The symbolic return of an ember from the site of the World War II atomic blast in Hiroshima to Trinity, N.M. — the site of its design — is the focus of a documentary that will be screened tomorrow in Honolulu.

The screening of "Gate — A True Story," sponsored by Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple's Buddhist Education Committee, is scheduled for noon in the temple's Annex Temple. The program is free. For more information, call 536-7044.

PROGRAMS ADDRESS HOLIDAY DIFFICULTIES

Two local churches will offer programs tied to the Winter Solstice for those experiencing illness, loss or pain.

• Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church in 'Äina Haina will offer "Blue Christmas at Calvary," which features song, music, candle-lighting and Holy Communion. The program is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the church. For information, call 377-5477, or www.calvarybythesea.org.

• "Blue Christmas: A Service of Reflection for the Longest Night of the Year," offers music, silent meditation and healing prayer. The program will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Andrew. For information, call 524-2822.

CHURCHES STEP UP CHRISTMAS AGENDAS

Several holiday programs — most of them free — are scheduled at area churches:

• The Honolulu Boy Choir will present its 35th anniversary free community concert, "Merriest Hawaiian Christmas" Dec. 19 at Central Union Church. Doors open at 6:25 p.m. Information, 592-5043.

• The Honolulu Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present its 23rd annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 at the Honolulu Tabernacle, 1560 S. Beretania St. The community concert is free. For information, 358-6935.

• The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus will present its 48th annual Christmas concert, "Nani Nä Pua," 7 p.m. today at Kawaiaha'o Church. Admission is free. For information call, 521-2982.

• "A Holiday Concert" for ages 5 and older, featuring the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir, will be offered at 11:30 a.m. today in the Hawai'i State Library's front lobby. Admission is free. For information, call 586-3510.

• "A Gift of Christmas Cheer," a free holiday concert, will be offered by soprano Momi Mahon and pianist Pavlina Lutfey at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Church of the Crossroads.

• The Honolulu Symphony Chorus and Chamber Choir will present a concert of Christmas music, both classical (including works by Bach and Handel) and contemporary, at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Andrew. Tickets — $20 for adults, discounts for students, military and students — are available at the door. For information, call 524-0815.