As a pastor with the United Church of Christ, it is my life’s work to make the transformative teachings of Christianity real and accessible to all people. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is love. Christians are tasked with loving our neighbors as ourselves – it is our highest duty. At my church we […]
LGBTQIA
Posted inThe Forecaster
School Notebook: Aug. 25
Cumberland student chosen for exclusive study abroad program Nola Gallo, a Greely High School senior from Cumberland, has been awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year. Pandemic conditions permitting, Gallo will leave in late August to spend the year in Germany living with a host family, attending a German high school […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Out of the mouths of babes
I sit at a diner munching salad and overhear a young boy in the next booth ask, “Dad, can I have some fries and do you see that rainbow flag over there?” “Yes, Donny, and yes.” “If I wanted to learn to sew, would that be OK?” “Sure, why?” “Well, when I played at Jimmy’s, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: LGBTQ allies need some etiquette for Pride celebrations
June is, among other things, National Pride Month. Given that the pandemic is loosening its grip and mandates are being lifted, especially for outdoor gatherings, this should be a really good Pride, too. Everyone is feeling celebratory, and Pride is packed full of music, dancing and rainbows. But wait. Pause. If you are a proud […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: My son showed me sexual orientation is not a choice
June: Pride Month. From the age of 2, my now-grown son would dress in my clothes, sneak into my makeup drawer and slather himself with colors and lipstick. He ran to avoid the soccer ball, once almost drowned in the ocean and hated sports. He preferred Broadway shows to hanging out with friends. I missed […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Grammatically speaking
I was raised by a strict grammarian. If, for example, at the dinner table I were to ask “Could you please pass me the salt?,” my mother would dutifully hand the salt over to just beyond my grasp, then return it to its original space and reply, “Why, yes. I could.” With a smile no […]