QUESTION: My husband and I have been married six years and except for one issue I’ve
been exceptionally happy. He never compliments me but is quick to tell me if
something is wrong. For example, he’ll say, “You have a hair sticking out of
your nose” or “You forgot to bring the mail in.” I recently had my hair
colored, cut and styled. By the time I returned home, I had received three
compliments, two from male sales persons and one female. My husband said
nothing.

I praise him to high heaven about the way he dresses, his cooking
when he cooks for us and the nice way he keeps our yard. I’ve talked to
him about this but my words seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Perhaps I’m
not an effective communicator. Can this be resolved?
– Likes Compliments

Dear Likes Compliments,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation since I know it must be hurtful to
have a spouse who is constantly critical. I don’t want to be too blunt, but in all honesty I find it hard to believe you can be “exceptionally happy” in a relationship where your husband never compliments you but is always quick to find fault. This does not sound to me like a healthy marriage.

In a wholesome marriage, one often compliments and praises his or her spouse – there is a feeling of mutual acceptance, support and encouragement.  A less-than-healthy scenario emerges when the criticisms and complaints overwhelm the compliments. In your case, it seems that all you receive is negative remarks and rebukes, with little or no praise.

I’m also concerned that even after you discussed the matter with your husband and openly expressed your feelings, his behavior hasn’t improved. Frankly, you should not have to put up with this. I strongly recommend that you seek marriage therapy in order to improve your relationship and to enable you to grow as a couple. The good news is that you realize there’s something wrong and are willing to work on your marriage. Recognizing that there is a problem is half of the solution.

I trust and pray that your husband will also recognize the unhealthy undercurrent in your relationship and that he’ll be open to working on the issue with a qualified marriage counselor. In order to thrive, relationships require effort and attention. I encourage you to be strong, stay positive and realize that challenges like this give you an opportunity seek out help – and that therapy can result in a better, happier marriage than you had before.

Rabbi Simcha Backman,
Chabad Jewish Center
rabbi@chabadcenter.org

Dear Likes Compliments,
“I love myself the way I am, there’s nothing I need to change. I’m beautiful, I’m capable; There’s nothing to rearrange.” Some words to one of my favorite songs. Knowing that you are perfect and great just the way you are, even if you “oops”
because you forgot to bring in the mail, that is what is most important for you to focus on rather than “waiting and hoping,
and wishing and praying” for compliments from your husband.

Start acknowledging your own self-worth and value and beauty.
Look in the mirror every day and say, “I love you” to yourself. It may be uncomfortable to do at first, but keep at it. This issue is really about you first, and your husband secondarily.

Perhaps in his family history, he felt he was not loved or encouraged, so he only knows to pass that behavior on to those around him. And perhaps in your family history, you had
feelings of not being loved or appreciated, and that’s why compliments are important to you. In the bigger picture, if everything else makes you “exceptionally happy,” then don’t focus on this one issue. Do continue to compliment and acknowledge him, and perhaps in time he will get the idea and share compliments back to you. Love is the most powerful healing energy of all, and when we
surround ourselves and others with love, nothing else matters and those little irritants of human behavior become insignificant
in the scheme of the big picture of life.

You are his teacher, and he is yours. Love each other through those frustrating moments
and life will be good, and even better.
Blessings,

Laney Clevenger, White RScP
Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta
laneycl@ca.rr.com

QUESTION: Everywhere I look, people are on cellphones. Even though laws have been passed about legal consequences for talking and texting while driving, it seems the laws are often being ignored. Jesus said, “Obey the law of the land,” but that doesn’t seem to have any bearing on doing what is right legally and morally for many people.

I’m writing this because while driving on the freeway recently, a person talking on a cellphone started to move over into my lane without even looking. Had I not moved over into another lane, there would have been an accident. It really irritates me that there are those who do not consider the safety of others and themselves as a priority. Although I know others’ actions are none of my business, I welcome any ideas that will help me to not become angry when I observe these laws being broken time after time.

– Safety First

Dear Safety First,
You referenced Romans 13 about obeying earthly laws, but have you considered the fact that God’s laws get broken every single day and not just by ignorant pagans, but by folks like you and me who believe God and read His Bible? Jesus sees everything that distracts us from staying on His straight-and-narrow, and knows every time that we sadly disregard His instructions given for our spiritual commute. He must think we’re all on spiritual cellphones! Just recognize a common human failing which we all share, and forgive violators, but you can always pray for an alert squad-car to happen by…

I think cellphones are just the latest distraction among many. People drive and fix their faces, adjust radios, eat fast food, drink coffee and read maps; sometimes all at once! We’ve all been guilty. I don’t think cellphoners perceive their behavior as unsafe, and that’s why police departments are flooding the streets with penalty threats like, “Text, Talk, Ticket,” or “Dead Man Talking,” which is ironic in that these signs are also distracting as we read them rather than watch the road. And then there are the cell traps.

So I don’t think it’ll be too much longer that we’ll see cell-phoning drivers, but until that time, take a breath, think the best of others and just continue to do what you apparently learned when you first got your license ¬–drive defensively. And may angels surround your vehicle at all times!

Rev. Bryan Griem
Montrose Community Church (CCCC)
MontroseCommunity@sbcglobal.net

Dear Safety First,
Unfortunately, one of the most difficult things for us to accept as Christians who know the Word of God is this: We cannot make others abide by God’s laws or the laws of the land. It is impossible. When people do not, and we are the type of individuals who find ourselves fixated on right and wrong, we often have to learn a very difficult lesson: being able to let go and accept that we cannot change others actions.

That is not to say that we are not right in our perception of things, someone almost running you off the road while talking on the phone is wrong, dangerous, and should be seen by a police officer [and] receive the appropriate fine and reprimand. But alas, if we expect every wrong doing to be discovered and punished, we will be frustrated and disappointed in life.

However, we can do our small part. Writing in was your first step. I am hopeful that this question will convict someone out there, and perhaps save another, from being victim of an accident. Are there other ways you can do your part to speak against texting, cellphone use and driving? This is often how people start a cause – to bring awareness to issues they believe in. Not considering the safety of others is morally wrong. But think of all those who drink, use substances and have other distractions while driving. Some with less of a moral standard, Christian or not, could snicker or be irritated by those pointing out their flaws. We cannot win with our often accurate observations of others’ wrongs. We can only do our small part and pray and let others’ bad habits roll off our back.

This is how you deal with your own anger: acceptance that we cannot control or change other people’s actions. Otherwise, we will be continuously irritated with the sins of others. And find ourselves angry over things we cannot change.

Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian
Kimberlie Zakarian Therapy
Kimberlie@kimberliezakariantherapy.com

New Men’s Ministry at La Cres Pres
La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is launching a new men’s ministry on Wednesdays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. in the church chapel. The new ministry is open to men of all ages and will be led by a trio of leaders including Lee Cook, director of Spiritual Formation, Phil Van Horn, a national sports consultant and Pete McKenzie, a notable leader of men’s ministry groups in Orange County.

The mission of this new group is to reach men for Christ, impact marriages and families, and support the church’s spiritual and financial leadership.

For more information, contact the church office at (818) 249-6137 or online at www.lcpc.net.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is located at 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta.

By Leonard COUTIN

On Sunday, families and friends of Glendale’s Temple Sinai congregation, numbering over 150 strong, attended a dedication ceremony to honor the completion of solar panels that were installed in December and January by the Moore Solar Company. The event hosted representatives from the office of Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Senator Carol Liu, Mike Antonovich and Senator Barbara Boxer. Jason Moss, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley, and Rabbi Linda Bertenthal, Congressional representative of the Union for Reform Judaism, were also there to join the celebration.

The program started with the song, “Or Zarua” led by Cantor Steve Hummel.

Rabbi Richard Schechter welcomed the audience to the historic occasion. Jan Freed, the member with a vision that brought solar to Temple Sinai, was first to be thanked.

“His vision, his commitment and his hard work is bringing this vision to life,” said the Rabbi who also praised the members of the congregation, the children who donated their weekly tzedakah money, the parents and families that had already contributed to the solar fund, and to Moore Solar and the committee that made the event happen.

Schechter addressed the need for solar. “[This is] true environment sustainability,” he said. “This act will help reduce our energy consumption and lower our carbon omissions. Judaism and Temple Sinai are committed to this primary value of ‘tikkun olamo,’ repairing and improving our world.”

He added a quote from Margaret Mead that further illustrated the power of the Temple Sinai congregation: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens could change the world.”

The 125 solar panels is a 30 KW DC photovoltaic system that will help to defer growing energy costs for the next 30 to 40 years and provide the temple with a stable energy cost that will add to their savings. It is expected to fulfill between 31% to 34% of the electric needs of Temple Sinai of Glendale (TSG). The annual production is about 40,000-45,000 KWh. Last year TSG used approximately 104,320 KWh of electricity.

Freed first considered approaching TSG with the idea of solar panels when he had them installed in his Eagle Rock home.

“To me it was obvious. As almost all experts say, life on Earth (all life) is in deep and serious danger from carbon emissions,” Freed explained. “Instead of just hoping they are wrong we ought to, and can, do something about it. The fact that we would also save a great deal of money doing this made it a no-brainer. So I took the initiative to present some proposals.

“I discovered a great deal of support from fellow members at Temple Sinai of Glendale. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

Temple Executive Vice President Eddy Polon commented, “Temple Sinai is the third temple in Southern California to go solar. We are also the third house of worship [to go solar] in the area. When Jan Freed first proposed the solar installation, the temple leadership was very skeptical. It seemed too expensive. We didn’t think we could raise the money. We were not sure of the science. We were concerned about unintended side effects, such as a leaky roof. When we finally made the decision go forward, we took a big risk. We agreed to move forward before we had raised the money. But we were all so enthusiastic. And that enthusiasm has been echoed by most of our congregation, 117 families and counting.”

The solar panels are estimated to save $200,000 not reflecting a rate increase, $500,000 at a 3% rate increase and $900,000 at a 7% rate increase.     Aside from the rate saving, there is very little maintenance required and the solar panels help to extend the life of the roof by keeping the roof cooler and decreasing the air conditioning load.

Messy Church at St. Luke’s
Messy Church: Intergenerational Creative Worship takes place at St. Luke’s of the Mountains on Friday, Feb. 3. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. The church provides the main dish. Attendees can bring a side or dessert.

Meet in the Firehouse at 2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.

Also, the next knitting group meets on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the church.

‘I AM’ at Center for Spiritual Living
The Center for Spiritual Living is “I AM” on Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. A love donation will be collected.

“I AM” is an engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that poses two practical and provocative questions: What’s wrong with our world? And “What can we do to make it better?” The filmmaker behind the inquiry is Tom Shadyac, one of Hollywood’s leading comedy practitioners and the creative force behind such blockbusters as “Ace Ventura,” “Liar Liar,” “The Nutty Professor,” and “Bruce Almighty.” However, in “I AM,” Shadyac steps in front of the camera to recount what happened to him after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, possibly for good. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged with a new sense of purpose, determined to share his own awakening to his prior life of excess and greed, and to investigate how he as an individual, and we as a race, could improve the way we live and walk in the world.

All are invited to the screening. Center for Spiritual Living

Center for Spiritual Living, 4845 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta

Scouts Welcomed this Sunday
Scout Sunday is this Sunday at Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose. All troops are welcome at 10 a.m. Mass. A school open house follows from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that includes a barbeque lunch for all who stop by to visit.

Come and see Smart board technology in use, science projects and special programs will all be featured.

For more information, contact Principal Susan Romero (818) 541-9005.

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave., Montrose

Tuesday Table Talk  
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Bethel Church will offer a showing of the film “The Grace Card” preceded by a potluck supper. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m.; the video starts at 7:15 p.m. followed by dessert and discussion at about 9 p.m.

After his son’s death, embittered police officer Mac McDonald loses faith in God and himself, but his new partner, part-time pastor Sam Wright, offers him friendship and sets him on the path to grace and redemption in this stirring Christian drama. Free.

For more information, call (818) 767-4488.

Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley

New Men’s Ministry at La Cres Pres
La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is launching a new men’s ministry on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. in the church chapel. The new ministry is open to men of all ages and will be led by a trio of leaders including Lee Cook, director of Spiritual Formation, Phil Van Horn, a national sports consultant and Pete McKenzie, a notable leader of men’s ministry groups in Orange County.

The mission of this new group is to reach men for Christ, impact marriages and families, and support the church’s spiritual and financial leadership.

For more information, contact the church office at (818) 249-6137 or online at www.lcpc.net.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is located at 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta.

QUESTION: We’re the parents of an 8-year-old son who has been bullied recently at school. The school administrators are kindly handling the situation; however, our son doesn’t want to go to school and it’s an argument every morning even though he is a good student and enjoys his studies.

I want to put him in a private school and I’m willing to work part time to help with the expenses. My husband thinks our son should learn to deal with bullies and wants him to remain in public school. He is not the one who has to get him off to school every morning because he leaves earlier. Although we’re having conversations with our son to help him get over his fear, when it comes to changing schools we’re really at odds on this issue. Is there a way to make this a win-win situation for everyone?
– Protective Mom

Dear Protective Mom,
Before I got into the ministry, I taught in a private school in Colorado. I mention this fact to point out that a private school may not make your son bully-immune. Kids in private schools can bully each other, too, although maybe not to the extent that they can in public schools.

Anyway, what to do? While I believe violence is never the answer, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if your son learned some tai chi or jiu-jitsu. Such an experience might build a little confidence in him, even if he never has to defend himself. Also, as my parents told me long ago when I was having trouble with an older boy who enjoyed picking on me, “Slug that kid once and he’ll not bother you again.” I didn’t believe my parents, of course, but one day when

I had had enough, I punched him in the cheek with a sort of “round-house right,” and then I ran home as fast as I could with my nemesis hot on my tail! I made it safely home, and the next time I saw him I was expecting the worst – but all he did was to say that if he had caught me that other day … and I agreed with him! But what my parents told me was right: I did slug him once and he never bothered me again.

Well, that’s my story, there’s some violence involved (which I don’t approve of), and my story can’t necessarily be your son’s story. But a little confidence of any sort couldn’t hurt, whether it’s body-building or ballet-dancing. And if he confronted the bully in some way, such as asking, “Why are you doing this to me?” he might be surprised at the answer. In fact, he might even get the bully to ask the same question: “Yeah. Why am I doing this?”

There are no easy answers, and one size doesn’t fit all. But having your son face his fears and the bully might be a good place to start.

The Rev. Skip Lindeman,
La Cañada Congregational Church
lindemanskip@yahoo.com

Dear Protective Mom,
I feel for your son – what must it be like to be afraid to go to school? And what must it be like for you to know that you cannot always protect him?

I see three goals for you as parents to seek as you address this problem:  1) Your son stays excited about learning. 2) Your son learns how to negotiate difficult problems. 3) You and your husband communicate to your son that his wellbeing is a number one priority.

All of your problem solving needs to focus on these three objectives.

Since the school authorities are involved, let them handle the consequences for the bully (or bullies), as well as policies and procedures that reduce bullying.

I will trust that the current father-son talks reflect the seriousness of this moment in shaping your son into a confident young man. Most children aren’t born knowing the choices of how to stand up for themselves or otherwise “deal.” We help our children build resilience to difficulties and setbacks.

In order to do this, we need to create the kind of trust that enables our kids to tell us honestly what is happening at school. Is the handling by school authorities resulting in unintended negative consequences with your son’s peers? Is there something going on that is simply not going to stop in the near future?

As you share honestly, it may become apparent that a “tough it out” solution won’t get you to your goals. It’s also true that there are bullies at private school, so that might not get you there either. Try to get your husband involved in forming and teaching solutions that build character and confidence, and then think together about the school decision.
Grace and peace,

Pastor Paige Eaves
Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church
pastorpaige@cvumc.org

QUESTION: Do I have a moral obligation to give money to homeless people who ask me for help? I know many people are in dire straits because of the economic situation; however, I’m barely making ends meet myself. I donate (when I can) to a local food pantry and give clothing to organizations that distribute clothing to those who need it. I just feel badly when I’m walking away after I’ve told someone who looks like they really could use some assistance that I don’t have anything to give them.  
– Concerned for the Homeless

Dear Concerned for the Homeless,

I believe a human has an obligation to help out those less fortunate but not necessarily with cash. Your donations of food and clothes are excellent ways to help those in need. Some who beg at off ramps and similar locations may indeed be homeless but some are likely scam artists. A large percentage is mentally ill. Others are veterans who have not been able to reintegrate into society after returning from wars, Vietnam through the current ones. Some are victims of domestic violence. Others have poor literacy or lack job skills. Many are soliciting to feed habits or addictions that are illegal and/or likely to be fatal.

If you have a bit of cash to share, give it to organizations set up help the homeless. Let professionals find long-term solutions to whatever caused them to be on the streets rather than enable them to continue in dangerous behavior.

If you feel guilty, perhaps it might help to consider yours may be the donation that buys the deadly overdose.

There are many other ways to contribute positively: volunteering with a church providing meals or in a homeless or domestic violence shelter or with a literacy program advocating for more mental health services and low income housing, including permanent supportive housing, and working to end war as an instrument of foreign policy come to mind.

I applaud your concern for your fellow Americans; too many of us simply ignore the homeless.

Sharon Weisman
atheist/agnostic/secular humanist/free thinker
sharon@jetcafe.org

Dear Concerned for the Homeless,
First off, not all moral obligations to help the homeless are created equal. Our obligation to give money at any given moment in time, place and circumstance is altogether situational. The variables at play are endless, ranging from your personal financial position to the particular conditions surrounding homeless relief in our community.

Perspective and organized action for the homeless is the key to transform your broken heart into the spiritual well being of a lifelong advocate for the plight of the poor.

First, recognize that you are blessed with love and empathy in your heart to care about the homeless as deeply as you do. Your level of concern towards the less fortunate is serving as an ethical and righteous role model for others.     Second, please realize that money is not the only way to give. You can offer many other forms of assistance that range from a smile to a compassionate conversation to assistance in finding a shelter or just offering a sandwich from your lunch box. These are interpersonal, isolated and immediate facets of our community-wide homelessness problem.

The larger scale and longer term solutions reside in being an advocate and volunteer for the homeless. Los Angeles County has the dishonor of being home to a huge homeless population, but also the good fortune of having a number of professional organizations that provide relief for the homeless.     Please get involved and volunteer for one of these organizations as a means of expressing your love for our underprivileged neighbors. One such organization is the Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity that has been providing services for the homeless for over 10 years in Southern California. An advantage of a professional charity organization is that they seek out, find and distribute to those with the greatest need. Plus you can contribute in a multitude of ways beyond money as your individual circumstances allow.

Thank you, Concerned – your letter has caused me, and I hope others, to self-reflect, pray and take action. The homeless are our living reminders to serve and love our neighbors, who are just a few blocks away, from the blessings of our own homes.

Levent Akbarut
Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge
akbarut@yahoo.com

“Overcoming Barriers to Wholeness” Classes Continue
Every member of the community is welcomed and invited to attend the fourth Friday healing classes that are offered by St. Luke’s Anglican Church.

Fr. Rob Holman continues the teaching on “Overcoming Barriers to Wholeness: Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual” on the fourth Friday of each month with the next class Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. These classes take place at the offices of St. Luke’s Anglican Church.

The monthly healing classes include music, teaching and healing prayer according to the Christian faith. Jesus loved to heal and St. Luke’s hope is to offer a healing touch to all who attend, including those suffering and seeking healing due to divorce or other relational issues.

For more information, visit www.HealLaCrescenta.org or contact the St. Luke’s Anglican Church offices at (818) 249-5100.

St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3901 Foothill Blvd., second floor, La Crescenta
Celtic Harp Celebrated at
Center for Spiritual Living
The La Crescenta Center for Spiritual Living hosts Legends of the Celtic Harp, an unforgettable concert experience on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are $18; students/seniors are $15; at the door is $20. Children under 10 free with one per paying adult.

A full house is expected. Call (818) 249-1045 to reserve tickets.

Center for Spiritual Living is located at 4845 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta.

CVCC Hosting Blood Drive
Crescenta Valley Community Church is partnering with CedarsSinai Hospital for a community blood drive on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. There are only 75 spots available, so donors are urged to sign up quickly to participate. Contact by phone at (818) 249-5805 or by email at blood.drive@cvchurch.com.

Also, the community is invited to visit one of the church’s services at 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.

Crescenta Valley Community Church is located at 4001 La Crescenta Ave. at the corner of Piedmont between Montrose and Honolulu avenues in La Crescenta.
Tuesday Table Talk  
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Bethel Church will offer a showing of the film “The Grace Card” preceded by a potluck supper. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m.; the video starts at 7:15 p.m. followed by dessert and discussion at about 9 p.m.

After his son’s death, embittered police officer Mac McDonald loses faith in God and himself, but his new partner, part-time pastor Sam Wright, offers him friendship and sets him on the path to grace and redemption in this stirring Christian drama. Free.

For more information, call (818) 767-4488.

Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley

Crescenta Valley Community Church is partnering with Cedars-Sinai Hospital for a Community Blood Drive on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are excited to host their bloodmobile and give our community the opportunity to give the gift of life!

There are only 75 spots available, so sign up quickly to participate. Contact the church by phone at (818) 249-5805 or by email at blood.drive@cvchurch.com.

Also, feel free to visit one of our services at 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. while you’re here. Crescenta Valley Community Church is at 4001 La Crescenta Ave. at the corner of Piedmont between Montrose and Honolulu avenues in La Crescenta.

Youth Group members from St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church have been conducting a Coats for Love drive over the past several weeks. Pictured from left are Sonja Cwik, Megan Wammack, Kirsten George, Colby Koklas, Brett Rahtz, and Louisa McNicoll showing a few of the coats and sweaters collected for the less fortunate. Collected articles of clothing are being distributed by Catholic Charities of Glendale.

Photo courtesy Al RESTIVO

Celtic Harp Celebrated at Center for Spiritual Living
The La Crescenta Center for Spiritual Living hosts Legends of the Celtic Harp, an unforgettable concert experience on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are $18; students/seniors are $15; at the door is $20. Children under 10 free with one per paying adult.

A full house is expected. Call (818) 249-1045 to reserve tickets.

Center for Spiritual Living is located at 4845 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta.

Tuesday Table Talk  
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Bethel Church will offer a showing of the film “The Grace Card” preceded by a potluck supper. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m.; the video starts at 7:15 p.m. followed by dessert and discussion at about 9 p.m.

After his son’s death, embittered police officer Mac McDonald loses faith in God and himself, but his new partner, part-time pastor Sam Wright, offers him friendship and sets him on the path to grace and redemption in this stirring Christian drama. Free.

For more information, call (818) 767-4488.

Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, La Crescenta Presbyterian Church will begin the winter session of its PEAK program. PEAK – Praise and Education for Adults and Kids – offers two new adult classes and classes for children of all ages ranging from age 2 through eighth grade. Nursery care is provided as well.  Classes run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a home-cooked dinner is offered as well from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The suggested donation for dinner is $3 for adults and $2 for children.

The first adult class is called “First and Ten: Strategies for Winning the Game of Life.” What does it mean to be “successful?”  How can I make the most of my life? How can I live a life that matters? Every Wednesday night Lee Cook will lead a study of the Ten Commandments.

The second class for adults is called “Foundations for Families” and is for couples and singles in their 20s through 40s. This class will study the writings of John Ortberg and his challenging premise: We are not our own self-improvement project. We are God’s handiwork!

Come join us for energetic discussion, a supportive environment, and a lot of fun. Admission is free for all classes.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is located at 2902 Montrose Ave.  in La Crescenta. For more information, contact the church office at (818) 249-6137 or online at www.lcpc.net.