Religion Briefs
Saturday, December 15, 2001
Kids get 25-cent bargains at Community Lutheran
Children will need only a fistful of quarters to shop for gifts for their parents and families at the Community Lutheran Church program next Saturday morning in Salt Lake.Parents may accompany their youngsters or drop them off for shopping, wrapping and learning activities from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church, 4429 Malaai St. Reservations must be made for the free program by calling 422-2933. Youngsters must be at least 5 years old.
Gift items will be priced from 25 cents to $1 and wrapping paper will be available.
Church volunteers will also present the story of the birth of Jesus, and lead craft-making projects. Refreshments will be served.
Isle Muslims celebrate end of Ramadan fast
The sliver of new crescent moon now visible in the evening sky signals the end of Ramadan, a monthlong fast observed by Muslims here and around the world.Island Muslims will gather tomorrow at Manoa Valley District Park for Eid al-Fitr, one of only two festival holidays in the religion of Islam. Feasting and activities for the children are planned to celebrate the completion of the rigorous spiritual practice.
Fasting from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from sunrise to sunset daily during the ninth lunar month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the key religious obligations of believers.
Spiritual Center marks Solstice and Christmas
The ancient Celtic celebration of the Winter Solstice will be combined with the Christian anticipation of Christmas in "The Gift of Illumination," a Dec. 22 program sponsored by the Spiritual Life Center.People will be invited to write down their problems or whatever they want to release, and toss them into a fire, said Nancy Conley, the center's executive director. "The light of the fire symbolizes Christ's coming."
The 5:30 p.m. program at Paewalani Center in Kaneohe will include caroling and refreshments. The cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple. Call 523-1170 for information.
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Honor loved ones for holiday season
The celebratory mood of this season isn't shared by everyone, particularly individuals and families who are mourning a death.Here's a new tradition that is intended to offer the bereaved a meaningful way to connect the season and their lost loved ones.
Holiday memorial trees were put up this week in the City Municipal Building and all satellite city halls. Dove ornaments are available at each location for the public to inscribe with personal messages or memories of deceased relatives and friends. They will be displayed on the trees through the month.
The "Honoring Our Loved Ones" project is co-sponsored by the city, Hospice Hawaii and AIG Hawaii Insurance Inc.
"Those grieving need avenues to express their sadness or feelings of loss," said George Osakoda, who coordinates Hospice Hawaii community bereavement programs. He suggested that grieving people establish their own rituals of remembrance, such as participating in making a special card of memories dedicated to the deceased person, or sharing photographs or stories with each other.
Churches offer Christmas observances
A Kawaiahao Church concert of carols tonight is one sample of holiday pageantry being offered this month. All are free unless otherwise indicated.Melveen Leed will be a guest soloist in the 7 p.m. performance by the Kawaiahao Choir and Bell Choir, Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus and the Kawaiolaonapukanileo Vocal Ensemble. The concert at 957 Punchbowl St. is open to the public.
Also tonight at Calvary Episcopal Church, 45-435 Aumoku St., Kaneohe, the Hawaii String Orchestra will perform in a 7:30 p.m. concert.
TOMORROW:
>> The Hispanic tradition of Posada will be observed starting at 5 p.m. at Thomas Square. A procession will lead to the Honolulu Academy of Arts, where admission will be $8 ($3 for children 6 to 12).
>> 6:30 p.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village beach. Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy will stage a concert featuring the City of Refuge choir, Kealoha Benaventi and Hula Halau Okaolamauloa and the Rev. Alex McAngus.
>> 7 p.m., Waianae Baptist Church, 85-716 Farrington Hwy. Adults and children will perform in "Gift of Heaven," a costumed cantata retelling the Christmas story. A candlelight service will follow.
DEC. 22
>> 6 to 9 p.m., actors will re-enact scenes from the story of Jesus' birth in the annual "Christmas Drive-Through" on the Central Union Church lawn, 1660 S. Beretania St.
DEC. 23
>> 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 1217 Nehoa St., 30 performers will stage "Celebrate Life!" -- the story of Jesus set to contemporary music.
RELIGION CALENDAR
