PORTLAND ROCKS

While Sara Donnelly ("Portland’s Learning Curve," Sept 16) offers a good overview of funding issues facing the University of Southern Maine (where I did my economics coursework in 1969) within the context of the University of Maine System, she hardly proves the case for the subtitle of her article, "Why Maine’s biggest city and cultural center isn’t a college town — and likely won’t be one anytime soon." Donnelly virtually ignores Southern Maine Community College and at least three private postsecondary institutions in the metro area, as well as numerous others within a 25-mile radius of Portland. This latter group includes UNE’s main campus, Bowdon College, and Southern New Hampshire University.

I’ve spent more than a few weekend evenings in Portland, and it seemed at times that half the students at these institutions had poured into the Old Port district . . . a robust party scene. As a former Dean at Washington County Community College, I suggest Ms. Donnelly spend a Saturday night in Calais, which (while not without charm) truly lends meaning to the broader notion of NOT a "college town."

Bo Yerxa, Center Director, Southern New Hampshire University — Maine Campus

WHITESNAKE CHIMES IN

I just wanted to drop you a quick note and thank you for your thoughtful article on the search for a church (see "The Search for Church," Sept 23, by Amy Martin). I went through the same thing some years ago and remember the surprised feeling when I first attended First Parish UU that the minister was talking about things from the pulpit that I hadn’t heard in any church anywhere. I found it inspiring and thought-provoking and have continued attending First Parish for the last several years.

I’m also hopeful that places like UU churches — which are unabashedly liberal, progressive places — will find the strength to act as a counterpoint to the Religious Right and the non-denominational churches they attend. How they managed to hijack the moral values high ground is well beyond me.

At any rate, please come and join us at First Parish again, and please introduce yourself. My David Coverdale hair is easy to spot — probably from space.

Whitesnake, aka Jeff Logan, Congregational President, First Parish UU

WILLISTON-WEST PASTOR, TOO

Just wanted to thank you for your write up on the church I serve as pastor, Williston-West UCC. The only thing I’m sorry about is that you came when I wasn’t here, the choir wasn’t here and the children weren’t here — we were all off drinking Southern Comfort for the summer — who in there right mind would spend a perfectly good Sunday morning in summer in church?

At my worst I couldn’t give you what you want in church. We do respect the place of Jesus in history and accept the reality of death, so no séances here either.

Sunday morning I asked if anyone had read the article and only one hand went up so I’m posting it on the bulletin board for all to read.

Thank you for giving us something to chew on other than beef jerky with our beer.

Eric Kelley, Portland

ONE MORE FOR THE UU

I’m writing to say I really enjoyed your article on different churches (see "The Search for Church," Sept 23, by Amy Martin). I admit that a big part of my enjoyment was that you said so many nice things about First Parish, which is the church my family and I have been attending for a long time.

I especially like reading about how surprised and pleased you were about our celebration of the gay marriage of two of our members: Bill Leggett and Steve Gilbert. Here’s something that will probably surprise you even more:

Bill Leggett is our church’s pastor! (You know, the guy giving the homily?)

He and Steve have been together for over 20 years now. Bill’s home page is here, on our church’s Web site: http://www.firstparishportland.org/rev_leggett.htm

Also, I enjoyed reading your reaction to the water communion. My wife and I tend to get a little jealous of how well-traveled our fellow congregants are. I don’t know if you heard, but I was the one who went up front with his six-year-old daughter, and said that the water I was pouring was symbolic of the water leaking all over our bathroom and that we were saving our travel money to spend on renovation.

I’m glad you came to such a nice service. Maybe I’ll see you around!

John Hutchinson, Portland