Religion Notes

DEDICATION: Congregation Beth Shalom will dedicate the Early Childhood Education and Day Care Center at 10 a.m. Sunday at 21430 Redview Drive, Santa Clarita. A state-of-the-art playground was designed by Kris Inman of Moore Playground Equipment. The center, the only full-service Judaic center in the Santa Clarita Valley, will serve children ages 2 1/2 to 5 with full- and half-day programs. Early morning and late drop-off are available for working parents. Enrollments are being accepted. Information: (805) 254-2411.

PRAYER SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for those beginning a meditative practice as well as for those who are daily meditators will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Tuesday and continuing every other Tuesday at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center, 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. The evenings include two centering prayer periods separated by a meditative walk, followed by a video on the contemplative journey and/or a discussion of “Open Mind, Open Heart,” written by Thomas Keating. Free. Information: (818) 784-4515.

BREAKFAST LECTURE: Trudi Alexy, author of “The Mezuzah in the Madonna’s Foot: Marranos and Other Secret Jews,” will speak on “Jewish Identity in a Hostile Climate” at a meeting of the Executives, a support group of Valley professionals affiliated with the Jewish Home for the Aging, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday at the Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills. The cost is $18 for members, $20 for nonmembers. Information and registration: (818) 774-3331.

SATURDAY WORSHIP: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17400 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, hosts a contemporary Saturday service at 5:30 p.m. featuring a small band and a conversational message relating to life today. There is also a Sunday service at 10 a.m. Information: (818) 342-0302.

RUMMAGE SALE: A giant rummage and book sale will be held from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Sept. 6 and from 9 a.m to noon Sept. 7 at Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. All proceeds will benefit the temple library. Information: (818) 763-9148.

PRESCHOOL: The West Valley Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, will offer a preschool program for children 2 to 5 years old with half-, extended- and full-day programs. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Information and registration: (818) 587-3280.

News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.