GLOBAL MARCH FOR JESUS: The March for...

GLOBAL MARCH FOR JESUS: The March for Jesus, an annual event that attracts 10 million participants worldwide, will be held at approximately 9 a.m. today in the Antelope and San Fernando valleys. Since 1989, when the first march took place in Texas, over 1 million people from 625 cities in the United States have participated. The purpose of the nondenominational march is to express “an outward presentation of our love for (Christ),” said the Rev. Henry Hearns of First Missionary Baptist Church in Lancaster.

The march is for “people who love the Lord enough to walk the streets and to get others to join them,” Hearns said. Several thousand marchers are expected to participate this year in the Antelope Valley, where the march begins at Lancaster City Park, 10th Street West. Information: (805) 944-4128. In the San Fernando Valley, the march begins at Church on the Way, 14300 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Information: (818) 888-6492.

MUSIC FOR THE VIRGIN MARY: A concert of chants and Renaissance music will be featured in commemoration of the Virgin Mary at 7:30 tonight at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 13370 Valleyheart Drive, Sherman Oaks. The live performance includes choirs from the St. Francis parish and St. Martin of Tours as well as the Wagner Ensemble. There is a suggested donation of $7. Information: (818) 369-3229.

INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION: Israel Independence Day will be celebrated with music and comedy acts, featuring comedian Herschel Fox, singer Aliza Kashi and the University of Judaism Concert Singers at 4 p.m. Sunday at Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. The cost is $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Information: (818) 348-0670.

MUSIC AND PRAISE: “A Night of Praise and Worship” will feature gospel recording artist Michael Milsap, with Jay Leach and Rodney Johnson performing, at 6 p.m. Sunday at Valley Foursquare Church, 19416 Business Center Drive, Northridge. Information: (818) 773-4600.

PARENT EDUCATION LECTURE: Temple Beth Haverim will present “Save My Child,” the final installment from the Adult Education Lecture Series, featuring Sidney Adler of Moorpark College. The English professor will discuss the book “Save My Child,” by Cynthia Ozick, from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday at the temple, 5126 Clareton Drive, Suite 140, Agoura Hills. The cost is a donation of $5 and the lecture will follow a special morning minyan service and bagel brunch at 9 a.m. Information: (818) 991-7111.

MEDITATION AND IMAGINATION: The Gemini Festival, the third in a series of three Linked Spring Meditation Festivals, will be held at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles. The event, held by the Los Angeles InterGroup, will focus on the theme “Imagine: The One Work.” Live music will be performed by Rusty Vail, followed by a panel discussion. Information: (818) 353-9535.

DRAMA DIRECTOR SPEAKS: Nancy Eckels, director of the CBS daytime drama “The Bold and the Beautiful,” will discuss the challenges of working on a popular daytime TV drama, at an Entertainment Fellowship dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Barone’s Italian Restaurant, 10123 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. The Entertainment Fellowship is “a nonprofit organization for people whose goal is to improve ethical and moral standards” in the media. The cost is $14 for members, $20 for nonmembers. Information: (818) 909-0841.

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