Isle churches present
public Lenten events

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By Mary Adamski
madamski@starbulletin.com

The focus is on food or fasting in observances planned by many churches for the six-week season of Lent, which began Wednesday and continues until Easter.

Giving up candy or some other favorite treat is a childhood concept of the self-denial that is traditional in the season of penitence and reflection. But "the meaning of Lent is much deeper than giving up something," St. Andrew's Cathedral Dean Ann McElligott told a noontime crowd at the Ash Wednesday service. "If we are not willing to enter into this with discipline of body, mind and soul, it will become a meaningless exercise." Besides fasting and other self-denial, she recommended taking time for reflection, self-examination, reading and meditation.

Many churches do a small version of fasting by gathering for a simple "monastic" meal of soup and bread combined with prayers or inspirational readings. Lenten events, all open to the public, include:

>> A Lenten evensong preaching service is planned for 7:30 p.m. March 16 at the Episcopal cathedral, St. Andrew's. McElligott will explore "Questions from the Postmodern Pew."

>> First United Methodist Church, 1020 S. Beretania St. Shared prayers, Bible study and communion in a variety of styles will be offered during the "Lent Event Special" at 7 p.m. each Monday.

>> Waipahu United Church of Christ, 94-330 Mokuola St. A 7 p.m. Monday discussion on "The Stages of Grief" by the Rev. Chris Eng will kick off a weekly series on death and dying.

>> Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Ave. At 6 p.m. Tuesdays through April 8, a simple supper will be followed by informal Bible study, song and prayer.

>> Nuuanu Congregational Church, 2651 Pali Highway. The Rev Tom Fujita will lead a study of the Lord's Prayer at noon Wednesday, beginning a series of weekly meditations.

>> St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 93 N. Kainalu St., Kailua. A free soup supper at 6 p.m. each Wednesday through April 16 will be followed by 7 p.m. Lenten programs for adults and children.

>> Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd. Family soup and study sessions will be offered at 5 p.m. Wednesdays in Miyama Hall.

>> Christ Lutheran Church, 95-1361 Meheula Parkway, Mililani. "Building Community" is the theme of weekly Wednesday events that include a 6:15 p.m. soup and bread supper and 7 p.m. informal worship service.

>> Holy Nativity Church, 5286 Kalanianaole Highway. A guest lecturer will speak at 7 p.m. each Wednesday, following 6 p.m. dinner. Delorese Gregoire will speak next week, followed in succeeding weeks by David Heenan, Ernie Stuckey, Grace and Paul Atkins, and Kent Keith. Dinner will be $5 for adults and $4 for children. Child care will be provided.

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