Dodger Stadium will be the location of a pre-ordained "Historic Night of Hope" this Saturday, April 24 -- as you know if you follow the itinerary of Joel Osteen, the big-media pastor, whom some call "America's Voice of Hope."

According to Osteen's website for the event:

On April 24th, Victoria and I will be honored to conduct a "Historic Night of Hope" in Los Angeles, California at one of the most treasured landmarks on the West Coast, Dodger Stadium.

God is giving us an opportunity to present the Good News of the Gospel in the entertainment capital of the world. At a site dedicated to champions throughout the ages, we are going to share a message of the Greatest Champion - Jesus Christ. ...

All well and good: EP has a rich history as a home to evangelical revivals, most notably Sister Aimee Semple McPherson's, and let's not forget Azusa Street nearby in Downtown. It's a common sight to see church groups in Elysian Park picnic grounds on weekends, and at Echo Park Lake. Still, here's to the hope that for Osteen's nighttime service the traffic and crowd flow through the surrounding neighborhood is managed more effectively than we've seen at the ballgames. Or maybe say a prayer to that effect.

Set-up for the event, which is expected to sell out, begins tomorrow.

Dodger PR official Noel Pallais sent an email informing Echo Park residents of set-up and sound-check times, along with the information that the Scott Avenue gates will be open for arrivals.

No word yet on whether the new shuttle that takes baseball fans from Union Station to the stadium will be serving the faithful at this event.

Meanwhile, Vanity Fair has a cute "Out to Lunch" column on Osteen in this month's money issue. During a lunch in Manhattan, Osteen reveals he's unfamiliar with bok choy, apparently never having shopped for vegetables in the vicinity of Dodger Stadium, so many miles away from Manhattan and Osteen's home in Houston. Well, it's never too late to try something new.