Lutheran Church in the Foothills

All are invited to Lutheran Church in the Foothills for “Cookies and Carols” this Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Everyone is encouraged to bring a batch of their favorite Christmas cookies to share, and celebrate the season with fellowship, sharing favorite Christmas memories and singing of carols.

Additionally, if you’re looking to honor a loved one this holiday season, LCIF will once again offer its grand poinsettia display on the altar. Poinsettia plants can be dropped off at the church on Sunday, Dec. 17 through Friday, Dec. 22. Forms are available for those who would like to dedicate the plant in honor or memory of a loved one. Plants can be picked up after Christmas for anyone who would like to bring their plant home.

LCIF also reminds the community of its ongoing food drive to help feed the hungry. Canned goods can be dropped off during Sunday worship or anytime at the church’s office. They will be distributed to the food pantry at Heart of the Canyon Church in Tujunga.  

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.

Special Events at CSL

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.

The last service will take place at Mt. Olive on Wednesday, Dec. 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. 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.