KAHULUI - The ninth annual Pacific Arise Ho'ike, a Pacific Islander worship arts conference, will be held today and Saturday at Kahului Union Church.
"This is the ninth year of the annual gathering of worship arts ministries," said Kahu Rennie Mau, executive director of Pacific Arise Ministries, the host for the event. "Uilani Purdy is the Maui coordinator/director, and she has been quite busy all year organizing the gathering."
The event starts at 6 p.m. today with a potluck. Guest speakers will be Tahitian pastors Gerard and Tarita Tehotu, Kahu Akea Eaton, Lita Catiel and Mau.
On Saturday, there will be free workshops from 8 a.m. to noon with the morning session ending with communion. The public is invited.
Saturday evening's activities begin at 5:30 with the Ho'ike, a time when the various ministries will share in worship. Participating church ministries include Ala Lani United Methodist Church, AMP Church, Awakening Church, David Malo Church, Grace Church, Hope Chapel, Hope Chapel North Shore, In His House of Restoration, Kahului Union Church, King's Cathedral (Hula and Mana Toa), Kuhina, Kumulani Chapel, Lahaina Christian Fellowship, Maui Marshallese Ministry and Word of Truth.
Formerly known as the Pacific Islander Worship Arts Institute Ho'ike, the event is currently under the umbrella of Pacific Arise Ministries and the Institute for Indigenous Studies, U.S. Center for World Ministries.
The gatherings are free, but offerings will be accepted.
The church is at 100 Kamehameha Ave. Those attending evening activities are urged to bring a mat or lawn chair, a sweater and a flashlight and wear light clothing for safety.
For more information, call 268-2065 or 280-9591.
