New Year's Eve will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Unity Church of Today, 1701 Lucerne St., Minden with the annual Unity Burning Bowl Service in the sanctuary.
This Unity tradition invites the release of past troubles, to "Let go and let God," in anticipation of creating a brighter new year for yourself.
For information visit unitychurchoftoday.org or call 782-4429.
Foes in Mass. gay marriage fight unite to oppose gambling
BOSTON (AP) - Religious leaders who took opposing sides in the state's turbulent gay marriage debate have found something to bring them together: opposition to casino gambling.
Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to bring three casinos to Massachusetts has united religious groups that were once entrenched foes. It was just six months ago that one of the toughest gay marriage battles - over a ballot question that would have banned the marriages - ended when lawmakers killed the question.
"You would like nothing better than to hold grudges. But in government you can't do that," said Kris Mineau of the Massachusetts Family Institute, a leading anti-gay marriage lobbying group whose mission statement says its committed to affirming Judeo-Christian values.
Mineau already has worked closely with pastors who disagreed with him on gay marriage, speaking at two Massachusetts Council of Churches forums this month to educate clergy on how to fight expanded gambling.
The council's recent newsletter also brought together two leaders who disagreed on gay marriage in a jointly written column against casino gambling.