Ben was on a mission. He wanted to ban the greeting, “Hi, how you doing?” Whether in person or on the phone, Ben claimed the phrase is a mere formality with the addresser expecting “fine” as the response. Then the real conversation begins. Those in a hurry might dispense with “Hi” and start with “How […]

Sunday Sacred Harp singing, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Bryant home, 552 Main St., Damariscotta. This is a free participatory event, not a performance. A potluck supper follows the singing, so bring a dish to share. Call 563-6083 or email [email protected] with questions. Monday Financial Peace University, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., weekly through April […]

Today Hands Around the Capitol, annual rally in Augusta sponsored by Maine Right to Life, starts with a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 41 Western Ave., and a prayer service, also at 10 a.m., at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, 393 Water St. Rally begins at 11:15 a.m. at St. Michael’s Parish Gym […]

Fairy tales sometimes remind us of things we may have forgotten. Recently, the Sunday lections gave me entry to a theme I named the Cinderella Factor. You know the tale of a young woman put upon by a wicked stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. One day a handsome prince travels to her part of the […]

Helping members stay healthy is an essential part of the church’s mission, an Ohio pastor says.

Leah Darrow shares her discovery of love and forgiveness in the Catholic faith she once rejected.

DETROIT – One of Michigan’s most noted religious leaders said goodbye to his congregation this week as he prepares to help create a TV series loosely based on his life. Rob Bell, the founding pastor of the Mars Hill megachurch near Grand Rapids, Mich., is moving to California, where he will continue writing books and […]

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI clearly put his stamp on the group that will eventually elect his successor by naming 22 new cardinals Friday, including prelates in key posts such as New York and Hong Kong. The group is heavy on Europeans, particularly Italians holding important Vatican posts, and includes only three prelates from […]

She gazed into my eyes and said, “Sue, I’m looking at you and I think of zebra.” My friend and I sat across from each other having tea that afternoon as her three under-the-age-of-5 sons ran around. Karen and I had discussed the shrill “NOs” of the terrible twos and our work to get children […]