The lunch will be served by River of Life staff and volunteers. A program of Christmas music will be presented.

River of Life provides an average of 10,000 hot meals monthly to Hawai'i's homeless.

Executive director Rev. Bob Marchant said contributions of food items are welcome, as well as financial donations. The wish list includes canned ham, turkeys, canned pineapple, brown sugar, rice, aluminum foil and broiler pans, and paper products. Those wishing to donate food or gifts for the Christmas event may call River of Life, 524-7656, to schedule a drop-off before noon Tuesday.

For information: 524-7656.

Choir performs original cantata

First United Methodist's composer-in-residence, Rich McKinney, has set nine poems to be sung by a 33-member choir in an original cantata for the church's Christmas Eve service.

The 7:30 p.m. service at the church, located at Beretania and Victoria streets, is free. The choir also will be performing at a closed, invitation-only performance at Hawai'i Public Radio's Atherton Studio tonight, with recording of that concert to be available possibly next year, McKinney said.

Two soloists from Saint Louis School will be featured, Will Schmitz and Jean Bishop, in a duet called "Love Was There."

For information: 522-9555.

Christmas party slated for deaf

Harris United Methodist Church will host a Christmas party for deaf (as well as hearing) people, to support its deaf ministries program.

Festivities will be held at noon tomorrow in the church lounge.

The church is at the corner of Nu'uanu Avenue and Vineyard Boulevard.

The church has an interpreted worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and a Sunday school class for the deaf at 9 a.m.