By Lisa Rotchford Reverend Summertime childhood memories of playtime outside during long sun-filled days might include games of tag, races and other pastimes that began with the phrase “Ready….Set…Go!” As the worldwide battle with a relentless coronavirus continues, our summer days may also be sun-filled, but now long and not always joy-filled. We are ready to get back to a sense of “normalcy.”

By Johan Dodge Reverend As I write this, the governor has ordered churches to close again and so I take this time to remind us that the church is not the building. There is an old children’s song I have been playing over and over in my head these past months:, “I am the Church, You are the Church, We are the Church together. The church is not a building. The church is not a steeple, the church

ASSEMBLY OF GOD By Norma Ballinger LW Contributor Comfort is certainly something we crave during these trying times. The 40th chapter of Isaiah is remarkable in that the prophet is offering comfort to God’s people and the promise of deliverance; these verses are so applicable today. The first is a reminder that God is eternal, (verses 6-8). He is unchanging with no beginning and no

By Rolland Coburn Pastor God’s word throughout the Bible holds precious promises for his people, regardless of background. Proverbs 3:5-6 holds one of those promises. This is the promise with its condition, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Faith, trusting in God

Holy Family Catholic Church, 13900 Church Place next to the St. Andrews Gate, will observe The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time on Sunday, July 19. Masses Holy Family Church celebrates Sunday Mass at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon; the Vigil Mass is 5 p.m. Saturday; daily Mass is 8:30 a.m., Monday–Saturday. Confessions are Saturdays and eves of Holy Days: 4–4:45 p.m. First Fridays start at 9:15

LWers are invited to Zoom with Beit HaLev! Rabbi Galit Shirah has been conducting livestream services for over four years; this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, services are now on Zoom, the video conferencing platform. To receive an invitation as well as the Meeting ID and password, contact Rabbi Galit Shirah at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com. Beit HaLev will continue to livestream on

Rabbi Rachel Axelrad will stream Friday night services at 6:30 on July 17 on The Congregation Sholom of Leisure World Facebook page. To join, select the “Rooms” tab, then click on “Jewish Activities” and “Join to Restart.” Cantor Marla Barugel will be on Facebook for the Saturday morning services at 9:30 July 18. On Sunday July 19, Congregation Sholom will have an online game night

Faith Christian Assembly has a Celebration Service every Sunday Evening starting at 5:30 p.m. This one-hour service is a more informal time of worship, led by Pastor Sheri Leming. Due to a drop-off in attendance, many churches cancelled their Sunday evening services. But Faith Christian Assembly found more and more people who value this special time. It’s a great way to end the weekend, and begin

In response to growing concerns and state mandates regarding COVID-19, Seal Beach Cornerstone Church is providing an online service every Sunday at 10 a.m. Anyone is invited to join the service online every Sunday at 10 a.m. on YouTube. The service is in Korean, however, one can use translated captions to worship in other languages. To join, type in “Seal Beach Cornerstone Church” on YouTube.

Editors note: The religion directory is to help LWers find out information about their church during the ongoing coronavirus situation. Pastors and church leaders can email laurieb@lwsb.com to submit contact updates or service livestream website addresses. Redeemer Lutheran Church 13564 St. Andrews Dr., LW Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Wed., 10-11:30 a.m. 430-8619 St. Theodore