Children are invited to participate in the traditional Japanese tradition of Shichigosan today and tomorrow at the Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine in Kalihi.

Traditionally in November, children dressed in kimono — boys, 3 and 5 years old, and girls, 3 and 7 years old — would visit a Shinto shrine to report their healthy development and receive blessings.

This year, the Kalihi shrine will also offer free help in kimono dressing, hair and makeup for the children, as well as an omamori (good luck amulet), goodie bag and candies.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is by reservation only. A $50 donation is requested.

Call 841-4755 or visit www.e-shrine.org to make a reservation.

PROGRAMS OFFER HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Two programs to help get through the holiday season following death of a loved one or divorce will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu in Käne'ohe:

• "Surviving the Holidays," will be offered by GriefShare, a grief recovery program and support group system, to help deal with death of a loved one, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at the church.

• DivorceCare will offer two, one-session, special presentations to help those dealing with divorce, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Dec. 8.

The church is at the Ko'olau Golf Course in Käne'ohe.

For more information, call 532-1111.

EDUCATIONAL FILM TO BE SCREENED FRIDAY

Local parent support group Da Moms and Church of the Crossroads are offering a free showing of the educational film "Anyone and Everyone."

The film presents the stories of families in crisis at home, and in faith, upon learning their child is gay. The resource is focused at families, community leaders, educators, counselors, youth programs, churches and other service providers.

It will will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday at the church's Weaver Hall.

Da Moms will also provide free DVD copies for educational, planning and outreach purposes to community organizations and churches.

For more information, call 949-2220.

DIFFERENT FAITHS EXPLORE FREEDOM

Representatives from Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Sufi, Christian and other faith communities will gather for a "Freedom" interfaith service at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church in 'Äina Haina.

One focus of the service is the opportunity to experience the different meanings of freedom as interpreted through the eyes of different faiths and religions.

For more information, call 377-5477.

INTERFAITH SERVICE SET FOR NOV. 24

For the 48th year, religious communities in Nu'uanu will join for expressions of gratitude at the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.

Among the congregations and choirs on hand will be Methodists, Catholics, Buddhists, Hindus, Unitarians, Episcopalians, Jews and members of the United Church of Christ, offering symbols and songs of thanksgiving.

The service will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at Nu'uanu Congregational Church on Pali Highway.

Speaking will be Philippine Consul Gen. Leoncio Cardenas.

This year's theme is "Even now, our souls still long to sing," reflecting hope in the midst of devastating calamities and global economic recession.

For more information, call 595-3935.

WINDWARD EVENT FEATURES SINGING

Windward residents are invited to the annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration, a program and prayer and thanksgiving, at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.

The annual event, sponsored by the Windward Coalition of Churches, will feature congregational singing, music by a combined choir and a presentation from the St. Anthony of Padua's Outreach Center.

Worshippers are asked to bring monetary donations for St. Anthony's work of feeding and clothing the needy. Desserts can also be shared at a reception to follow.

The Windward Coalition of Churches comprises chaplaincies at Castle Medical Center and Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Retirement Community, along with a coalition of Windward parishes.

For more information, call 262-8176.