The First United Methodist Church of Honolulu will celebrate its "100-plus" anniversary with a family festival from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Thomas Square.

Also, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson from California will preach at the 10 a.m. worship service on Oct. 9. Swenson, the Tongan and English language choirs and current pastors the Rev. Dr. Etuini "Eddie" Kelemeni and the Rev. Amy C. Wake will co-celebrate the service, which will be followed by a free feast in the courtyard.

The free festival will feature food, entertainment, display booths and a kids carnival. Entertainment will include Polynesian music and dancing. For the keiki: games, an inflatable bouncer, weaving, juggling and lei making. Parking is available in the church's underground lot off Victoria Street.

The Rev. W. S. Turner started First Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Honolulu more than 150 years ago. Although the church faltered after seven years, it was re-established in 1894 and grew quickly. It's the first Methodist Tongan ministry in the country, and in 1953, it started the first school for mentally handicapped children in the state. It's also known for its innovative programs, including a weekly luncheon for servicemen and women during World War II, and today's FoodBank ministries that serve 500 monthly.

Information: 522-9555 or www.gbgmumc.org/FirstHI001.

SUFFERING, DEATH TOPIC OF LECTURE

The Rev. Dr. James W. Farwell will discuss "Dying, We Live: Christian Approaches to Suffering and Death in a Culture of Progress" as part of the Margaret "Peggy" Kai Memorial Lecture Series of St. Andrew's Cathedral at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Tenney Theatre on the grounds of St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Farwell, associate professor of liturgics at the General Theological Seminary, an Episcopal seminary in New York, has taught a course on "Suffering, Evil and Worship" and is the author of "This Is the Night: Suffering, Salvation, and the Liturgies of Holy Week."

Information on the free lecture: 524-2822, ext. 212.