The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew will host the Kirkin' o' the Tartan at noon on Sunday.

It's an annual worship service with bagpipe music to bless Scottish family tartans. The tradition, dating to a time in Scotland when wearing tartans was forbidden, remembers when congregants would wear a concealed piece of their tartans to church. At a special part of the service, the minister would bless the tartans, asking God's favor on the forbidden tradition. The cathedral is named for Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

Participants are encouraged to wear or bring tartan.

Information: 524-2822, ext. 217.

MEDITATION, YOGA OFFERED AT RETREAT

"Open Your Heart in Paradise" is a five-day retreat beginning Dec. 10 at the Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center on the Big Island.

There will be daily yoga with Saul David Raye and zen meditation with Therese Fitzgerald; devotional chanting with Krishna Das and daily talks by Ram Dass. Opening ceremonies include a fire circle with nativeÊancestral traditions.

Cost: $25 to $200, depending on the package.

Information: 800-800-6886 or 808-965-7828.

A HOLIDAY BREAK JUST FOR WOMEN

Hope Chapel Kane'ohe Bay will have a women's Christmas open house, "An Evening in December," at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The free event offers a break during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with Hawaiian music, food and a Christmas message by speaker Dawn O'Brien.

Information: Lisa Schultz, 256-1905 or lisas@hopechapel.com.

CHOIR PERFORMS HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"

The 150-person Central Union Oratorio Choir and members of Honolulu Symphony will present their 61st annual Handel's "Messiah" performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the church.

Soloists will be Catherine Goto, Susan Purnell, Douglas Hall, James Price and Christopher Kelsey with Timothy Carney conducting. While shortened, this version of "Messiah" includes the complete Christmas portion.

The event is free.

Information: 941-0957.

LABYRINTH EVENTS FEATURED ALL WEEK

The Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, an author and labyrinth expert from Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, will be featured in weeklong labyrinth activities at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, there will be an open labyrinth walking for prayer and meditation, with meditative music, prayer candles and informational displays.

Other free events: