Religion Notes

BLOCK PARTY: The New Christ Memorial Church will host its second annual block party from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. today at the church, 13333 Vaughn St., Pacoima. Live entertainment includes gospel music, reggae, hip-hop, rappers, dancers and mariachi bands. The free event will offer 60 tons of free food to local residents, churches and social service organizations. Information: (818) 361-1087.

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GAY AND LESBIAN CONFERENCE: Valley Beth Shalom Response, a support group for Jewish gays, lesbians, bisexuals and their families, will hold a daylong conference to explore religious and legal issues from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the temple, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Topics will include the freedom to marry, discrimination in the workplace, making synagogues inclusive and the media’s influence on gay-lesbian issues. Information: (818) 788-6000.

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100 YEARS OF ZIONISM: Phil Blazer, publisher of Jewish News, will speak at a celebration of the Herzl centennial, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Zionist World Congress, at 10 a.m. Sunday in the Adat Ari El Synagogue, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Reservations required. Information and reservations: (818) 783-3488.

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GOSPEL ACCURACY: Marcus Borg, fellow of the Jesus Seminar dedicated to studying the accuracy of the words attributed to Jesus in the gospels, will speak at the 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday services at Church of the Valley, 6565 Vesper Ave., Van Nuys. Borg is also a professor of religion and culture at Oregon State University. A donation of $10 is requested. Information: (818) 786-4070.

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NEW WORLD MUSIC: The Rio Hondo Recorder Workshop and Collegium Musicum will present “Early Music from the New World” at 4 p.m. Sunday at Mission San Fernando, 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills. The concert features pieces by Renaissance and Baroque composers trained in Europe whose music became infused with the rhythms of the New World. Musicians will play copies of brass and woodwind instruments. The cost is the entrance fee to the mission, $4. Information: (818) 361-0186.

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WOMEN AT THE WELL: Women at the Well, a group that gathers monthly to deepen members’ spirituality through prayer, reflection and faith sharing, will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Information: (818) 784-4515.

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News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.