Churches, temples and places of worship across Hawai'i will be celebrating Peace Day at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 by ringing bells for one minute.

It's part of an effort by the Peace Day Committee of the Pacific Buddhist Academy, which is also planning a Peace Forum at 1 p.m. followed by a 3 to 5 p.m. program at the Hawai'i Convention Center with speakers, taiko performances, dancers, video and singers.

Information: Peace Day Committee, 532-2649 or pieper.toyama@pbahi.org.

DAYLONG PRAYER PART OF RITE

Unity Church of Hawaii is planning a free daylong prayer and meditation as part of the Unity 2008 World Day of Prayer on Thursday.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., people will gather in the chapel at 3608 Diamond Head Circle. Every hour, a World Day of Prayer affirmation will be read, and, silently, a list of names submitted for prayer will be recited.

A 7 p.m. concert with Debra Lynn will be followed by an hourlong meditation guided by the World Day of Prayer affirmation. The Prayer List of names will again be read.

Information: 735-4436 or http://unityhawaii.org.

CELEBRATION SET FOR PEACE DAY

A school-themed celebration for Peace Day Hawaii 2008 — titled "Is Peace Possible in Our Schools?" — will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The guest speaker is Tricia S. Jones, a Temple University professor who specializes in conflict resolution. She will discuss "Conflict Management Nationwide Educational Initiatives."

Jeannie Lum, an associate professor at the University of Hawai'i, will talk about "What is Peace Education in the 21st Century?" Other speakers will be Peter Greenhill, co-director of 'Iolani School's Peace Institute; state Rep. Lyla Berg; and Justin Mew, principal of Niu Valley Middle School.

Information: 956-8068.

SPECIAL SERVICE AT WAIALUA CHURCH

Waialua United Church of Christ will host a morning of "Centering Prayer & Inner Awakening on the North Shore" from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 20.

The church is at 67-174 Farrington Highway.

The practice of intentional silence in the Christian tradition is Contemplative Prayer. An introductory class is provided for newcomers and books and tapes will be available for loan and sale.

Information: Rev. Dan Benedict, 637-4020 or stlukebysea@yahoo.com.

FREE CLASSES ON DHARMA STUDY

Adult dharma study classes on "Wisdom for the Modern World," to be taught by the Rev. Richard Tennes, begin Sept. 15 at Hawaii Betsuin Lounge, 1727 Pali Highway.

The free, two-hour classes, to focus on Tannisho collection of sayings by Shinran Shonin, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 8 (though no class Oct. 13 and 20).

Information: 536-7044, shaku.nyokou@gmail.com or wisdom.mugeko.fastmail.net.

Also: Alfred Bloom will be giving a reading and book signing for his memoir, "A Life of Serendipity: Blown by the Wind of Amida's Vow," at 11 a.m. Sept. 28.