Obamas Make Rare Trip to Church While in Hawaii

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (AP) — President Barack Obama and his family are making a rare Sunday trip to church.

The Obamas arrived at St. Michael’s Chapel mid-morning. The church is located on the Marine Corps base where Obama frequently golfs and goes to the gym during his Hawaiian vacations.

The Obamas were seated in the first row of the chapel as a band played “Joy to the World” and parishioners clapped. The celebrant said he was especially thankful this Sunday to have the Obamas in attendance.

Though Obama speaks frequently about his Christian faith, his family rarely attends church services in Washington. The White House says the president hasn’t joined a parish because his appearances would be disruptive to the rest of the congregation.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/12/26/us/politics/AP-US-Obama-Church.html?_r=1&hp