BRIEFLY IN RELIGION

Groundbreaking for church restoration

Laguna Presbyterian Church will celebrate the groundbreaking of its church renovation project at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

A bagpiper will lead Sunday School children into Fellowship Hall, and then the congregation will follow them to the Rose Garden. Senior Pastor Jerry Tankersley will lead a brief prayer; following are the church’s three pastors, Revs. Tankersley, Steve Sweet and Kathy Sizer, who will perform the ceremony. They will be assisted by three long-standing members of the congregation, Jim Hind, Raffe Yates and Liz Wetzel. The doxology will be sung, and the bagpiper will conclude the event. Refreshments will be served afterward.

John Loomis, a local architect noted for his California Mission renovations “” including San Juan Capistrano “” has designed a Master Plan, which will be accomplished in three phases.

During the project, the 1927 sanctuary will be retrofitted for earthquake safety. In addition, the basement will be waterproofed, and the entire building will be made accessible for handicapped, re-roofed with the original tiles, and the inside renovated to restore the interior to its authentic Spanish Colonial Style architecture.

For more information on the ceremony, contact Lorna Cohen at lornacohen@cox.net.

Interfaith Council Thanksgiving service

The Interfaith Council of Laguna Beach invites all members of the community to join in giving thanks for the abundance in our lives. The Rev. Colin Henderson will preach at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave.

A voluntary offering will benefit the Laguna Relief and Resource Center.

Attendees may also bring items that are always needed “” canned or boxed food, white tube socks, razors and toothbrushes. For more information, call (949) 494-3542.

Christian Scientists mark Thanksgiving

Christian Scientists in Laguna Beach are inviting adults and children to join them in starting their Thanksgiving Day in church.

A special Thanksgiving service will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in First Church of Christ, Scientist, 635 High Drive.

The service will include the singing of hymns of Thanksgiving; readings from the Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science; and the sharing of gratitude.

Also, following a long-standing tradition, those attending will hear the reading of the President’s Thanksgiving Proclamation.

Child care will be provided for children too young to attend. Free parking is available in church parking lots.

All are welcome to attend the no-collection service. For further information, call the Christian Science Reading Room, (949) 494-4503.

Get help with grief during holiday time

Jackie Pearson, a marriage and family counselor, will offer practical steps to bring relief and comfort to those dealing with grief during the holiday season from 4-5:30 p.m. Monday in the Parlor of Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave.

The community is welcome and admission is free. For more information, contact Rev. Kathy Sizer at (949) 494-7555.