/3YdtM5C. Weekly newsletter: (www.stlukelutheran.com/events-1). St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills. 818-346-3070. www.stlukelutheran.com
Purim Shpiel and Carnival at Temple Judea: “Megillah Rouge!,” 10 a.m. March 5. Carnival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (purchase tickets at the event). Fun dress code: costumes. Location, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. templejudea.com/purim/
Born Again…Again – Communion Sunday: The Rev. Douglas Dickson explains the message, based on John 3:1-17, at the 10 a.m. service (English-language). The Rev. Ralph Kwon delivers the message at the 11:30 a.m. service (Korean-language). The March newsletter: bit.ly/3SInGJe. Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. 818-886-1555. northridgeumc.org
Are You Envious Because I Am Generous?: The Rev. Jonathan B. Hall explains the message, based on Matthew 19:30 to Matthew 20:1-16, at the 10 a.m. service. First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax Ave. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org. Newsletter for this Sunday: bit.ly/3mkX5WA
Reseda Church of Christ: The Rev. Dewayne Winrow delivers the message, 10 a.m. Location, 7806 Reseda Blvd. 818-342-4755. www.facebook.com/ResedaChurch. Church website: bit.ly/3jl8LaQ
Purim Carnival at Temple Aliyah: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at the event. Location, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland HIlls. www.templealiyah.org/event/purim-carnival1.html
Trust Me: The Rev. Matthew McHale, with worship associate Tracy Watson, discuss the message, 10:30 a.m. service. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 7304 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. 818-887-6101. www.emersonuuc.org
Health – I Am Healed, Whole and Well: Liz Raci gives her perspective on the topic of the month at the 11 a.m. service. The March theme is based on 3 John 1:2 (“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”) 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” March newsletter: bit.ly/3yaWuJu
March 6
Purim at Shomrei Torah Synagogue: Schedule, Ma’ariv (evening prayer), 6 p.m.; Purim program and a Megillah reading by teens from Temple Aliyah and Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 6:30 p.m.; a Purim Shpiel “Mordechai Superstar” with Temple Aliyah’s Hazzan Michael Stein, 7 p.m.; Ma’ariv and a full Megillah of Esther reading, 8 p.m. Location, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. www.templealiyah.org/purim.html#Carnival and www.stsonline.org
Purim with Chabad of the Conejo: Two events: A Megillah of Esther reading, 6:30 p.m. (no reservations required; food items will be available for purchase). A carnival “Purim at the County Fair,” 4:30 p.m. March 7 ($30; $18 children; reservations required here: bit.ly/3SKdAYm). Location for both, Chabad Community Center, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. 818-991-0991. chabadconejo.com/purim
March 7
Full Moon World Healing Meditation Ceremony: Spiritual Unity Movement presents guest speaker Arline Erickson explains and discusses, “What Is Your Mage Price and Are You Willing to Pay for It?” at 6:55 p.m. Guest musician is Jaynee Thorne. The gathering is also available to watch on Zoom: bit.ly/3miA0Un and use ID: 86727985830 and Passcode: FullMoon. Donation $20 suggested. Meeting at the Center for Spiritual Living, 17622 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. www.spiritualunitymovement.org
March 10
Shabbat at Temple Judea: 6:15 p.m. Location, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. 818-758-3800. templejudea.com. Details: bit.ly/3u20TvJ
Shabbat at Temple Beth Emet: Rabbi Mark H. Sobel leads the service, 7 p.m. Check the congregation’s “Chai Times” newsletter for March on the website Location, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. 818-843-4787. www.templebethemet.com
March 12
Jazz Vespers at Northridge United Methodist Church: Pacific Swingline performs, and art by Dana Greaves, 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: bit.ly/3SInGJe
March 14
Judaism Prophecy and Practice – From the Bones of Ezekiel to the Flesh of the Leper: Rabbi Mark H. Sobel finishes up his adult education series on the topic. Fifth lecture: “The Frankenstein Monster, the Golem’s Progeny,” 7 p.m. The lectures are also available on Zoom (check the website for how to join on Zoom). Free/donations to the temple are accepted. Temple Beth Emet, 600 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank. 818-843-4787. Details: www.templebethemet.com/education/adult-education
Ongoing
Lenten Fish Fry at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church: Fish dinner or fish tacos dinner for dine-in or take-away, 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays through March 31. Cost $15 for two-piece; $16 for three-piece. Also, a Family Pack, $55 (includes 10 pieces Beer Battered Cod with a choice of 2 sides (fries, rice, beans), along with rolls, coleslaw and condiments). Beverages and desserts available for purchase. Proceeds go to local charities and families in need. Location, 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country. 661-252-3353. Pre-order for pick-up: saint-clares-fish-fry.square.site. www.st-clare.org
Fish Fry with the Knights of Columbus Tujunga Council #4438: Fish dinners for dine-in or take-away, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays through March 31. Cost $15; $12 juniors; $10 children. Proceeds go to local charities in Sunland-Tujunga. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 10275 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga. Details: bit.ly/3mlXuYB
Send information at least two weeks ahead. holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.
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