LCIF Pianist Showcased in Upcoming Concert

Lutheran Church in the Foothills (LCIF) invites the community to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with a concert on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the LCIF sanctuary. The community is invited to enjoy an evening of music performed by LCIF’s pianist Katherine Frantsen. Frantsen has been a prodigy on the piano from age 6, studying under a renowned professor at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa from age 8 through high school. During that time she competed in piano performance, winning the state championship on the highest level of competition and winning a scholarship in 2022. She also served as the accompanist at St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Clarksville, Iowa for 6 years. Frantsen attends Biola University, majoring in piano performance with a minor in biblical studies.  

Refreshments and fellowship will follow the concert. Free to attend; free will love donation will be collected as will non-perishable food and clothing. (Food and clothing will be donated to the charity Make it Happen.)

For those thinking about reading more in 2026, LCIF offers a book club that meets monthly. All are invited to join in the next meeting on Monday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. to discuss “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick. Book Club meets in the church’s conference room. The selection for March is “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans.

In addition, all are invited to LCIF’s weekly 10 a.m. Sunday worship services led by Pastor Viv Vega. Children’s Church is offered at the same time and includes crafts, games and Bible study.

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 Thursday.

International Speaker Matthew Leonard to Lead Sowing the Seeds of Hope

St. Bede the Venerable invites the community to a special two-night Lenten parish mission titled Sowing the Seeds of Hope on Monday, Feb. 9 and Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church. A book signing and reception with the guest speaker will follow each evening.

Internationally recognized speaker, author and podcaster Matthew Leonard will lead the mission, offering two presentations focused on spiritual growth and discipleship. On Monday, Feb. 9 “Pray Like a Saint: Ancient Wisdom to Grow Closer to God” and on Tuesday, Feb. 10 he offers

“Discovering the Map to God: Clear Direction on Our Path to Holiness.”

Following each evening’s presentation, attendees are invited to remain for a reception and book signing with Matthew Leonard. Guests are encouraged to bring a sweet or savory treat to share as part of this time of fellowship.

The mission is free and open to the public. Free will donations are gratefully accepted to help offset mission costs.

St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church is located at 215 Foothill Blvd.. in La Cañada Flintridge. For questions, please contact Lori Shackel at (818) 949-4376 or email: lori@bede.org.

Upcoming events at Mount Olive Lutheran

Mount Olive holds a community luncheon on the second Wednesday of the month, every month, and the community is welcome. The cost is $10 for a three-course luncheon: salad, main course and dessert, followed by entertainment. The February luncheon, held on Wednesday Feb. 11, will have “The Blue Grass Ghosts” playing bluegrass music. Doors open at 11 a.m. 

Every Wednesday night Mount Olive Lutheran Church has a Bible study and prayer group that starts at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Also in February, the Mount Olive Lutheran members will travel to Lutheran Church in the Foothills, 1700 Foothill Blvd., for the Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday service. This is a service where the two congregations gather and begin the journey into Lent. 

On the third Saturday of the month, there is a breakfast Bible study at Panera starting at 8:30 a.m. Participants typically meet at the back of the restaurant; all are welcome. The group is studying 2 Corinthians on Feb. 21.

Mount Olive is located at 3561 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. Questions? Call the Mount Olive Lutheran office at (818) 248-4253 or visit the website MOLC.org.

Cesar Cardona Returns to UUCVH

On Feb. 8 Cesar Cardona returns to give his talk on Growth Mindfulness: How Truth & Kindness Wins. 

In a world that often feels divided, join writer and musician Cesar Cardona as he explores the harmony of truth and kindness in Growth Mindfulness. Discover practical takeaways to remain calm and clear in order to communicate authentically and compassionately, bridging gaps and fostering genuine connection in today’s complex world. Cardona brings yet another uplifting message to the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Verdugo Hills pulpit. In person is at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at 4451 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta or visit the UUCVH website for the Zoom link https://www.uuverdugo.org/.

Anxious Generation Addressed

The community is invited to La Crescenta Presbyterian Church for a free presentation on The Anxious Generation – Discussing the intersection of technology, mental health and faith. The presentations will be on Wednesday evenings continuing through March 18 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. They are given by Dot Kim and Jamie Given in the Fireside Room. 

Dinner available for purchase.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta.

CSL Offers Gentle Movement Class

The Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta is offering a gentle stretch and relax chair movement with Michelle Gillette. It takes place every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is a $10 donation.

The class is at Chaffee Hall in the Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta.

The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 4845 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta. For more information, call (818) 249-1045.

Walk and Word 

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 Feb. 8, 15 & 22. 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.