Unity Church of Hawaii is celebrating its 78th anniversary with a monthlong series of events that will wrap up with “An Evening of Elegance and Honor” featuring the founder of Agape International Spiritual Center.

Michael Bernard Beckwith will give a talk titled “Building the Beloved Community” at the event, slated for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the church, 3608 Diamond Head Circle. Beckwith was one of the spiritual leaders featured in “The Secret,” a best-selling 2006 book by Rhonda Byrne, and a frequent guest on the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” a news release said.

The event will also feature music by Beckwith’s wife, Rickie Byars Beckwith, and recognition of outstanding members of the community.

The gala is a fundraising event for the church, and a portion of the proceeds will go to HUGS (Help, Understanding and Group Support).

Tickets for the event are $178. VIP sponsorship levels are also available. Contact Locke Daring at 735-4436 or info@unityhawaii.org for information and tickets.

Anti-apartheid activist to speak

South African anti-apartheid activist Father Michael Lapsley will be the featured speaker at the 2015 Margaret “Peggy” Kai Memorial Lecture.

Lapsley, author of “Redeeming the Past: My Journey From Freedom Fighter to Healer,” visits Hawaii annually to speak about spiritual recovery. Set for Oct. 18 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, the event will begin with evensong at 5:30 p.m., followed by the memorial lecture at 6:30 p.m. and a reception from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Born in New Zealand, Lapsley joined the Society of the Sacred Mission and was sent to South Africa in 1973, according to a news release. There he became active in the anti-apartheid movement, ultimately joining the African National Congress. Exiled to Lesotho and then Zimbabwe, where he narrowly survived an assassination attempt, Lapsley returned to South Africa to found the Institute for Healing of Memories.

For more information visit the cathedral’s website, thecathedralofstandrew.org, or call 524-2822.

Temple event spotlights isle artists

Temple Emanu-El’s weeklong “Art Week 2015: Redrawn, Reformed, Revealed, Remixed,” which gets underway today, will feature exhibitions spotlighting local artists and family activities.

A gala opening, set for 6 p.m. at the temple, 2550 Pali Highway, will include artwork and a sale as well as an opportunity to meet artists, and entertainment by pianist Grant Carvalho. Yhere will be also wine and appetizers. Tickets are $100 per person if purchased in advance, and $150 at the door.

The exhibit, which features work from artists with Jewish roots, will be displayed daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A “Family Clay Workshop” will be held Sunday. Other slated activities range from a “Drawing Exercises” class to an art film night. For a detailed schedule and to buy tickets, visit shaloha.com.

Proceeds from Art Week will benefit the Temple Emanu-El Building Fund and Gan Yerushalayim Preschool Playground Fund. For additional information call 595-7521.