Columnists

In planning a vacation trip to the UK for this summer, I discovered a charming tradition in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This city was once known for its gun battles and explosions perpetrated by Roman Catholics and Protestants against each other. Now, however, Christmas brings these Christians together to aid the needy in their midst.

Where did the year go? It's already time for winter holiday decorating! If that makes you turn into the Grinch, relax and use some of these fun and inexpensive ideas. Decorating for the holidays doesn't need to be a huge or expensive production. Craft and grocery stores are great places to pick up inexpensive ingredients for your seasonal decorating. Here are some easy ideas that will make your winter decorating simpler, less expensive but still seasonal and fun.

“Silent night, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright ...”

Q: When our dog hears a funny noise, he tips his head sideways to listen. We think it's adorable, but why does he do this?

This time of year, as family members gather for the holidays, is a great opportunity to hold an annual family meeting.

When Hans Christian Anderson wrote “The Snow Queen” in 1845, he could never have fathomed in his wildest imagination (and as we all know he had a wild imagination), that his story would become a steampunk musical. He never dreamed that in the never, never, once-upon-a-time land of future theatre there was a director named Rick Lombardo and an associate director named Kirsten Brandt who would supply songs and lyrics and a reworked story. A talented Haddon Kime adds music to create an enchanting (at times confusing) “Snow Queen” that tells a story of valor, loyalty and the triumph of love.

St. Peter and other apostles of the early church devoted themselves entirely to spreading the Gospel, living on money given by church members. St. Paul, a late addition to the group, frequently performed paid outside work so as not to financially burden the young churches he founded. Since his occupation was making tents, self-supporting or “non-stipendiary” ministry is often called “tentmaking.”