KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Rev. Molly Simpson puts a high priority on hospitality at her church. She wants people to feel welcome. That way, visitors are more likely to return, she says. The proof is in the results. When the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection’s Olathe, Kan., branch started six years ago, attendance […]

I am 60 years old. I serve a small church in a big, outdated (and beautiful) building. I never thought I’d see 60, because when I was young, I lived in the day — no thought for the morrow. And I’ve been busy for the last 30 years or so making up for that. Here’s […]

LEON, Mexico – One hundred fifty-thousand communion wafers? Check. Campsites for 350,000? Check. Three hand-embroidered papal souvenir sombreros? Check. Official song? Check. It takes a lot to prepare for the coming of the pope and the 3 million people the host Archdiocese of Leon says he is expected to draw. Facades must be spiffed; campgrounds […]

Today “Understanding Karma: Creating the Life You Want,” 1 to 4 p.m., meditation workshop with the American Buddhist monk Kelsang Pawo. The Heart Opening, 227 Congress St., Portland. Cost is $25, $15 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.MeditationINMaine.org or call 508-979-8277 Generational healing and service, 2 p.m., at the Franciscan Monastery, 20 […]

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI waded deep into U.S. campaign politics Friday, urging visiting U.S. bishops to beef up their teaching about the evils of premarital sex and cohabitation, and denouncing what he called the “powerful” gay marriage lobby in America. As debate over health care coverage for birth control rages in the United […]

Mandy was glum. Knowing how well she was doing on chemo, I realized there had to be something else distressing going on. It was her mother. Ever since Mandy’s father died nine months ago, her mother had not been able to overcome her loss. Until the day of her father’s sudden death, Mandy’s mother had […]

I am reading Robert Bellah’s latest book, “Religion in Human Evolution.” I suppose it isn’t for everyone, but it certainly is for me. I got to know Bob Bellah in Berkeley, Calif., when I was a minister at the First Congregational Church near the university. It was his book, “Habits of the Heart,” that spoke […]