Interfaith gatherings mark Thanksgiving
Several Oahu churches have a tradition of joining together for Thanksgiving services.
» Wednesday, 7 p.m. This will be the 46th year that Nuuanu area churches and temples join in an interfaith service. Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, will host this year's event. The service will include a Buddhist call to worship and a Jewish blessing, Hawaiian oli by the Rev. Kekapa Lee, poetry reading by Hawaii Buddhist Academy students, reflection by the Rev. Dan Hatch and hula by kumu hula Ardis Gomes.
» Wednesday, 7 p.m. Another interfaith gathering will be held at Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church, 5339 Kalanianaole Highway. Members of Christian, Buddhist and Bahai groups will join in the service, which will feature Dr. Eddie Lim of the Burmese Buddhist community and the therapeutic hula group from Hawaii State Hospital. Potluck reception to follow.
» Wednesday, 7 p.m. Members of 12 churches and other organizations will participate in the Celebration of Thanksgiving at St. Anthony Church, 148 Makawao St., Kailua. It will feature music by the Windward Seventh-day Adventist School Bell Choir and Kent Anderson of Family Promise Hawaii as speaker.
» Thursday, 9 a.m. The annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Day Service at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St., will feature readings, prayers and musical performances. Episcopal Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick will deliver the message. People are asked to bring canned food for needy families.