BRIEFLY IN RELIGION

Presbyterian church plans Ash Wednesday service

Those wishing to participate in an Ash Wednesday Communion Service are invited to Laguna Presbyterian Church Sanctuary on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., the day after Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Season in the Christian Church. It is a 40-day period recalling Christ’s fast in the desert prior to his crucifixion, death and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Lent is a season of penitence and renewal.

Ash Wednesday is set aside as a day for Christians around the world to meditate on their mortality, consider their need to reflect on their values and practices, and begin a time of renewal. The ashes placed on foreheads symbolize human mortality, sorrow and repentance.

Laguna Presbyterian Church is located on Second Street, between Mermaid Street and Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach. For more information, contact the church office at (949) 494-7555.

Love is topic at Open Gathering

Open Gatherings, an informal lecture series by Rev. Tari Lennon followed by free-form discussion, returns at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 429 Cypress Drive in north Laguna Beach.

The topic is “Thinking About Love.”

Open Gatherings is an informal, occasional “un-church” that draws people from all faiths and nonfaiths to explore topics of spirituality, politics, relationships and personal ethics.

Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information, call (949) 370-7040 or visit www.opengatherings.com.