DEDICATION: Thirty years after the San Fernando...

DEDICATION: Thirty years after the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple was built in Pacoima, members will soon dedicate a new sanctuary that is quickly becoming the focal point of their temple.

For the past month, Sunday services have been held in the new building, with its light blue pews and traditional yet simplified altar. Several accessories, including a Shoji screen and an embellished tablecloth, were imported from Japan and carvings above the altar were brought from a Buddhist temple in Los Angeles.

A bishop who recently came from Japan to bless the temple was impressed with the 6,000-square-foot sanctuary that has no curtains on its large side windows, according to the Rev. Kakuyei Tada, minister of the 111-member Jodo Shinshu sect temple.

“He said this was the brightest Buddhist temple he has ever visited,” said Tada, explaining that many Buddhist temples have dark interiors. “This is a more Americanized Buddhist temple.”

Planning to expand someday, members bought land in 1972 next to the original temple built in 1962, which is about half the size of the new sanctuary. Through donations and a $600,000 bank loan, members raised $1.4 million to build the new 300-seat sanctuary, said Ted Iida, cabinet member and past president of the temple.

The new sanctuary, designed by fellow Buddhist Jim Shimozono, is where religious services, weddings and funerals will be held. The original building will serve as a multipurpose room. The temple offers a 9:30 a.m. service in English, followed by adult study classes. Once a month, a service is conducted in Japanese and English.

A pre-dedication service, at which time the two hand-painted scrolls will officially be unveiled, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 3.

The Oct. 4 dedication festivities will begin at noon with the taking of a group picture, then an Ochigo procession led by young children in colorful Buddhist costumes and a dedication service with Bishop Seigen Yamaoka from San Francisco officiating. A banquet with entertainment is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, just south of the temple at 9450 Remick Ave.

HOLY SCRIPTURES: “A Fresh Look at an Old Book” is the theme of the Festival of the Holy Scriptures scheduled today at Vallejo Drive Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glendale. At the 11 a.m. worship service, B. Michael Blaine, president of Near East Institute and Archeological Foundation in Glendale, will speak on “Experiencing the Authenticity of the Bible.” The daylong event will continue at 3 p.m. with James A. Sanders, president of the Ancient Biblical Manuscript Center and Claremont professor of religion, speaking on “The Contribution of the Dead Sea Scrolls to Our Understanding of the Bible.” At 4 p.m., Bruce Zuckerman, associate professor of religion at USC and director of the West Semitic Research Project, will speak about “Bringing the Dead Sea Scrolls Back to Life.” Various religious artifacts will also be on display. Admission is free. The church is at 300 Vallejo Drive.

FAREWELL RECEPTION: A farewell reception for the Rev. Debra L. Moore will follow the 10 a.m. service Sunday at the Congregational Church of the Chimes, 14115 Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Moore has been associate minister at the church for the last three years and is leaving to pursue further studies.

ROSARY RALLY: Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Lourdes rosary groups of Northridge will sponsor a “Rosary Rally” on Oct. 4. The theme of the event is “Peace and Unity Through Prayer,” and it will include a procession followed by a Mass and a living rosary in which youths will participate. The rally is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 18405 Superior St., Northridge. Refreshments will be served after the religious ceremonies.

ANNIVERSARY: The Northridge Community Church of the Nazarene will celebrate the 65th anniversary of its founding on Oct. 4. Events will include a reception at 9:45 a.m. and morning worship at 10:45 a.m. that will include greetings from former pastors, music and a message from Pastor Larry White. After a noon meal, there will be a concert by a local group called the Songfellows. The church, originally known as the Van Nuys Church of the Nazarene, is at 10650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge.

DRUG/ALCOHOL PROGRAM: The Alcohol Drug Action Program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles has changed the San Fernando Valley location of its L’Chaim workshops. The meetings will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood. The workshops integrate the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with Jewish beliefs and practices for alcoholics or chemically dependent people and their families. More information can be obtained by calling (310) 247-1180.

COUNSELING CONFERENCE: The National Assn. of Nouthetic Counselors will hold its annual conference titled “Biblical Counseling in the ‘90s” at Grace Community Church, 13248 Roscoe Blvd., Sun Valley, from Oct. 5 to 7. Topics include bulimia and anorexia, co-dependency and child abuse. The cost is $75 for singles and $110 for couples, which does not include meals or lodging. Advance registration is being handled through the NANC office in Lafayette, Ind., at (317) 448-1986. Walk-in registration will also be accepted.