Christians to pray for Hawaii

About 200 island Christian congregations will share a common theme of prayer for Hawaii tomorrow as they join in a modern observance of Pentecost.

Evangelical churches will be joined by mainline Protestants and Catholic parishes in observing “;E Pule Kakou”;—praying together—the local version of the Global Day of Prayer, which has been observed on Pentecost in many Christian countries in the past four years.

Pastors of Hawaii congregations large and small, including Hawaii Catholic Bishop Larry Silva, endorsed the idea of praying together.

“;We are rallying all Hawaii to pray for the needs of people at a time when every congregation is hearing stories that break our heart,”; said the Rev. John Honold, of Hope Chapel in Kapolei. “;We feel the power of prayer can overcome things that seem beyond our grasp, the economic downturn, decline in tourism, unemployment, social services being cut back. We will pray for our children in school, in a safe environment, for strengthening families.”;

Honold said the “;E Pule Kakou”; movement was initiated by the Rev. Cal Chinen of Moanalua Gardens Missionary Church. Local clergy chimed in with support found on http://www.epulekakou.com. Each church will choose its own format of prayer.

“;We're also asking that people gather together in their families one day within the next week to pray together,”; Honold said.

Christians traditionally celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the church. The date 50 days after Easter recalls the Gospel account of Jesus' followers being inspired by the Holy Spirit to take his teaching out into the world.

Churches offer free music events

Summertime is concert time in several Oahu churches. The musical performances are free and open to the public.

» New Hope Christian Fellowship, Stan Sheriff Center at University of Hawaii. Christian recording artist Tommy Walker of Los Angeles will sing in a free worship concert at 7 p.m. Friday.

» Kawaiaha'o Church, 957 Punchbowl St. A birthday tribute to King Kamehameha will be presented at 5 p.m. June 7. The free presentation will feature the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club, Kawaiaha'o Church Choir, Kawaiolaonapukanileo Vocal Ensemble, San Tan Chorale and Fountain Hill Community Chorus.

» Honolulu Tabernacle, 1560 S. Beretania St. “;A Night on Broadway”; will be the theme of concerts at 7 p.m. June 12 and 13 sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Honolulu Hawaii Stake. The stake orchestra, adult choir and Drill Team Hawaii will perform songs from “;South Pacific,”; “;Phantom of the Opera,”; “;Les Miserables,”; “;Wicked”; and other shows.

» Windward United Church of Christ, 38 Kaneohe Bay Drive. June 20 is the date of the Spring Concert of the Windward Choral Society. Folk songs from around the world will be featured at the 7 p.m. concert.

Seminars will explore Bible themes

Visiting professors from the Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Ore., will join local pastors on the Bible Institute of Hawaii faculty for the summer session.

Classes and seminars will explore themes in the Bible and other topics concerning Christian congregations in the two-month session that begins June 15. Classes are offered at various island churches.

» Ronald N. Frost of Barnabus International ministry, an associate professor at Multnomah Biblical Seminary, will teach “;Romans: Touring a Torn Church”; seminar June 19 and 20 at Hawaii Kai Church.

» Philip M. Johnson, Multnomah Biblical Seminary professor, will lead a seminar on “;Elijah and Elisha: Prophets of God's Love”; July 30 and Aug. 1 at Community Church of Honolulu.

» Robert Hildebrand of Multnomah Bible College will lead an “;Introduction to Church Ministry”; seminar Aug. 14 and 15 at Community Church of Honolulu.

Fees for classes range from $20 to $40. See http://www.biblehawaii.org for information. Registration information is also available by calling 595-4700.