http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/-t1.htm What do you believe? Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:58:39 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/bikers-gather-in-gardiner-for-blessing-t18877.htm Outspoken Bikers gather in Gardiner for blessing BY SUSAN M. COVER Staff Writer Morning Sentinel GARDINER -- Getting your motorcycle blessed on a sunny day is one thing. Coming out on a rainy day is another. More than 70 bikers came to Christ Church on Sunday despite the rain to take part in the second annual Blessing of the Bikes. "Motorcycling is not really a safe occupation," said Gayle Gifford, director of the American Legion Riders of Damariscotta. "It's more ... Religion Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:58:39 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/bikers-gather-in-gardiner-for-blessing-t18877.htm#22194 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/bikers-gather-in-gardiner-for-blessing-t18877.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/solon-evergreen-wilderness-chapel-nearly-ready-t18638.htm Outspoken SOLON: Evergreen Wilderness Chapel nearly ready BY LARRY GRARD Staff Writer Morning Sentinel SOLON -- Three years after they began building it, Charli and Reggie Spearrin are just a month away from opening Evergreen Wilderness Chapel & 1800s Christian Museum on River Road. And when the fundamental Pentecost church, an affiliate of the Church of God, opens for services on June 28, it will be free of debt. The Spearrins funded the project as they went along. "We ... Religion Sun, 31 May 2009 11:52:07 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/solon-evergreen-wilderness-chapel-nearly-ready-t18638.htm#21919 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/solon-evergreen-wilderness-chapel-nearly-ready-t18638.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/church-changes-traditions-to-combat-spread-of-flu-t18387.htm Outspoken Church changes traditions to combat spread of flu STAFF REPORT Morning Sentinel Catholic churches in Maine will change some longstanding traditions starting this weekend in an effort to stem the spread of swine flu. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland issued the following guidelines Thursday: Priests will not share the consecrated wine with parishioners. Churchgoers will receive Holy Communion by hand, rather than on the tongue. Parishioners who must receive communion ... Religion Fri, 01 May 2009 10:15:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/church-changes-traditions-to-combat-spread-of-flu-t18387.htm#21632 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/church-changes-traditions-to-combat-spread-of-flu-t18387.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/skin-cream-sales-could-help-poor-t18276.htm Outspoken Skin cream sales could help poor A religious community links up with a scientist to market a product for the greater good. By STEPHANIE REITZ The Associated Press WORCESTER, Mass. — A few years ago, members of the Teresian Carmelites monastery had nearly run out of ways to raise money for their charitable work. Hopes of getting permission from Trappist monks in Belgium to produce the Trappists' beer in central Massachusetts were on hold. Another idea to erect windmills to generate ... Religion Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:30:18 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/skin-cream-sales-could-help-poor-t18276.htm#21496 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/skin-cream-sales-could-help-poor-t18276.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/faithful-crowd-jerusalem-for-good-friday-observances-t18152.htm Outspoken Faithful crowd Jerusalem for Good Friday observances Christians visit the biblical crucifixion and burial sites, while Israelis and others pack the Jewish Quarter. By MATTI FRIEDMAN The Associated Press JERUSALEM — Thousands of Christian clergymen, worshippers and pilgrims thronged the alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, chanting hymns and bearing crosses as they marked Good Friday by retracing Jesus' final footsteps. Hundreds attended prayers Friday morning at Jerusalem's Church ... Religion Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:43:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/faithful-crowd-jerusalem-for-good-friday-observances-t18152.htm#21354 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/faithful-crowd-jerusalem-for-good-friday-observances-t18152.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/performance-highlights-homelessness-t18141.htm Outspoken Performance highlights homelessness BY VALERIE TUCKER Correspondent Morning Sentinel FARMINGTON -- Shawn Potter held up a pair of boots and pointed to the tear in the side of the left one. He didn't rip his boot on a camping trip or a hike in the woods. "I didn't have anywhere to stay in the winter, so I had to live in my tent, and it was really cold," he said. "When I woke up, my boot was frozen solid to the tent floor, and I had to rip it to pull it off." On ... Religion Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:59:36 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/performance-highlights-homelessness-t18141.htm#21343 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/performance-highlights-homelessness-t18141.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/sacred-seder-t18124.htm Outspoken Sacred Seder BY CRAIG CROSBY Staff Writer Kennebec Journal AUGUSTA -- To be most thankful for liberty, it helps to look at the oppressed. That is what 13-year-old Natalie Jortner did Thursday evening when -- before a room of 70 Jews and guests gathered at Temple Beth El for the second Seder, a Passover meal to celebrate God leading his people out of slavery in Egypt -- she reminded the liberated that slavery is not just for the history books. "There are more slaves in ... Religion Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:33:19 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/sacred-seder-t18124.htm#21325 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/sacred-seder-t18124.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/passover-begins-with-gatherings-large-and-small-t18108.htm Outspoken Passover begins with gatherings large and small By DENNIS HOEY Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Jewish families across Maine celebrated the start of Passover on Wednesday night, with many sitting down to enjoy the holiday's traditional Seder. Jackie Soley invited 17 guests to her home in Freeport, a gesture of friendship that was complicated by her agreeing to prepare a Seder on the next night for congregants of the Shaarey Tphiloh synagogue in Portland. The synagogue's ... Religion Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:18:25 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/passover-begins-with-gatherings-large-and-small-t18108.htm#21307 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/passover-begins-with-gatherings-large-and-small-t18108.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/in-catholic-bastion-a-painful-reality-t18037.htm Outspoken In Catholic bastion, a painful reality Declining membership and rising costs are likely to force two more Lewiston churches to be shut down and sold. By KELLEY BOUCHARD Staff Writer Portland Press Herald LEWISTON — Mark Anthoine wasn't prepared for the sadness and disappointment he heard in his mother's voice. Barbara Anthoine, 72, had just learned that a parish task force had recommended closing and selling St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. That's where she was married in ... Religion Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:35:52 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/in-catholic-bastion-a-painful-reality-t18037.htm#21227 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/in-catholic-bastion-a-painful-reality-t18037.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/married-priests-inspire-church-families-t18022.htm Outspoken Married priests inspire church families An exception to the church's celibacy rule enables two biological fathers to lead Catholics. By PATRICIA MONTEMURRI Detroit Free Press DETROIT — There are few women who can say they are married to a Roman Catholic priest. And few people who can say their dad is the man whom Catholic churchgoers address formally as "Father Steve." But Cindy Anderson and her three sons can, and they were among the congregants at Mass on a recent ... Religion Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:20:13 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/married-priests-inspire-church-families-t18022.htm#21208 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/married-priests-inspire-church-families-t18022.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/film-speaker-to-address-gays-impact-on-families-t17968.htm Outspoken Film, speaker to address gays' impact on families Mary Lou Wallner's story is told in a documentary on how Christians deal with their children's orientation. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald When Mary Lou Wallner learned that her daughter was a lesbian, she said she was devastated. Raised as a conservative Christian, Wallner said she was taught that homosexuality was unnatural and not to be tolerated. She immediately wrote to her daughter, Anna Wakefield, ... Religion Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:22:38 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/film-speaker-to-address-gays-impact-on-families-t17968.htm#21145 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/film-speaker-to-address-gays-impact-on-families-t17968.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/hospital-s-pastoral-program-changing-t17910.htm Outspoken Hospital's pastoral program changing BY SCOTT MONROE Staff Writer Morning Sentinel Under the guidance of a new director, MaineGeneral Health's pastoral-care department is retooling its program and hiring anew. The hospital system has dropped staff chaplains who hail from a specific religious denomination and is instead switching to a professional-based program with chaplains who have a national certification and clinical training, serving all patients regardless of religious beliefs. "In ... Religion Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:55:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/hospital-s-pastoral-program-changing-t17910.htm#21080 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/hospital-s-pastoral-program-changing-t17910.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/demand-for-sacrament-of-the-sick-runs-high-t17907.htm Outspoken Demand for sacrament of the sick runs high The ritual's popularity and the shortage of Catholic priests make meeting the need a real challenge. By MANYA A. BRACHEAR Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — Mary Ellen Segraves could sense the fear in her ailing mother Ceil's eyes the day after her knee surgery. But when the Rev. Yaroslav Mendyuk approached Ceil's hospital bed to offer the sacrament of the sick, Segraves saw her mother light up. Following the priest's lead, Ceil Segraves crossed ... Religion Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:29:53 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/demand-for-sacrament-of-the-sick-runs-high-t17907.htm#21071 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/demand-for-sacrament-of-the-sick-runs-high-t17907.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/loans-made-from-kindness-t17795.htm Outspoken Loans made from kindness Interest-free loans to people in need are a centuries-old tradition in the Jewish community. By KRISTIN E. HOLMES The Philadelphia Inquirer PHILADELPHIA — In tough economic times, a centuries-old financial lifeline might be one of the best-kept secrets in the Jewish community. It is a secret whose roots go back to the Torah, where it is called an act of "loving kindness." When rent is due or tuition is short, there are loans available ... Religion Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:13:16 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/loans-made-from-kindness-t17795.htm#20944 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/loans-made-from-kindness-t17795.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/hbo-mormons-square-off-over-depiction-of-ritual-t17794.htm Outspoken HBO, Mormons square off over depiction of ritual The network is criticized for portraying a temple ceremony in 'Big Love,' a drama about polygamy. By JENNIFER DOBNER The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — HBO this week defended its plans to depict a sacred Mormon temple ceremony in an upcoming episode of "Big Love." The drama about a Utah polygamous family will show an endowment ceremony Sunday. HBO said it did not intend to be disrespectful of the Church of ... Religion Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:31:54 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/hbo-mormons-square-off-over-depiction-of-ritual-t17794.htm#20939 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/hbo-mormons-square-off-over-depiction-of-ritual-t17794.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/church-hosts-free-concerts-t17759.htm Outspoken Church hosts free concerts Morning Sentinel WATERVILLE -- The public is invited to attend free Lenten organ concerts at noon on March 24 and April 1 at First Baptist Church on Elm Street. Waterville native Chris Ganza, currently an organ major at St. Olaf College, will perform March 24; Portia Miles-Smith, organist at all Souls Universalist Church, will perform April 1. She established the annual noon Lenten concerts. This is the 18th year of the concerts. The First Baptist ... Religion Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:38:50 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/church-hosts-free-concerts-t17759.htm#20902 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/church-hosts-free-concerts-t17759.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/peace-activist-visits-churches-t17710.htm Outspoken Peace activist visits churches STAFF REPORT Morning Sentinel A minister in the Church of Scotland and an international advocate for peace and social justice ministries will visit Franklin County as part of a speaking tour across the United States. The Rev. Peter Millar's experience includes a church ministry in South India, advocacy efforts in Guguletu, South Africa, and among the aborigines of Australia. He is also a member of international organizations dedicated to peace efforts ... Religion Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:31:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/peace-activist-visits-churches-t17710.htm#20850 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/peace-activist-visits-churches-t17710.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/religious-order-eyes-new-role-t17591.htm Outspoken Religious order eyes new role The Sisters of Mercy and a developer seek a tax break to turn the motherhouse into apartments. By NOEL K. GALLAGHER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald PORTLAND — After more than 100 years as the dominant landmark along Stevens Avenue, the Sisters of Mercy motherhouse could soon become a $25 million senior housing development. The order is working with a Topsham-based developer, John Wasileski, to renovate the four-story, gold-domed brick building ... Religion Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:24:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/religious-order-eyes-new-role-t17591.htm#20716 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/religious-order-eyes-new-role-t17591.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/catholics-occupy-imperiled-churches-faithfully-t17549.htm Outspoken Catholics occupy imperiled churches faithfully Around-the-clock sit-ins continue four years after the Boston Archdiocese closed the five churches. By JAY LINDSAY The Associated Press EVERETT, Mass. — The thermometer inside St. Therese Church reads a toe-numbing 36 degrees. A pail of water used for hand-washing has frozen under a sink that, like the heating system, hasn't worked in months. In the sanctuary, four women in coats, hats and gloves huddle as they pray the rosary, their ... Religion Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:14:13 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/catholics-occupy-imperiled-churches-faithfully-t17549.htm#20665 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/catholics-occupy-imperiled-churches-faithfully-t17549.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/seeing-faith-work-from-afar-t17548.htm Outspoken Seeing faith work from afar A church uses the Web to show its members the works of missionaries in the world's rough spots. By YONAT SHIMRON McClatchy Newspapers RALEIGH, N.C. — In many churches, there is no greater honor than meeting a missionary who is working in the jungles, slums and sore spots of the world to spread the faith on behalf of those more attached to the comforts of home. But for most Christians, such interactions are rare. The good works of these missionaries ... Religion Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:11:25 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/seeing-faith-work-from-afar-t17548.htm#20664 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/seeing-faith-work-from-afar-t17548.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/a-lift-over-learning-barriers-t17547.htm Outspoken A lift over learning barriers A Catholic church in R.I. offers instruction designed to accommodate special needs, such as autism. By RAY HENRY The Associated Press WARWICK, R.I. — Two autistic boys sat inside a parochial school classroom this month. In a setting stripped of unnecessary furniture and toys to avoid distraction, they studied pictograms of a bearded Jesus in a red sash and images of their family members and people helping each other. "P.J. helps – P.J. can ... Religion Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:08:52 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/a-lift-over-learning-barriers-t17547.htm#20663 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/a-lift-over-learning-barriers-t17547.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/lent-starts-today-t17414.htm Outspoken Lent starts today BY LARRY GRARD Staff Writer Morning Sentinel Five times during the 40 days of Lent that begin today, Joseph and Susan Richards will host evening prayer and reflection meetings in their Winslow home. They and perhaps five or six guests recite the Gospel, pray together and reflect. They began doing it last year, Joseph Richards said, in response to a call from their church, St. John's Catholic Church in Winslow. "It's an opportunity for us to share our ... Religion Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:39:01 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/lent-starts-today-t17414.htm#20513 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/lent-starts-today-t17414.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/crucifixes-cause-controversy-t17348.htm Outspoken Crucifixes cause controversy Some Boston College faculty want to remove the symbols, which have been placed in all classrooms. The Associated Press BOSTON — Boston College officials have quietly placed crucifixes in every classroom and Christian artwork around the Roman Catholic university's campus, stirring some faculty complaints. The Jesuit school made the additions during winter break, part of a trend among Catholic universities and colleges attempting to affirm their Catholic ... Religion Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:54:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/crucifixes-cause-controversy-t17348.htm#20430 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/crucifixes-cause-controversy-t17348.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/catholic-schools-fight-for-survival-t17347.htm Outspoken Catholic schools fight for survival Baltimore's archdiocese faces the same problem as many Catholic school systems across the country as enrollments fall. By SARAH BRUMFIELD The Associated Press BALTIMORE — Maryland is considered the cradle of Roman Catholic education in America. But if that heritage is to endure, decisive action must be taken soon to address falling enrollment at Baltimore's parochial schools, the archbishop says. For a decade, leaders have prayed the situation ... Religion Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:53:01 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/catholic-schools-fight-for-survival-t17347.htm#20429 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/catholic-schools-fight-for-survival-t17347.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/at-mercy-of-economy-1862-convent-closing-t17245.htm Outspoken At mercy of economy, 1862 convent closing The New York complex completes its mission of sheltering, educating and nurturing the needy. By VERENA DOBNIK The Associated Press NEW YORK — Ringed by massive red brick walls, the Convent of Mercy rose during the Civil War. Two decades later, the Brooklyn Bridge opened. And more than four decades passed before the Empire State Building appeared on the Manhattan skyline seen from the windows of the Brooklyn convent. Since 1862, the ... Religion Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:59:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/at-mercy-of-economy-1862-convent-closing-t17245.htm#20304 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/religion-f70/at-mercy-of-economy-1862-convent-closing-t17245.htm