Shichigosan Children's Festival, children blessed daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., through Nov. 30, Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha — Hawaii Dazaifu Tenamngu; included are the ceremony and kimono rental and dressing for a donation of $50. Reservation required: 841-4755.

An early Thanksgiving celebration with youth activities, music, games, plate lunches and prizes, 9 a.m.3 p.m. today, Lighthouse Outreach Center's parking lot; free. 680-0823.

"Introduction to Meditation," teaching on how and why to meditate, by Lama Rinchen, 9 a.m.-noon today, Kagyu Thegchen Ling/Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Center. Also, "The Four Dharmas of Gampopa," about overcoming old thinking habits to create happiness, 1:30-2:30 p.m. tomorrow; either class is $10. 595-8989.

Samaritan's Purse is accepting donations of gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child; leave boxes filled with nonperishable items 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today at the Matson container located on the property of Central Union Church; continues 1-6 p.m. tomorrow and 3-6 p.m. Monday. Additional information and requirements: 295-3027.

The Southeast Asian Floating Lantern Festival, with entertainment, food booths, cultural dances and lantern floating at sunset; program noon-7 p.m., Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park; free, with donations for lanterns and proceeds from beverage sale benefiting the American Red Cross Hawai'i Chapter's Hurricane and Disaster Relief Fund. 528-2733, 949-9707.

"Evolution vs. Creation: the Origin of Man Revisited," talk by Ron Carlson with a Q&A to follow, 6 p.m. today, Calvary Chapel Komo Mai, 'Aiea; free. 524-0844.

17th annual Community Thanksgiving Service, ecumenical service with readings from the Bible, choir music and a message by pastor David Shon, 5 p.m. tomorrow, First Baptist Church of Wahiawa; monetary and nonperishable food donations accepted to benefit the Wahiawa area food banks, sponsored by the Wahiawa Ministers Association. 622-6650, 622-4321.

"Uniting in Thanksgiving," 44th annual Nu'uanu Valley Thanksgiving Eve interfaith worship service with music from an interfaith choir, a presentation on the contribution of Chinese Christians in Hawai'i and a speech by Gov. Linda Lingle, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Honolulu Community Church (United Church of Christ), 2345 Nu'uanu Ave.; free, refreshments afterward. 595-7541.

Thanksgiving Day Ecumenical Service, with performances by the Honolulu Boy Choir, Samoan Seventh Day Adventist Men's Gospel Heralds, the Kawaiaha'o choir and a message from Mayor Mufi Hannemann, 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Central Union Church; monetary donations and canned goods to benefit area food banks. 440-3007, 941-0957.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Children's Outreach Center, with George Kahumoku and Daniel Ho performing Hawaiian hymns and slack-key, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 26, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church; $15 (includes CD by Kahumoku or Ho and refreshments). 845-2112.