Olympian's mom will talk at prayer breakfast
Michelle Vandenburg, mother of Olympic gold medalist Bryan Clay, will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Hawaii Prayer Breakfast.
The event is held annually to pray for leaders, regardless of political or religious affiliation.
It is expected to draw Gov. Linda Lingle, along with the county mayors, prison inmates and administrators, high school student representatives and religious leaders.
The breakfast is at 7 a.m. Thursday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom.
Reservations for tickets, $29, can be made by calling 486-8986.
EASTER CANTATA DEBUTS AT CALVARY BY THE SEA
The public is invited to the premiere of "Words of Grace," composed by local musician Bruce Kau, at 7 p.m. tomorrow and 7 p.m. Good Friday at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church in 'Aina Haina.
The Easter cantata is a musical and theological meditation on the crucifixion of Jesus. It will also feature musician/singer John Osorio, a sign interpreter, dancers and the church choir.
It is free. For information, call 377-5477.
PUBLIC INVITED TO VIEW QING MING CEREMONY
On Monday, the public is invited to witness a Qing Ming (Ching Ming) ceremony at the Manoa Chinese Cemetery, 3430 East Manoa Road.
The centuries-old observance — usually a private gathering at the cemetery for families to remember their ancestors — has been embraced worldwide, especially in Hawai'i, by members of all faiths and cultures.
During Qing Ming, families honor ancestors with food and drink, incense, firecrackers and flowers. Folded gold and silver paper, representing ingots, is burned so ancestors will not be in want.
The free public event is co-sponsored by Chinese societies under the umbrella of the United Chinese Society of Hawai'i, various individuals and the city.
The ceremony will be conducted in English and Chinese. Traditional foods such as chicken, pork and seafood will be served.
Preceding the 10 a.m. Qing Ming ceremony will be a 9:30 a.m. military tribute for fallen veterans buried at the cemetery.
Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, the state adjutant general, will deliver remarks. Participation by the Hawai'i Air National Guard bugler, colors and firing teams, as well as a release of colored pigeons, are also planned.
Shuttle service will be available from streetside and the lower parking lot beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Information: 382-8932.
ALA MOANA HOTEL TO HOST PASSOVER SEDERS
"The Passover Experience," seders sponsored by Chabad of Hawaii, are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Ala Moana Hotel.
Passover services and lunch or dinner meals are also scheduled Thursday through April 16.
For reservations and costs, call 735-8161.
CHURCHES PLAN SERVICES FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY
A ceremony commemorating Jesus' washing of the feet of his disciples is scheduled as part of Maundy Thursday services Thursday at Olive United Methodist Church.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. A foot-washing ceremony and Holy Eucharist representing that meal are traditionally held.
The service begins at 7 p.m. at the Wahiawa church.
Also scheduled for Thursday is a Maundy Thursday "Soup Supper and Service," 6 p.m. at Windward United Church of Christ. Cost is $4 (children under 12 free). Childcare is provided.
COMMEMORATE HOLY WEEK AT MUSIC EVENTS
Several musical Easter Holy Week events are scheduled:
The church's 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday service will feature meditative music from the Taize tradition in France, with flutist GG Shanley.
Performing will be the 80-voice Kawaiaha'o Concert Choir.
For information, call 532-1260.
Also available will be special activities for children ages 1 to 12, and nurseries for newborns to 12 months old.
For information, call 447-5529.
