HAVANA — Pope Benedict XVI demanded more freedom for the Catholic Church in communist run Cuba and preached against “fanaticism” in an unusually political sermon Wednesday before hundreds of thousands at Revolution Plaza, with President Raul Castro in the front row. Before the pope’s departure, he met with the president’s brother, revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Castro […]

BATH — The United Methodist Church on Oak Grove Avenue will be holding its local Food Bank Drive at several locations in Bath on Saturday. Food can be dropped off in front of Brackett’s Market, Shaw’s supermarket and City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This church has carried out this food drive every […]

DURHAM — Heavens Blend will be ministering in song during a special concert on Saturday at Shiloh Chapel. The concert begins at 7 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken, and light refreshments will be provided. Proceeds benefit the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach Food Pantry. For more information, call 240-1637. worship@timesrecord.com

TOPSHAM — Winter has wound down and the United Baptist Church hopes it “First Thursday Fellowship” will spring up as a new tradition for Mid-coast residents. On the first Thursday of each month United Baptist Church will offer a free continental breakfast between 10 and 11 a.m. Organizers encourage people to come for the hour, […]

AUGUSTA — Concerned Women for America of Maine, in conjunction with 40 Days for Life, will sponsor an hour of prayer in front of Family Planning Association on Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Athough the 40 Days for Life vigil to end abortion officially ends on Sunday, prayer will continue at the Family Planning […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — A panel discussion, “A rabbi, a priest and a minister … How People of Faith Support Marriage Equality,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook St. The discussion is sponsored by Religious Coalition Against Discrimination and Integrity Maine. Panelists include Rabbi Carolyn Braun of Temple […]

TOPSHAM — A women’s study group on “perseverance” will begin April 11 and continue on Wednesdays through June 27 at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Roman Road. The group will meet from 2:30 to 4 p.m. weekly. It is for women only. For more information, call 725-7091. worship@timesrecord.com

When our Savior Jesus Christ hung on a cross two thousand years ago, he entreated God in Heaven, “ Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” What a prayer! Those for whom he prayed were his tormenters! They demanded his demise. They attached him to that cross in a most painful way. […]

Several local congregations are planning special services during Holy Week. Among them: Dresden-Richmond United Methodist Church RICHMOND — Special Holy Week services are planned at Dresden-Richmond United Methodist Church. Palm Sunday will be observed on April 1 at 10 a.m. A Maundy Thursday service will be held at 6:30 p.m. A Good Friday Tenebrae service […]