Episcopalians conclude meeting

Some 300 delegates to the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii will wrap up two days of meetings this afternoon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Clergy and lay representatives from 39 parishes act as the decision-making body for the state's 10,000-member branch of the national denomination.

Bishop Carol Gallagher, the only American Indian female bishop in the Episcopal Church, was the chaplain at the convention. A member of the Cherokee nation, she is assisting bishop in South Dakota. She is the author of a new book, “;Reweaving the Sacred: Congregational Development for Unique Congregations.”;

Gallagher will be guest preacher at the 8:15 a.m. service tomorrow at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, 720 N. King St.

Other guests at the convention are Bishop John Kuru Gray, bishop of New Zealand's South Island diocese, and 10 young adult leaders in ministries to youth and Maori communities.

Church parties sub for Halloween

Several churches plan parties as a safe alternative to Halloween trick-or-treat expeditions. They are open to the public.

» The Family Fun Fest at Bethel Chapel in Waipahu begins at 5:30 p.m. today on the grounds at 94-371-C Ana Lane. “;Blast from the Past”; is the theme for costumes for adults and children. There will be inflatable castles, competition by amateur rock bands, food booths and prizes. Call 677-3992 for information.

» The annual Penny Carnival at United Church of Christ, 467 Judd St., will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Children will pay a penny to play each game, and there will be prizes, food and musical entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the HUGS program for families of terminally ill children. For information, call 536-8418.

» Friday will be Family Fun Night at Calvary Chapel Honolulu, 98-1016 Komo Mai Drive, Aiea. Costumes are welcome but planners request nothing ghoulish. There will be carnival games and food booths, candy and prizes for children. Call 524-0844 for information.

» Wahiawa Christian Church will become a “;Neighborhood Fun Stop”; Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Carnival games, prizes, candy and entertainment will be offered on the grounds at 1710 Royal Palm Drive. Call 621-5818.

Interfaith service to host scientist

The annual “;Prayers for Peace”; interfaith gathering tomorrow will feature University of Hawaii physics professor Harriet Natsuyama speaking on “;The Physics of Peace.”;

Members of 17 different faith groups will offer peace prayers in the 4 p.m. service at Gedatsu Church, 6095 Summer St. Music will be by singer Anita Hall.

On display will be mugs decorated with personalized messages of peace in the church's “;Cup Full of Peace”; handicraft project.

Refreshments will be served at a reception following the service.

The free event, sponsored by the Hawaii Conference of Religions for Peace and the Interfaith Alliance of Hawaii, is open to the public. Attendees are asked to bring perishable food items to be donated to the Hawaii Foodbank and the Institute for Human Services.

Churches sponsor fundraising sales

Next Saturday will be a good time for bargain hunters to cruise church fundraising fairs.

» Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Quilts, arts and crafts, baked goods and a variety of food will be available. The annual Harris Bazaar is also famous for the white-elephant and rummage sale of used clothes, toys and games. There will be entertainment for children at the Kiddies Korner.

» Manoa Valley Church, 2728 Huapala St., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plants, crafts and homemade food items will be highlighted at the Harvest Fair. Used clothing and white-elephant objects will be on sale. There will be pony rides for children.

» Pearl City Hongwanji Mission, 858 2nd St., 8 a.m. to noon. Jams and jellies, sushi and pickled vegetables are specialties at the Fujinkai Craft Fair. Also on sale will be craft items, produce, cut flowers and white-elephant items.

» St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 909 Haumea St., Kapolei. Barbecued chicken will be sold hot off the grill from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of Island Pacific Academy. Cost is $8 for a whole chicken.