Faith Christian Assembly is thrilled to announce that after more than three months, it is reinstating the Sunday Evening Celebration service at 5:30 p.m., beginning July 5. This one-hour service is a more informal time of worship, teaching and fellowship. Due to a drop-off in attendance over the past several years, many churches have cancelled their Sunday evening services. But Faith Christian Assembly

St. Theodore’s Episcopal would like to share a prayer for the coun- try this Fourth of July weekend from the Book of Common Prayer: “Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly ask that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. “Save us

By Norma Ballinger LW contributor “[Independence Day] ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” This is a quote from John Adams, the first vice president of the United States. Oh, that we might be that devoted to the Lord who gives us such peace and grace! Americans celebrate Independence Day and the birth of the United States on the

Rabbi Karen Isenberg is streaming Friday night services at 6:30 on July 3 on The Congregation Sholom of Leisure World Facebook page. To join, select the “Rooms” tab, then click on “Jewish Activities” and “Join to Restart.” Rabbi Isenberg will be on Facebook for Saturday morning services at 9:30 on July 4. On Sunday, July 5, Congregation Sholom will host an online game night organized

Holy Family Catholic Church, 13900 Church Place next to the St. Andrews Gate, will observe The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time on Sunday, July 5. The First Reading is Zechariah 9:9-10 and the Second Reading is Romans 8-9, 11-13 . The Gospel reading will be from Matthew 11-25. 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

Beit HaLev is now conducting services on Zoom. The coronavirus has opened up a new method of communication for those of us who are sheltering in place. Anyone interested in joining the Beit HaLev Zoom community for services and Hebrew lessons, contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 for access and instructions on how to use Zoom. Beit HaLev is continuing to livestream on Facebook and YouTube as well.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH By Bruce Humes Pastor This Saturday, July 4, our nation will celebrate America’s “Independence Day.” A day set aside to celebrate independence from the British. The Founding Fathers delivered a “Constitutional Republic” system of government that has been successful for 244 years. Not perfect by any means, for we certainly have had difficulties over those

Celebrate the Fourth of July with “Pick-up Prayers and Communion” with patriotic hymns on Sunday, July 5, from 10 a.m.–noon at Redeemer Lutheran (13564 St. Andrews Drive, across from the Administration building). Organist Sharon Heck will play favorite hymns on Redeemer Lutheran’s restored organ makes it sound like Leisure World has a musical cathedral for the community’s spiritual enrichment.

By Johan Dodge Pastor The Welsh have a word for the unattainable yearning you feel for a place that no longer exists, or to which you can never return. “Hiraeth” is a homesickness you feel when home is years ago and far away, if it ever existed at all. For many of us, COVID-19 has been going on for so long we feel homesick for the way things were. In the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s people turn