Briefly In Religion

Sunrise Easter service planned

Neighborhood Congregational Church will host a community sunrise Easter Sunday service at 6:30 a.m. April 4, at Alta Laguna Park with Native American spirituality, including flute and drumming to the four directions, whose intersection forms a cross.

As the sun rises over the surrounding hills, lay ministers will lead a service of Holy Communion and Easter reflection.

At 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary, Christ’s resurrection will be celebrated with the newly-restored 1907 Mason and Hamlin piano. Steve Wood and Beth Fitchet Wood will help lead the celebration with music.

Neighborhood Congregational Church is an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ at 340 St. Ann’s Drive.

For more information, call (949) 494-8061 or visit www.ncclaguna.org.

Presbyterians mark Holy Week

Laguna Presbyterian Church will hold special services during Holy week, Sunday through April 4.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Sanctuary will be open from noon to 1 p.m. Holy Week Scriptures will be read, followed by private reflection and prayer.

On Thursday, known as Maundy Thursday (New Commandment Thursday), a Lord’s Supper will be celebrated with communion and special music at 7 p.m. Nursery and child care are provided.

On April 2, Good Friday, a noon service of the cross will take place with special music by the Agape Bell Choir. Nursery and child care will be provided.

On April 4, Easter Sunday, worship services will take place at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. with Chancel Choir, Agape Bells, PraiseTeam and Special Instruments.

The Mohler pipe organ, with its 1,669 pipes, will be played for the first time since it was restored and enhanced as part of the church renovation.

School supplies for children

Laguna Presbyterian Church is raising funds to fill Easter baskets for Marines’ children at Camp Pendleton with school supplies.

Laguna Presbyterian and several other groups will contribute toward the goal of 35 baskets, worth $200 to $250 apiece, one for each of the kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms in the base’s school.

To donate, mail tax-deductible checks written to “Laguna Presbyterian Church,” 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, or bring it to the church coffee/fellowship time after the 8:30 a.m. service Sunday or April 4.

Indicate that it is for “Marines’ Easter Baskets.”