Lutheran Church in the Foothills

The season of Advent has arrived and with it comes new music at Lutheran Church in the Foothills.

“I’ve written new liturgy music for the season, which I hope the congregation will find meaningful and easy to sing,” said Mark Anzelon, the director of music at LCIF. From the Latin word “coming,” Advent is a time when Christians begin the liturgical year with preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

“We’re in the wonderful season of Advent and Christmas when we get to sing those familiar carols that make the season special,” said Anzelon. All are invited to sing along each Sunday in December during LCIF’s 10 a.m. Advent worship with Pastor Rick Hall.  

And calling all chefs … LCIF will hold a “Pot Luck Fellowship” on Dec. 10 following Sunday worship. Bring a dish and celebrate the holiday season. Store-bought items are appreciated as well. A congregational meeting will follow the potluck.

Visit lcifoothills.org for event details, including small group gatherings and opportunities to serve. For more information or to request/offer help, email office@lcifoothills.org or call (818) 790-1951. The church is located at 1700 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Experience The Nativity

Community Christian Church of the Foothills in Tujunga invites the community to experience the joy of Christmas at its drive-thru nativity Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Guests will drive past various scenes of the nativity story with actors portraying Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the angel, and the wise men.

Approximately 2,000 people are expected to experience the drive-thru nativity, now in its 24^th year.

Community Christian Church, 10193 Tujunga Canyon Blvd.,

Tujunga is just north of Foothill Boulevard and next to the post office.

To learn more about Community Christian Church, visit CommunityChristianChurch.info, or phone (818) 353-8080.

Weekly Sunday worship is at 10 a.m.; Wednesday Night Kids program is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Thursday night Bible study is at 7 p.m.

Special Events at CSL

The Center for Spiritual Living-La Crescenta presents award-winning actor and storyteller Harry Hart-Browne. On Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. he will perform his adaptation of the fascinating classic of the paranormal, “The Boy Who Saw True” by Anonymous. Tickets are $20.

On Saturday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Iyashirochi presents “Sound Bath Healing with Yumiko and Dennis” in the sanctuary. Donation is $25.

The Center for Spiritual Living-La Crescenta is located at 4845 Dunsmore Ave. (at the corner of Santa Carlotta Ave.).

Mt. Olive Offers Midweek Advent Services

The sacred calendar of the Christian faith begins with the season of Advent, the season of hopeful expectation in which we simultaneously prepare for both the annual celebration of Christ’s first Advent over two thousand years ago and the coming second Advent of Christ when he returns to establish God’s kingdom in its everlasting completeness on the Earth.

So prior to the full flowering of Christmastime each year, those at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church prepare their hearts, minds and souls for the celebration of the nativity of our Lord by gathering together for our “Holden Evening Advent Services” on the Wednesdays leading up to Christmas.

The Holden Evening Service is a beautiful and peaceful service of music and prayer, and it’s a beloved service in many Lutheran congregations at this time of year.

These services will take place at Mt. Olive on the Wednesdays of Dec. 13 and 20 at 7 p.m.

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church reminds the public that it hosts a community luncheon on the second Wednesday of each month through May. There is “wonderful food and amazing entertainment.” Cost is just $5. All are invited.

Mt. Olive is located at 3561 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.

Community Christmas Celebration 

On Saturday, Dec. 16 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Bethel Church invites the community to enjoy Christmas crafts, desserts, cookie and ornament decorating, nativity photo backdrop, trivia contest, Christmas carols, tree lighting, candles and gifts for kids. All free!

Then, on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. Bethel Church celebrates the birth of Christ. There will be Christmas carols, a Biblical message, special music, candle lighting and refreshments. All are welcome!

Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., is in Sun Valley; (818) 767-4488; bethelsunvalley.com

All Invited to Support Group

Around the Rainbow, a support group for families of LGBTQIA individuals, meets monthly on the first and third Tuesday nights (note the new days) at Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose in room 24: church narthex. Gathering is at 6:30 p.m. and meeting is from 7-8 p.m. 

For more information, contact Jo Ann Stupakis at jostupakis@yahoo.com.

Walk and Word

In December, Walk and Word participants will meet in the parking lot of Deukmejian Wilderness Park, 3429 Markridge Road in La Crescenta/Glendale at 8 a.m. on Dec. 10, 17, 24 & 31. Participants will walk for the first hour and then gather to read a selection of Scripture. About a half hour will be spent journaling about what was read and then there will be conversation, sharing thoughts.

Participants are asked to bring something to write with, anything wanted to eat or drink, and a chair to use for the writing part of the morning. Because people will be outdoors and social distancing will be practiced, masks will be optional.

Those with questions can email Jeanne at jnlavieri@earthlink.net.

All are welcome. If the hike is too strenuous, there are level paths at the park. There are ramps from the parking lot to the field where the group gathers after the hike.