Here is a sampling of upcoming faith gatherings and community outreach events.
Back to Church Weekend - Bethel Church: Families are invited to a pancake breakfast, 9-10 a.m., followed by games and activities for children, and meet-and-greet church leaders, staff and members of the congregation. Also, the Sunday worship service, 10 a.m. Sept. 15, followed by a fellowship coffee time. Location, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley. 818-767-4488. bethelsunvalley.com
Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church: A contemporary service, 5 p.m. Also, a 10 a.m. traditional service on Sept. 15. The church's September "Oakleaves" newsletter: tinyurl.com/4ed5ke6s. The Rev. Titus A. Utecht is the lead pastor. Location, 14847 Dickens St. 818-789-0215. www.facebook.com/ShermanOaksLutheran. shermanoakslutheran.org
Taming the Tongue - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: The Rev. Timothy Jenks explains the message, based on James 3:1-12, at the 9:30 a.m. service. Canoga Park Lutheran Church, 7357 Jordan Ave. 818-348-5714. Facebook: tinyurl.com/4kvwdryn. www.cplchurch.org
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: The Rev. Janet Hansted delivers the message, 9:30 a.m. Sunday's service bulletin: tinyurl.com/2p3fp8nk. St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills. 818-346-3070. www.stlukelutheran.com
The Jarring Disconnect When Promises Fail to Connect with Experience: The Rev. Jonathan B. Hall, PhD, explains the message, based on Genesis 15:1-6, at the 10 a.m. service. First Christian Church of North Hollywood (Disciples of Christ), 4390 Colfax Ave. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org. www.facebook.com/FCCNorthHollywood. Newsletter details: tinyurl.com/7x5uf3u4
Hymn Sing Worship Sunday: The Rev. Kalesita Tu'ifua delivers the message, based on Mark 8:27-38, at the 10 a.m. service. Knollwood United Methodist Church, 12121 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills. 818-360-8111 or 818-284-3495. https://knollwoodchurch.wordpress.com. https://www.facebook.com/KnollwoodUMC1
Slowing Down: The Rev. Chloë Briedé explains the message, 10:30 a.m. Bring a mask to wear at the service or watch on Zoom (link on the website). Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 7304 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park. 818-887-6101. www.emersonuuc.org
Tomorrow, We Face a New Reality: Arrive for a meet-and-greet, 4:30 p.m.; the Rev. Gordon Clay-Bailey and Pastor AJ Blackwood explain the message, 5 p.m. Refreshments, 6 p.m. Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, meeting at Center for Spiritual Living, 17622 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills. 818-724-4260. sepulvedauu.org. Details for this service: sepulvedauu.org/tomorrow-we-face-a-new-reality/
Full Moon and World Healing Meditation Ceremony: The Spiritual Unity Movement holds a gathering on September's full moon, the Harvest Moon, with guest speaker the Rev. Jay Willick, and music by Andrea Lane and Billy Shank, 6:55 p.m. Theme: "Insight, Mystery and Wonder." If you are able, bring your own percussion instrument. Donation $20 suggested. Meeting is also online on Zoom: tinyurl.com/3x8kwk49 and use ID: 867 2798 5830 and Passcode: FullMoon. Meeting at Center for Spiritual Living - Granada Hills, 17622 Chatsworth St. 855-786-2642. Email: [email protected]. www.spiritualunitymovement.org
Shabbat at Temple Ramat Zion: Rabbi Ahud Sela leads the service, 7:30 p.m. In addition, a Shabbat morning service, 9 a.m. every Saturday. (First Friday of the month Shabbat service, 6 p.m.). Location, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. 818-360-1881. www.trz.org
Food Drive for CSUN Food Pantry: The Community Concerns Committee at First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills holds a non-perishable food drive to help stock the food pantry at Cal State University, Northridge 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and also 8:30-11 a.m. Sept. 22. The pantry benefits students who do not have much income for food while school is in session (CSUN Food Pantry, tinyurl.com/ysw6k5n5). Donations of canned and dry packaged goods, and also, hygiene/personal care products, are needed. No glass containers or expired dates. Drop off items at the church, 10400 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills. 818-360-1831. Details on the church's September "The Spire" newsletter: tinyurl.com/yc38y8yh
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim - A Casual Conversation: The founder of the Jungto Society presents a talk on using Buddhist teachings for everyday dilemmas and becoming more aware of present moments in one's life, 7 p.m. Free admission, but register to attend. Location, Orchard Conference Center, on the campus of California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St. www.jungtosociety.org/casual-conversation-with-ven-pomnyun-sunim-2024/
Autumn Equinox Labyrinth Walk: A short introduction on walking a labyrinth, an opening ritual, followed by the walk, 7 p.m. Free will offering. Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Sr. Chris, 818-285-3354. www.hsrcenter.com. Details: tinyurl.com/4rzy2pa2