LCIF Transforms Its Sanctuary

Lutheran Church in the Foothills (LCIF) is once again preparing to

transform its sanctuary into a beautiful, festive display with the return of its annual Poinsettia Garden – just in time for its Christmas Eve service. The tradition offers a stunning backdrop of vibrant red and pristine white blooms, symbolizing the joy and hope of the Christmas season.

All are welcome to donate a poinsettia plant in honor or in memory of a loved one. Plants can also be dedicated to the Glory of God. Red or white poinsettia plants can be dropped off at the church on Sunday, Dec. 14 through Wednesday, Dec. 24. Anyone wishing to donate a plant should email the church office at lcifoothills.org to indicate for whom it is being dedicated. All names submitted by Dec. 16 will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin. 

LCIF’s Christmas Eve candle light service will begin at 7 p.m. LCIF warmly invites anyone in the community to attend. The service includes 

Scripture, Christmas carols and the singing of “Silent Night” while the sanctuary is illuminated only by candle light.

For more information about all activities at LCIF, please visit the church’s website: lcifoothills.org. Those who need pastoral care or are looking to join groups such as Bible study, quilting or book club, can email office@lcifoothills.org or call (818) 790-1951. 

The church is located at 1700 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Christmas Events at Mount Olive

Mount Olive will be having weekly Advent services every Wednesday evening, “The Holly and the Ivy” at 7 p.m. Take part in this special service as we wait for the coming of the Savior. This year during the Season of Advent we will ponder the meaning of the “Holly and the Ivy” at the midweek Holden Evening Prayer worship services on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. 

Christmas Carols and Creches is a three-night event hosted by the local members of the LDS Church at 4550 Raymond Ave. in La Crescenta, (behind Ralph’s market) on Friday, Dec. 12, Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday includes LCHS Chamber Singers; Saturday includes the Clarion Choir and Bells of Joy from Mount Olive Lutheran Church and Sunday will have the CVHS Charismatic Singers. From 6-8 p.m. each night guests can view nativities, including a live nativity, a slide show and light refreshments. There will be crafts for the children as well. All ages are welcome; admission is free. 

Visit molc.org for more information about these and other opportunities for Christian fellowship and service. Email or call: office@molc.org or (818) 248-4253. 

Mt. Olive is located at 3561 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.

St. Bede Kicks Off the Christmas Season with A Choral Christmas Concert

St. Bede the Venerable invites the community to take part in an evening of Christmas music on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. featuring the St. Bede Choir and the East Los Angeles Chamber Chorale. Led by Music Director Dr. Tony Lupica, the concert will offer a rich program of classic carols and

seasonal favorites to kick off the Christmas season.

Musicians include master organist Emil Iliev on organ and piano, and pianist Gayane Simonyan. The program will also feature soloists Dr. Lisa Thelen, soprano; Hadassah Manes, alto; Ryan Liddy, tenor; and Sam Aguirre, bass.

Presale tickets are $15/adults and $5/children 12 & under and can be purchased online at www.bede.org/ through today, Dec. 11.

On-site tickets can be purchased for $20/adults and $10/children 12 & under.

The concert takes place at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 215 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada. For more information, contact the St. Bede Parish Center at 818-949-4300 or visit www.bede.org.

Celebrate Christmas With La Crescenta Presbyterian Church

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church invites the entire community to experience the joy of Christmas with us.

“The Greatest Gift,” a Christmas program by the LCPC Children’s Ministry, will share the story of Jesus’ birth through festive music and a meaningful narrative. This free program begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, and will be followed by a Christmas reception with crafts, games and cookies.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., join us for “Gloria In Excelsis Deo!,” a joyful Christmas concert presented by the La Crescenta Presbyterian’s Choir, Praise Band and String Ensemble, followed by a dessert reception. Admission is free; for those who are able, a freewill offering will be taken.

On Christmas Eve, on Wednesday, Dec. 24 LCPC will offer two candlelight worship services for families, with messages by Pastor Mouris Yousef. A 5 p.m. contemporary service will feature music by LCPC’s Praise Band and a 7 p.m. traditional service will feature music by the LCPC Choir.

La Crescenta Presbyterian is located at 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta. For more information, visit lcpc.net or call (818) 249-6137.

All You Need Is Love: A Beatles Love Cantata

The community is invited to Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. for a joyful and imaginative celebration of the Christmas story told through the unforgettable music of the Beatles! All You Need Is Love: A Beatles Love Cantata weaves together the spirit of peace,

hope and harmony with the timeless message of Christ’s birth. Through music, readings and performances, this vibrant service brings the Nativity to life in a fresh and uplifting way. 

Come and share in a morning filled with creativity, joy and the reminder that love truly changes everything.

CV United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose

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.

Christmas Carols & Creches

Christmas Carols & Creches, a three-night community celebration, will be presented on Dec. 12, 13 and 14 at 4550 Raymond Ave. in La Crescenta, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.    

A musical presentation will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The viewing of hundreds of Nativity displays is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is free. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Movie Night at UUCVH 

The community is invited to movie night at Unitarian Universalist Church of the Verdugo Hills on Friday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. We’ll feature a Christmas-themed film yet to be revealed to the public. Will it be a mystery, a comedy or an action-packed blockbuster? Come for the mystery, stay for the fellowship. Come join our growing group of fans! No reservations needed, just jingle your bells on over to 4451 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta.

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 Dec. 14, 21 & 28. 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.