PHILADELPHIA The United Methodist church defrocked a pastor from central Pennsylvania on Thursday for violating doctrine by officiating his son’s gay marriage, leaving the minister shocked and upset that he could be punished for an “act of love.” Frank Schaefer immediately appealed the penalty, which he believed was meted out reluctantly by many members of […]

VATICAN CITY A man has doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The Vatican said Thursday the 51-year-old man was treated at a nearby hospital and transferred to a larger one, with serious burns to the upper part of his body. A Vatican statement says a […]

PHIPPSBURG — Follow the stars — and Route 209 — to experience the peace on earth of Popham Village on Christmas Eve. An old-fashioned candlelight service with carols, readings and the music of Richard Hankinson begins at 5 P.M., officiated by THE Rev. Janet Leighninger. A reception follows at the Chapel House next door, with […]

BRUNSWICK — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, celebrating its 169th year, will offer a Hymn Sing on the last Sunday of the year, Dec. 29, 7 to 8 p.m. Music Director Robert Judd will lead the event at the church’s new organ, installed late last year. The Hymn Sing is open to any and all who […]

HARPSWELL — Faith United Methodist Church, Orr’s Island, is planning a Lessons & Carols service for Christmas Eve at 6:30 p.m. The church also is returning to the Home Church Odyssey, from Epiphany on Jan. 5, 2014, until Palm Sunday on April 13, 2014. For these 14 weekm parishionerswill meet in members’ houses, rather than […]

BRUNSWICK — The public is invited to gather for a special “Celebration of Christmas” at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. There will also be a special evening of art and music at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at the church. Maine Street Baptist is located at 326 Upper Maine St., across from Parkview […]