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Event marks annual May Friendship Day

Members of several Christian denominations will join in a Scripture-based ecumenical gathering tomorrow to celebrate the Church Women United annual May Friendship Day.

"Living in the Light: True Friends Are Salt and Light" is the theme of the 4 p.m. service, which will explore two of Jesus' familiar pronouncements through meditations and small group discussions. A 3:30 p.m. reception will precede the service at St. Patrick Church, 1124 7th Ave. in Kaimuki.

The Rev. Phyllis Meighen will be recognized as the Church Women United Valiant Woman of 2005 for founding the John 17:21 Group, a ministry for developmentally disabled people and their friends.

The event is open to the public.

Collections are taken to benefit the programs of the organization, which involves 25 million women worldwide working for peace and justice. Call Janet Harada, 737-2656, for information.

Course offered for spiritual leaders

The Spiritual Life Center will offer a nine-month ecumenical training course for spiritual directors featuring monthly seminars and two overnight retreats.

A seven-member team of clergy and lay people from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds will lead the program of lectures, reading and writing assignments, small-group formation and other participatory events.

The session will begin with an overnight retreat Sept. 3.

May 20 is the deadline for applications. A $100 deposit will be required. The total cost is $675.

For information, call the Rev. Nancy Conley, 523-1170; Maxine Pollock, 254-1091; or program director David Barratt on Maui, 808-572-6894.