BRIEFLY IN RELIGION

One-stop Chanukah shop to open

Chabad Jewish Center in Laguna Beach is opening a “one-stop Chanukah shop” Monday, Nov. 27.

The shop will carry specialty items, including serving platters, Star of David candy dishes, DVDs and videos, books, musical Chanukah snow globes and other Judaica items, such as mezuzah cases, menorahs, candles, dreidles and candy gelt.

The shop at 30804 S. Coast Highway is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call the Chabad office at (949) 499 -- 0770.

Tamales, music highlight open house

Laguna Presbyterian Church will join the downtown community in an evening of holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. The entire church campus will be open for visitors. In Tankersley Hall, the Women of La Playa will sell their homemade tamales and Mexican hot chocolate.

Inside the sanctuary, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the handbell choir and children’s choir will perform, and community carol singing will be available.

Everyone is invited, admission is free. Laguna Presbyterian Church is located at 415 Forest Ave. For more information, contact the church office at (949) 494-7555.

Mom’s Group hosts speaker

The Mom’s Group of Laguna Presbyterian Church invites all mothers and grandmothers of preschoolers and school-aged children to hear Judie Byrd share ways to help families eat together on a regular basis, plus give creative craft ideas for the holidays on Friday, Dec. 1, at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor.

The event is free.

Byrd is the founder of Super Suppers and the Culinary School of Fort Worth. She has studied in cooking schools throughout the world.

The parlor is on the corner of Forest and Second avenues.

For more information, contact Lisa Wilhelm at (949) 494-7555.

Grief counseling offered

Jackie Pearson, MFCC, will present practical steps to bring relief and comfort from grief during the holiday season on Monday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the parlor of Laguna Presbyterian Church.

The parlor is located at the corner of the rose garden at Forest and Second avenues.

All are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact Kathy Sizer at (949) 494-7555.