“If Hollywood Slots is not doing well financially, it’s because Maine people don’t have money,” Mick said Tuesday. “Now they want to be open on the day of worship to get the poor people of Maine to spend more money they don’t have during a time when I don’t think they should be gambling.”

Wow....would someone kindly make some sense of these two sentences for me? How do you spend more money that you don't have......:-); and why would Sunday morning gambling at hollywood slots be disproportionately unfair to the poor?

The "Pastors" are no longer content to run the church they now want to control every aspect of our lives. The churches are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, and they should preach to their members and not society as a whole. Most people who attend church on Sunday are not going to change that practice. This is just another take over move by the religous right.

“In talking to numerous pastors, the consensus was that Sunday morning should be the Lord’s day,” the Rev. Jerry Mick, pastor of Bangor Baptist Church, said Tuesday. “It’s a sacred time. Most [Christians] in America who attend worship services worship on Sunday morning.”

Mick...reality check...not everyone is a Christian...and not all Christians have to think like you do. Where in the bible does it say you have to attend church every Sunday morning of your life to be Christian or for "God" to accept you? Does every Christian spend every Sunday morning in church? Maybe some are on vacation and decide to go to a casino for fun one Sunday morning. For those who are not Christians and for those who might be on vacation or decide to spend their Sunday morning just a little differently once in awhile, Hollywood Slots has a right to be open to cater to those people. Yes, some people have a gambling problem. Some don't. I don't have a gambling problem. I have never been to Hollywood Slots, but over the years I've been to Tahoe, Atlantic City, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods for "fun". They are open on Sunday mornings. Why should Hollywood Slots be different? Treat people equally...not just expecting them to be like you and your friends! The world would be pretty boring if we all were alike. Maybe you are afraid you'll lose some of your customers?

Pastors the people who gamble are going to go there right after church ... maybe it is cause the pastors can't go during those times... we all gamble.. life is a gamble... maybe the pastors are afraid the people won't have another $20 or more for dontations... therefore not so much pay for the pastors this week cause we went gambling instead of giving so much....

George McHale? Huh. Didn't he used to have a TV show about the Navy in WII?

Have a sip of Irish whiskey and go with it George.

Would they allow the slots to operate on Sunday morning if they split the cash profits with them?

George McHale is on the Gambling Board NOT THE CHURCH. Before you start slamming people read the story fully instead of skimming it.

Thank God for Pastors who have a backbone.

If jesus didn't want slots in bangor they would not be there.

I'm just thankful for all the money I've saved since I kicked my addiction to religion.

Time to loose your tax exempt status Rev. Jerry Mick... True chopphdave...they are just concerned about the money they will loose if they cannot control every aspect of a person's life.

This is hysterical. Does this guy think we're still living in the 18th century? Who the hell is he to try and dictate the hours of someone's business? Gotta love the Catholic church's decision on this. Quit being an extremist pal; not everyone is the Lord's best friend.

Thaum, Thump we all do hear as the bible pounders do draw near.

I'm also curious. What does it mean to "clean up" a broken family.

This country needs to impliment the old style "BLUE LAWS". That was when the only thing allowed to open on Sunday was corner convienence stores and maybe a gas station. All of your dept. stores and malls were closed on Sundays and trucks carring parishables were the only ones allowed to run.

It wasn`t to force church on a family but it did allow the family more time together. Dad didn`t have to work so he was able to ply ball with little Johnnie in the front yard.

I don't want some conservative church Pastor to start dictating social policy. I say back off - If people want to come to church on Sunday, they'll come.

Maybe the slots should hold Sunday Mass to boost business.

Could someone show me which verse in the Bible says that Sunday is sacred?

Oh no!

The Christians are trying to influence the world again. What do we do? I know, we'll say mean things about them. We'll suggest that they would probably compromise their convictions if they could have part of the gambling profits. Ha ha ha...yes

Good one, but don't forget to say something like... “They are just like Hitler, controlling the masses” or “They are forcing their views down people's throats.” Oh, that's a good one, but are you sure it's harsh enough? Well... maybe we could make fun of their beliefs and see what happens. Okay, lets do it.

I know! I'll talk about a hypocrite I once knew who touched little children.

Ain't freedom grand?

I'm so glad I REALLY put my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When a person is born again it makes all the difference. I too once walked in darkness. I too once called people names and put them down when I felt threatened by their convictions.

Look, we Christians doesn't have the right to jam our convictions down other people's throats, but it doesn't mean we have to be silent ether.

You attack religion as a whole because you have seen it perverted by men.

If you desired righteousness and not just power to govern your own life you would get it.

If you desired holiness and not just pleasure you would get it.

Gambling is not healthy for a community. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how it negatively influences so many people. You just have to care about other people more that your right to gamble on a Sunday morning.

This isn't about your rights or my rights. Its about what is right.

If the truth be told, in your eyes there is know right. With no divine source for truth or righteousness its all subject to the individual. Unless you want to be the one in charge?

Collection basket a bit below projections lately, Pastor? A little fire and brimstone oughta do the trick, right?

I suppose one could divest religion from the argument and adopt an economic argument. First, it is well-establishd that gambling can lead to financial disaster for some people. Second, the state generally steps in and provides economic assistance for people suffering economic disasters. Third, the state is quite short of the resources to do so at present despite the fact that politics put a casino in Bangor in the first place. Fourth, absent state assistance the burden falls to other organizations, like churches and other non-profits that provide assistance to anyone who needs it. Accordingly, they are well within their rights to ask that the corporate activity that directly produces select famial economic disasters take a couple of hours off on Sunday morning.

How is Sunday different from any other day of the week, other than religious reasons? If it is against your religion to gamble, or gamble on Sundays, then don't. Don't force your beliefs on everyone else. Should we make them close on sunset on Friday until Saturday night for the Jewish sabbath?

"... that directly produces select famial economic disasters take a couple of hours off on Sunday morning. "

Maybe if the Catholic church took time off Sunday mornings there would be fewer buggered choirboys!

You can't hunt on Sundays.

Let people do what they want. If they want to gamble on Sunday morning, let them. It's their choice, not the church's choice. I'm the person responsible for me and my actions.

Why not let Hollywood Slots open early. They are just like any other company. The churches around the Bangor area seem to want to control everything that goes on.

Its the churches right to suggest gambiling is wrong.

Ashley great point....people have opposed hunting on Sundays to provide a "safe day" for families to be together and enjoy time spent outdoors in the woods...Sunday used to be a day of worship and rest and a day where family had an opportunity to spend time together....it is any wonder why our younger generation has little direction in life or aimless direction....Sad statement when said that Sunday is just another ordinary day of the week.....

I want to know what the Temple of the Green think about gambling on Sunday....probably okay unless it's at 4:20 in the afternoon! LOL gambling is the devil....ha ha ha

It is the church's right to suggest to their "customers" gambling is wrong...not to the community...not to the state...not to the country...not to the world. You do not have that right! Individuals have a right to say and do what they feel is right for them within the law. It is not a law to have to go to church and follow the pastor's suggestions!

I don't understand why some pastors think they are closer to God than anyone else because of their "job/title" and that what they say must be concrete. That is controlling. It is a sickness. A good pastor doesn't push their views on others. Others will come to them if they are a good pastor. And if you are a good pastor, it might be people choose going to your Sunday service instead of, or prior to, going to Hollywood Slots.

Ha Ha Ha...

No freedom of speech for the pastors. ha ha ha

pastorsteve : yes they have a right to suggest...but they guy are demandeding...and that what most people don't like to be demanded to do what another feels is right....those who wish to follow have that right and those who don't have that right....if you can't stand the heat do start the fire...leave people alone and let them live....I stopped going to church along time ago..because of the meaness and the awful way that the flock made fun of some ..

in the name of the lord!!

Let me make a correction. I wasn't trying to say pastors do not have freedom of speech and the way I worded it could have been taken that way. I was trying to point out it is immoral for them to force their views down people's throats that aren't in their church. If pastors want to have a speech in the community or online, etc. about what they believe in, fine. I have no problem with that...it's when they tell others what they should and should not do...such as we should not be gambling on Sunday mornings...especially to everyone with disregard that some are not Christians. Does that make non-Christians bad people?? I'm sorry but I no longer wish to be associated with any organized religion for that very reason. I try to take the good in every religion, put them all together into one, and that is what I am. That's my business. Nobody else's. I tell people this, but I don't expect anyone else to follow suit. It is expected of me to respect other people's choices, and I would like them to respect mine. If I want to gamble on Sunday morning, please respect that.

How about your faith in Christ?

What about your love for God and His love for you?

How is that going?

Personally I don't see anything wrong with gamboling in the woods on Sundays as long as you wear blaze orange.

lol

I agree that the Church has the right to an opinion here. But really what does a few hours make for a difference here. People can buy lottery tickets Sunday morning. THey are just afraid people will visit the Temple of HWS and not their churches!

Well PabMainer and pastorsteve if we were to follow what you are saying then EVERY place of employment should be closed on sunday. It is not fair to pick on just one or two places of emplyment like you are saying.

pastorsteve, this is about a pastor pushing his Christian views on trying to prevent a casino from being open on Sunday mornings. This is not a place for us to discuss my faith or love for anyone. I am happy with my life. I have no fear of death because of my contentedness. I love my children, family and friends. I feel whole. I am not fake. I am real. Heaven is a place on earth and I am there already.

Just remember not everyone goes to church. I guess everyone just ASSUMES everyone goes. Not all people believe in GOD.

Okay sweetpea, but I was talking to searses. I was to late on my post.

And for what its worth, I think anyplace is a good place to talk about your love for God or you disbelief.

I don't think its accurate to say he is pushing his beliefs because he is making them known.

PCME2000,

I never suggested people should close their buisnesses on Sunday. I just think gambeling is evil and hurts people.

pastorsteve wrote: "I don't think its accurate to say he is pushing his beliefs because he is making them known."

You are right here, the BDN is the one doing the 'pushing'.

Well, they are reporting on it, but they also reported the grand opening of the casino.

JeffEmler

"why would Sunday morning gambling at hollywood slots be disproportionately unfair to the poor?"

Because when a rich person spends his earnings for the week his kids don't go hungry. They go without a new car.

once again the churches are trying to push there beliefs on people by making them jealous if the dont go to church and go to slots...if people are true "christians" and believe in "GOD" then it dosent matter what time hollywood slots opens on sundays..i think the churches are feeling the pinch with the economy and theres not as much $$ going into there little basket they hand around for money for the "church" which i think just goes into there pockets and not into anything to do with the church...whether people believe in god or not dosent have any effect on the hours of operation for any business...so what grocery stores are suposed to close too? and gas stations....close walmart because people are spending money there and not in church...give me a break....pastor nosypants just needs to keep his trap shut

BENDOVER wrote "If jesus didn't want slots in bangor they would not be there." Jesus doesn't care if there is Holywood Slots or not,...he has bigger issues than this ,..please. I hope Hollywood Slots goes belly up,..this place sucks.

well whether or not people like the place if it goes belly up 500 people will be out of a job....like i said pastor cheapskate is just pissed that people are putting there dollar bills into a slot machine rather then his pocket i mean the "collection plate"

Richard28, DITTO!

It's time to start taxing the churches when they interfere with the way people have the right to live their own lives -- once they take it out of the pulpit and put it in the newspaper and sponsor marches and host vigils ... they've gone too far. I left a church many, many years ago and haven't seen one single reason to return. Religions want "sheeple", not people who can think. "Don't bother your sweet head, honey, I'll do your thinking for you and tell you what you are ALLOWED to think ..." Hogwash!!

everyone and everything stop what ur doing on sundays..the churches are getting pissed...

Richard wants you to think churches are full of bad people who take your money and spend it on what they want. No, that's the casino your describing.

If I loved money and had as much at stake as the casino does, I would pay someone to set down all day and post clever little arguments that get people to look at how bad the church is rather than gambling.

Does Richard work for the casino?

Gambling is a waste. No matter what day its done on, its bad for Maine.

it all comes down to the church wanting a piece of the pie......there just worried there churches will go broke without there "collection" plate...hey reverands MYOFB....churches have no business sitting in on a GAMBLING CONTROL BOARD....if so then they need to start protesting walmart being open and best buy and stores like that...basically churches want it to be a ghost town so people have to come to church and fill there collection plates.....

thats your opinion....obviously your a moron if you dont think the casino is out to make a profit...just like every other business....church is a waste...wasting peoples time filling there heads with bulls*** stories....your just pissy because your sticking your nose in something you shouldnt and people are raggin on you and the churches for being nosy...this is just a desperate attempt to get more seats filled at the churches...

If the rest of the world closed on Sunday mornings, I still wouldn't go to a church -- and I'm not the only one. There are many more out here who feel as I do. Take your fear of fire and brimstone tactics somewhere else. Anyone wonder why the Christian Civic League changed its name to Family Policy Whatever ... ?? Methinks the natives got sick and tired of Michael Heath and his acolytes cramming "thou shalts" down their throats.

B-O-R-I-N-G!!

Yes steve, and with saturation coverage at that. Remember the 'cam' they had so you could actually see the construction on the site LIVE? Riviting journalisim. Seems to me this issue is a state issue, not a church issue. Was there not a seperastion of church and state? You can buy porn on cable on sunday morning as well. Are they trying to curtail that? This is a relativily small group that opposes the casino on every level, not just its sunday operating hours, and they are using the hours as a soap box to stand on to complain publicly about it. Are the pot smoking parish members opposed to it? The problem with a lot of churches and especially the 'mega churches' is that they are trying to impose thier views on an entire community and sometimes even an entire state: http://media.www.dailygamecock.com/media/storage/paper247/news/2007/02/12/Metro/Church.Group.Targets.S.c-2712068.shtml

lol.....id like to know if pastor nosypants and the rest of his greedy pastors are going to be outside protesting walmart being open early...what about best buy..or the mall? hmmmmm pastorsteve....will we see you outside of any of these stores?? my guess is no

Church is full of bad people. That's the point :-)

If humans were perfect, there would be no need for churches.

Jesus said, "I came not for the righteous, but for the sinners."

I does bother me to read so much antichurch sentiment on this thread. I happen to agree with posts that point out the church has no business legislating gambling law. At the same time, this particular clergyman's endeavors to legislate are no excuse to bash churches in general.

Someone mentioned "separation of church and state". That phrase of the Constitution has been misunderstood and misapplied as much as the Second Amendment's "well regulated militia." Separation of church and state simply says the government will not endorse religion. We can interpret that to mean government will not stick its nose into church matters, and vice versa.

I think the preacher is out of line in this case.

LOL Richard28,Don't feel bad, In the city I live in, there is a very conservative religious school (cult) called Bob Jones University, http://www.bju.edu/

They go so far as to discourage interracial dating and protested in force a local Elton John concert, Not to mention every other show that comes to that venue, including 'Disney on ice'.

If they are open on the Sabbath then they might as well be open on Sunday too.

do churches have bingo games?

wow maurice that is horrible...protesting disney on ice...lmao...thats just petty...

if the gaming board says they can open early then they should be the one who says so...not the friggin churches....

i still wanna know if pastorsteve is going to stand out in the cold and protest the other stores being open during church time....or if he's just gonna complain about something safe like slots...what a bozo

Richard28, just an average day living here in the buckle of the bible belt.

Maine has, to some degree, a Puritan heritage (is that necessarily bad?). It has collided in recent years with the more modern "if it feels good, do it!" cultural mentality. I do tend to think that the old buggers had some merit, and it was based upon hundreds, if not thousands of years of trying to understand, and learn from, the human experience.

OK! I've got it. Lets have the lottery commission decide when the churches can be open.

lol choppahdave...

they already got divas closed..unless it got moved cause its not next to the church anymore...now there moving onto slots

David889327, is Puritan bad? Only if you dislike witch hunts! Plus the Puritans were only around for a couple hundred years, if that long.

This is probably the most logical and well thought out post (besides Comrade Richard's posts) about this subject. Hollywood Slots is not a casino. It never will be. Closing at 2am, buffets over $18 PER PERSON, no table games, very few worthwhile prizes - albiet they do celebrate the town's industry, and its run well and provides a lot of people a good job for a good amount of pay. How do I know? I used to work there. I was angry at management and how the place was run (in the department I worked in) but made good money.

I think that the casino shouldn't be open on Sundays because of Jesus Christ's champagne supernova in the sky. where were you while we were getting high?....

I meant that they should be open 24/7/365, bring table games to Bangor, and re-open the diva's by the church and the pawn shop and rename it "Hollywood Slots Blaine House Treat". Run it as a casino-run brothel... $5 me sucky sucky me love you long time.

Seriously guys its 2008. ALMOST 2009. When are the laws of 1959 going to die in this state. i can bet yeah that a lot of people are religious but what about those like me that have lost all their faith in christ because of the bad things that have happened in his life. Christ doesn't bring salvation, winning $100 on a slot machine that tells you you are "a little devil" and gives you 20 free ames is.

praise de lawd. peace up a-town.

I loved the TAX PLOY to the State... You would lose up to 500,000.00 in tax revenue you 'could' pocket. GO GET EM' PASTORS! MAINE does not need corrupt business to first of all, come into this state to steal the indians lands up north, nor the destruction to our families. Drugs are bad enough to have to counter we do not need gambling casinos for the hollywoulds who would do anything for a dollar. Along with gambling goes prostitution... Is that what Maine wants? Catholic Diocese should get off their butts and contribute to this Satanic takeover. It certainly does not speak much for that religion.

Sundays are a day of worship and for families to get together not separate. 'How much went into the Boards pockets?' AND, why is Angus King, EX Gov., airing commercials for los angelos people to come to Maine. Is he the culprit selling our state for some extra bucks??? Since when is he spokesperson for the state. If the church wants followers, than there needs to be leaders!

Richard28, But was Diva's THAT good a club? Platinum, formerlery marks off old exit 8 was much better, But your point rings ture. Maine has really changed over the last 15 years, weather it be better or worse is a debate that will never end. This issue, as a whole, not just the churches stance on it is yet another example. I think the casino sucks myself. So I won't visit it when I visit next week. Theres a joke that goes: A Boy sat on a park bench eating twinkies, then a bag of chips, then drank a bucket of soda, followed by several BBQ sandwiches. A man watching near by walked over and said "Son, how long do you expect to live eating like that?!?" To wich the boy replied, " My grandfather lived to be 103 years old." The man smugly replied, "Eating like THAT he didn't!" " No" the boy said, "He knew how to mind his own damn business."

Also, one of my professors a few years ago said something about conservatism making a rebound. It kind of is. I thought bangor - being a liberal and moving forward city - and hell MAINE IS LIBERAL LOOK WHO YOU VOTED FOR (not me I voted for McCain) but the fact is, Maine, its people, its laws, its jobs, its economy is living in 1949 (at best), and that is not going to cut it in the 22nd century we're in. OK?

i may be young but I still remember a time that Ames wasn't open on Sundays and you could rarely even go to a store to get a soda or a bag of chips. Just because people got offended by people buying stuff on the Lord's Day. believe me, I grew up listening to it all, and going to church. People in Maine still think that the church is going to crackdown on them like back in the days of ole Martin Luther. Yes, I think town's still run the town. But stay off the radar and they won't come and get you Barbara.

I think casinos are like a church for the unsaved. Don't you? And I think Richard sound like he would make them a great pastor. money money money money money money money money... We could call it “The Church of Do What You Want To”

As a pastor of one of God's many local churches, I talk about being charitable toward people who are in need. Unlike Richard, I don't advise giving to people who want to get even richer. I have a salary to prove it too. lol

I never talk about putting money in the plate or even about tithing. I don't even believe tithing is a New Testament principle. I believe Christians should give as the Spirit leads them.

When people become members of our church they agree to support our local fellowship with their time, talents and treasury. Because they are investing in the fellowship, they earn a right to become part of the church government. As a pastor, I preach, teach and love God's people. The church makes policy as a whole and we do it prayerfully.

We never talk about how much money anyone gives! Its between us and God. I also gladly give back into the church for the work of Christ.

We provide a report each quarter as to how the total giving is spent. Its all there for anyone to look at. Our church spends what we get to promote the Gospel and the Christian ideals found within the bible.

We buy food for the hungry, clothing for those who are in need, we counsel and comfort those who are struggling... We just try to be like Jesus and tell the truth in love. We live and love to share the salvation message with the world.

I like Richard's passion, but he is clearly very angry and misguided in his endeavor to support gambling.

He and others are trying to make it sound like I oppose businesses being open on Sunday, but that's not the case.

I shop on Sundays when I want to because I can see nothing biblically wrong with shopping. I make the time to worship with my family and sometimes we go shopping afterwards.

I don't gamble on Sunday, or any other day, because its wrong in God's eyes. That's what makes something good or bad to me, what God says.

If you don't agree, that's totally up to you. I have never and will not try to force my convictions down your throat.

Go God, boo devil

lmao at maurice.....A Boy sat on a park bench eating twinkies, then a bag of chips, then drank a bucket of soda, followed by several BBQ sandwiches. A man watching near by walked over and said "Son, how long do you expect to live eating like that?!?" To wich the boy replied, " My grandfather lived to be 103 years old." The man smugly replied, "Eating like THAT he didn't!" " No" the boy said, "He knew how to mind his own damn business."

yes everyones allowed to have there own opinion about slots...whether is sucks or not...it provided me with a job and a puts food on the table for me and my daughter...people are soo opposed to it because it is pushing this state into the 21st century, not all about loggin and farming and shit...people only look at it as its sucking money out of the state...which maybe true, but they do pay to have the place there...not only to the town of bangor but the state of maine...they donated 5k to the homeless shelter on VIP night...they donate food to the local food pantry(MANNA) every night....so yea they do take money out of state...but maines getting more there there fair share of the piece of pie...so like it or not slots is going to stay....so go protest about something else...

EVERYONE IS WRONG ON THIS SITUATION (except me and comrade richard defender of the potwasher)

WRONG about this goddamn situation.

WHEN WILL THE PEOPLE OF MAINE WAKE UP AND SAY, WOW THANKS CASINO FOR COMING TO MAINE AND GIVING US 600 JOBS TO PEOPLE THAT WERE OUT OF WORK WHEN THE OLD INDUSTRIES HAVE FAILED YOU? THANK YOU FOR THE 3 MILLION REVENUE EVERY MONTH THAT GOES TO FEED PROBABLY 1 IN 7 OF YOU PEOPLE POSTING ON HERE. WHERE ARE THE JOBS AT THE LUMBER MILL, OR THE PAPER MILL, OR THE LOGGING INDUSTRY.. WHERE COULD THE JOBS HAVE GONE? CHINA, TAIWAN, JAPAN, THAILAND?

AND YET WHEN BALDACCI COMES UP WITH SOME BS TAXLIEN ON BEVERAGES THAT ARE ALREADY WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY TOO OVERPRICED (EX: SHAW'S 12 PACK OF SODA IS NOW $4.44). IF THE CASINO WAS OPEN 24/7 AND HAD TABLE GAMES I GUARANTEE THAT THIS STATE WOULD MAKE SOME KIND OF PROFIT. ESPECIALLY IF THEY MADE A CASINO IN EVERY PORTION OF THE STATE. THE CASINO WOULD PROVIDE JOBS, REVENUE, AND TOURISM.

YOU FORGET TO SAY: OH MR. KINGOFMAINE GOD SIR, DO YOU KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF TOURISM CAME... MORE PEOPLE. WELL NO SHIT. PEOPLE TO BRING MONEY HERE.

VOTE FOR ME IN THE NEXT ELECTION. I WILL MAKE NEWS.

god god god god god...im glad you dont preach your beliefs on me cause it would be falling on def ears....i dont care if people worship this "GOD" you are talking about cause thats there belief and there right...but what business is it of the church whether or not slots opens a few hrs early? answer that pastorsteve

pastor steve. are you affiliated with my good friend shane mcmahon? here comes the money.

*here it comes* *here comes the money*

money money money money money money money money money money a dollah dollah a dollah dollah ca-ching ca-ching bling bling

wahlah-I like you. vahry nice

The casino isn't the church of the unsaved. I was never baptised, I'm unsaved. And I'm single and I had sex with my girlfriend for 2 hours once.

damn you slots for bringing 500+ jobs to a town......damn you slots for paying the town of bangor a certain amount to rent the land....damn you slots for paying money to the state in slots revenue.....all free money for what..they bulldozed a crap hotel that was probably nothing more then a pit stop for the druggies in the town....and you replaced it with something that provided jobs and free money for the state....

“In talking to numerous pastors, the consensus was that Sunday morning should be the Lord’s day,” the Rev. Jerry Mick, pastor of Bangor Baptist Church, said Tuesday. “It’s a sacred time. Most [Christians] in America who attend worship services worship on Sunday morning.”

I'm not christian. I was raised one, I'm not baptised, my mom's a excommunicated catholic, my dad was a evangelist. I'm going straight to hell anyway... rather be saved by something real like $100 than a fake god.

OH SLAM, respond christians; plz I need to get into a fight on here today

thekingofmaine, WILL TYPING IN ALL CAPS AND YELLING LIKE HITLER BE ONE OF YOUR TRADEMARK CAM-PAIN TACTICS? There isn't enough passion and GODDAMN OUTRAGE anymore. Keep up the good work!

god=fake

chance of a slots jackpot =semi real although not likely but its bette chance of getting a jackpot then being "saved"

Richard28, Thats a little harsh, the Bounty Tavern was a CLASSY bar...lmfao!!!!!

Richard,

Change for the good, is good, but change for the bad, is bad.

I didn't know you actually worked at the casino. lol

Too funny! Get good money there, do ya? lol

Nothing like a good fight for the love of Jesus.

Sounds like Pastor Steve is just trying to get well known for wanting to get in on the action.

Monetery and otherwise!

i get enough to pay my bills and provide for my daughter....how is 500+ jobs a change for the bad? how is free money for the state and town bad?

kingofmaine i completely agree with you. the "casino" because you are right it is not a true casino...has brought LOTS of jobs to our state. thank you hollywood slots. i am a christian, but you know what i love to gamble. bring the table. bring the beer. i don't do it to not pay my bills. i do it for a hobby. i do it because i enjoy it. i don't cause trouble. don't want trouble. just want to play cards, but maine decided to vote no on question 2 so there goes my excitement. guess i gotta continue to throw poker parties at my place...hell, maybe i'll start on sunday

Seems to me, over time, weather it be simple local disputes, to wars, religion has been the root of more of mans evils than not. I think Neil Peart penned it best when he wrote the lyric:

"You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that's clear

I will choose freewill"

hes just trying to draw attention so people will attend his church...trying to reel in all the anti slots people to his church so they can put there money in his collection plate rather then slots

but being serious for a moment. Sundays - yeah traditionally are religious days. I'm not trying to offend anyone, but seriously where do people get off by saying that "we should worship Him." and "god is more important than paying oodles of my hard earned cash to this state". I understand I got a little out of control on the subject but what is it about people here that makes everything so backwoodsy? Its the 21st century, people need to realize that Maine's industries of the last 200 years are not going to be around much longer if in fact they are still. Tourism and hospitality will bring more money to Maine.

When can somebody please realize this besides myself. So what if you go to church, doesn't mean I have to. I will run a campaign of the Wiccan philosophy - do anything you want as long as it harms no-one. Seriously does the fact that people go shopping or go gambling while you are in church being "saved" really bother you? Your being saved, and you are where you want to be. I don't gamble as much as lot of people do. But I do know that for some people church is fun and exciting. Its the same thing for slots - fun and exciting. Why can't we be friends?

good quote maurice... rush is an excellent band.

I'm modern day warrior

With mean mean stride

today's Tom sawyer

has diabetes....

and his mind is completely bent

on percasetts and valiums

When is the Jewish Faith going to accept uncircumcised male converts?

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

basically the church needs to keep there nose out of the states business..unless there trying to close the churches they dont need to have there nose in the states business...

Richard,

I'm not saying gambling doesn't pay, I'm saying it is a sin. I know you disagree, but that's all I'm saying. Five hundred jobs selling drugs to crack addicted people is good money. If you bring that money home and provide for you family, I guess it doesn't matter how you make it. Right?

pastorsteve..: I was once told by a pius church lady you have a beautiful voice my dear...I had just tried out for the choir...and her next breath she said but you can't be in the choir well because we want to have a certain look and I was to heavy....I was a little girl it broke my heart...and I stopped going to sunday school and church....I have no problem with my faith nor do I fear for my salvation..for I have been a good and loving nonjudgemental person

largely because of what happen to me that day....I talk to god almost daily and have no need for organized religon

My guess is that not too many people posting here have ever met or even spoken to Rev. Jerry Mick. And before you jump on me, no, I do not attend his church. However, I have met the man, spoken to him, and he is a Godly man, who truly cares about people. Believe it or not, but Dr. Mick isn't just all about money and how much is in the collection plate.

Richard,

If I was trying to draw attention to the church I pastor I would name it.

I love God. I love His Word and I love you. You may not like it, but its true.

I respect pastor steves view even though I do not agree. If pastor steve wants to really make a difference, why does he not tell us what church he is a pastor of? Then maybe all the folks who agree with his view can get togeather on sunday and truly make a difference for, say, the homeless and hungry, the abused and so forth. not banter back and forth here on the evils of gambeling, church or whatever stance you have. we all have a right to our opinions and a right to voice them. I don't belive in 'god'. But I donate a processed deer every year to a local food bank. I help with habitat for humanity homes,ride yearly in several toy runs, Donate to the humane society, and a host of other charities. My point is we all have good in us, perhaps society would be a better place if we all focused on the good we as a people possess and not what religious group your devoted to.

Searose,

Jesus' said, "I am the way the truth and the life."

He is the door to heaven, not our good works. I do believe you are a "good" person and I thank you for the lesson on not being judgmental. So true.

LOL thekingofmaine, you left out meth!

PastorSteve, I'm kind of interested in attending your church, as it sounds like a good one. Want to let us know where it is?

pastorsteve...I never said I didn't believe in Jesus as I said I have no fear for my salvation...

If you all are so concerned about pastorsteve and the identity of his church then start with advertising your own home adresses and phone numbers first....

Is it a sin that I go to the methadone treatment facility on sundays Maurice? ha-ha

readtome, sadly I'm sure pastor steve won't disclose that. Unfortunatly there are a lot of WHACK JOBS out there. Even a man of god needs to practice a little caution in these times.

thekingofmaine, Not at all, what with the waiting list to get in and all I'm shocked you got such a good time slot! you must know someone who pulled some strings!

PabMainer, go ahead, lead us off.

pastorsteve,

selling crack is illegal and has nothing to do with people putting money in a slot machine...so that comment is just bullsh**...people look at slots as a dump and if it was then why are there so many businesses having there parties there....why do we have so many parties and wedding receptions there...for a place thats so bad there sure as HELL is alot of people who want to come there...and you wanna talk about how the church does so much for the community...but when your church goes belly up and you ask the state for help in order to save it...just remember where that money came from....HOLLYWOOD SLOTS!!!

I don't think this has been mentioned yet, but does anyone recognize why he would want parishoners?

donations.

Readtome,

Do you agree that gambling is bad for Maine on any day of the week?

No one, and espcially these pastors have no business dictating when ANY business can open, from a grocery store to a movie theater. Would they like to reconstitute the Blue Laws? It's unconstitutional, the church needs to deal with Hell not Hollywood Slots. It's damn scary, folks, when churches start their INQUISITIONS. Sunday is just another day of the work-week for millions of people, and for many visitors who will not bother coming to Bangor with limited access on weekends to HS. Churches and pastors need to stay behind the pulpit. These are not special people... they are now just politicians posing as pastors. Pick a career and stick with it.

thekingofmaine, this is a portion of a previous post he made at 11:07 this morning

"We provide a report each quarter as to how the total giving is spent. Its all there for anyone to look at. Our church spends what we get to promote the Gospel and the Christian ideals found within the bible.

We buy food for the hungry, clothing for those who are in need, we counsel and comfort those who are struggling... We just try to be like Jesus and tell the truth in love. We live and love to share the salvation message with the world."

Maurice I was not one asking for identity....part of the pleasure of posting here is the anonymity and being able to voice opinions without worry of some idiot showing up at your doorstep!

20 min and we can listen to this meeting

Nor were others pabmainer, they asked what church. a pastor is a public figure of sorts, the face of that aprticular church. That was the basis of my request anyway, I can't speak for anyone else

You are right, when you say we are not special, but we don't have to stay behind a pulpit ether.

And sharing my heart is not dictatorship.

When you try to silence people you are acting like the dictator.

pastorsteve, ahve you ever set foot in any casino? have you ever played cards with match sticks? just curious.

PastorSteve, Yes, I do agree that gambling is bad, any day of the week.

so people who go to church shouldnt gamble?

weird how people kiss there cross and say a prayer before playing gambling games

This is ridiculous. Maybe we should close everything down on sundays for church? give me a break. Churches have too much power. How about churches start paying property tax at the level they should and then maybe they can have some input into how free enterprise should run.

Keep religion out of capitalism. they are complete opposites.

I have not been in a casino before, but I have and do play cards with my friends, just for fun. How about you?

lets just blame BALDacci for all that is wrong with this state...

On 12/10/08 at 12:12 PM, Richard28 wrote:

so people who go to church shouldnt gamble?

weird how people kiss there cross and say a prayer before playing gambling games

Is that like a double negative? Or 2 wrongs don't make a right or something like that. I would think lightning would strike.

not its just that he says gambling is a sin....but people pray to "god" when they go gambling....

IMPEACH BALDACCI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have just finished reading all of the comments/opinions/statements;about the pastors, V-- "HOLLYWOOD SLOTS" EARLY SUNDAY morning opening.

WOW! what diversified and interesting views. I don't know if the "COLLECTION-BASKET" could be the pastor's main concern. Perhaps as one writer suggested--the pastors just want families to have some quiet/quality and proper time with their family--if they have one--if hey don't have children,the husband and wife probably coud use some cincere/qualitytime together. Whether they go to church or not. I am not a regular church--goer. But I have my values of what is right or wrong.

I voted against "HOLLYWOOD SLOTS". because, i feel that many many many people in BANGOR and A VERY FAR REACHING AREA OUTSIDE OF BANGOR ; do not have money to lose in slot-machines or any other form of GAMBLING. ALAS!, trying to win money by GAMBLING, to pay bills, DOES NOT WORK!

Remember the "nurse" who worked hard to get her education and training.? Then she lost her pension money and savings and just about everything that she had worked SO HARD for--because she wanted to go to "HOLLYWOOD SLOTS", JUST TO SEE WHAT IT WAS ABOUT? HER STORY (VOLUNTARILLY) WAS IN THE BDN EDITOIALS, SOME TIME AGO. That was a true case released to the public. And a typical case that I feel;is happening FAR TOO MANY TIMES. SUNDAY MORNINGS DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT CASE...BUT "HOLLYWOOD SLOTS DID--JUST BY BEING THERE. NO! THEY DID NOT FORCEFULLY DRAG THE UNFORTUNATE LADY INTO THE "SLOTS. BUT THEY WERE THERE! BOTTOM LINE. I DON'T THINK "HOLLYWOOD SLOTS SHOULD HAVE COME INTO BANGOR. AND IF I RECALL--THEY HAD A PRETTY TOUGH TIME GETTING IN. HOLLYWOOD SLOTS DO NOT COST ME ANY MONEY. I have no time or MONEY for them.

pastorsteve, I've been in many, many casinos. Won more than I lost. Never went without ANYTHING because of gambeling, I know thats not the case for everyone. I realize it can become an addiction for some. Thats where I believe personal accountability comes into play.

"anewday wrote:

No one, and espcially these pastors have no business dictating when ANY business can open, from a grocery store to a movie theater. Would they like to reconstitute the Blue Laws? It's unconstitutional, the church needs to deal with Hell not Hollywood Slots."

They are the same thing.

Prayer is not just sending up a request to God, like trowing dice. It's a time when God can change our hearts and make us more sensitive to the plight of others. It's His will we are seeking as we identify with others and their struggles. And much much more.

I've changed my mind on this. Sunday is the Lord's Day.All businesses great and small should be closed... locked. serving and sale of alcohol prohibited

On 12/10/08 at 12:27 PM, pastorsteve wrote:

Prayer is not just sending up a request to God, like trowing dice. It's a time when God can change our hearts and make us more sensitive to the plight of others. It's His will we are seeking as we identify with others and their struggles. And much much more.

Kind of like gambeling, huh?

wait a minute... jesus's blood is alcohol. nobody told me this. and church bingo? BLASPHOMOUS! your gambling playing bingo too you know Pastor?

We are not dictating anything to anyone, we are simply sharing our views, just like you do when you are passionate about things. We just leave out the sware words. lol

Gambling is stupid at any hour of any day.

That said, I would never suggest that someone should not have the opportunity to be stupid. It's how one might learn something....from experience and subsequent thought.

When substituting religious rote and biblical guidance for real thought, one should keep in mind the bible was written by nomadic middle easterners with a first century education. That's not adequate today.

"one should keep in mind the bible was written by nomadic middle easterners with a first century education."

And a first century sence of fictional story telling.

NOT ALLOWED TO COMMENT NOT ALLOWED TO COMMENT NOT ALLOWED TO COMMENT ALALALALLALALAlA vahry nice I like..

wave goodbye to your chance for speaking your mind at the conference, pastors.

seriously why didn't anybody make comments before the date was made to stop accepting them?

god you people are dumb

all they did was prolong it another 21 days....it will pass no problem

Maurice, wait the bible isn't real?

So now I can eat shellfish and polyester clothes?

kick

ass

I thank God that there are Pastors out there who are not afraid to exercise their rights as American Citizens. So many people are all in a tizzy over this article and certain comments (mostly from pastorsteve) that are directly related to the fact that they are from people who have chosen to follow the Word of God. I wonder what, if any, the outcry would be if it was Muslims, or Buddhists, or whatever, instead of Christians?

I noticed a comment or two that people were upset over having someone else's morality pushed on them. What do you think our laws are based on and the morals that people try to live by are based on? Somebody's "good" ideas? Society's majority? The truth is they are based on the teachings of the Bible.

As far as if Jesus didn't want it then it would not be allowed, is a lie and a cop-out. We are allowed by our Creator to exercise our free will. Regardless of all the religions and thoughts out there, there are only two paths. One is the straight and narrow that leads to God, while the other is broad and leads to destruction. It's your choice which path you want to take.

Richard28 mentioned that "there sure as HELL is a lot of people who want to come there". So, Richard, you are saying that if everyone is doing it, it can't be bad? There are so many things I want to comment on, but I have to get back to work. There are a lot of people headed to Hell, most likely more than are going to Heaven. It is their choice. Just because there are so many choosing eternal torment and separation from God, you want to go with the crowd and give up a choice of no more tears, no more sorrow, everlasting joy and fulfillment in Heaven? All of us are headed to Hell, unless we accept the Gift freely offered by Jesus Christ.

You know what's kind of funny/weird/strange? We have an article about whether or not a casino should open a few hours earlier on Sunday, and the whole comment section turns into a blog about Christ and His Church and how much people hate them.

My last comment - As has been mentioned, Sundays used to be an off day for most business. Not just so that people could go to church. Sunday, for two millenia, has been viewed as a day of rest. Either we are now too lazy the other days to need the day of rest or two greedy. I do not believe that opening a couple hours earlier on Sunday is not going to net the casino as much money as they are claiming. They have no way to prove it, only guesses. Why can we not keep Sunday as a special day of the week for rest and spending time with our families? Why are so many people upset about that? Do you have a family? Don't you like to spend time with them? Or do you just veg out in front of the computer or tv and not really spend time together when you have a chance? Besides, I don't think the casino understands that Maine does not have many people and the majority of them really don't make enough to gamble very much. I think the casino sees trouble ahead and is trying, however flimsily, to do whatever they can to generate more income. This was always a bad idea for our State, not just for the moral issues, but people in Maine barely make enough to pay their bills, let alone blow a few hundered, or whatever, a week on the slots. As far as people losing their jobs, if Baldacci didn't make it so difficult for business to come and/or stay in Maine, there would more jobs.

Anyway, I guess I have one more word. If any of you truly want to go back to church (the Bible does say to not forsake the gathering yourself together with other believers in Jesus Christ), then find one that teaches only the Word of God. It doesn't have to be perfect, none and no one are. If you read your Bible along with what the preacher is saying and it doesn't jive, then go check out another one. May God's grace and mercy shine on each of you during this Christmas season and the rest of your lives.

On 12/10/08 at 12:16 PM, pastorsteve wrote:

I have not been in a casino before, but I have and do play cards with my friends, just for fun. How about you?

It's an old saying that, "The Devil stands behind every deck of cards."

Will everybody please send me a large cash contribution so I can live in Bangor again?

I believe in God, too!

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

Wow, 5 new posts in the time it took me to skim the other comments! Too funny. Anyway, so many good points - you ALL should replace our politicians so we can bring some heated debate and change to our state! I'm being serious, too! Regardless, my take is that yup, the churches can have their opinion, but when they start getting involved in the Gambling Commission's meetings, that is probably going too far. Whether we accept or disdain gambling, the commission should be the ones to make the decision to grant the extra operating hours. That's why they are paid to do things like that. If you live by the premise that gambling is so bad for people, well, so is junk food, so is alcohol, so is tobacco, etc. Where do we draw the line on what we allow people to do and not do? Lastly, my comment on no hunting on Sundays - I think it's great to let families out into nature without fear of gunshots around them, and I'm not so sure that decision had ANYTHING to do with Church. Seems to me it was a safety issue. (And I thought I'd keep my post short - sorry!)

thekingofmaine, While I highly discourage eating polyester clothes, have at the shell fish, and even go ahead and treat yourself to a scratch off ticket on your way home, please, just move the hell out of the way to scratch it, you're holding me up and the beer im trying to buy for the ride home is getting warm!!

Timmie,

Assuming old information about morality somehow looses it's relevance is like saying an old painting done by Vincent van Gogh looses it value.

I don't think you meant to say that, because its old its not true ether, did you?

And I don't know about "religious rote", but if your suggesting pastors believe the Bible is meant to be followed with out understanding It who and what's behind It, you are mistaken. The mind of God is at work in the bible and I'm sure He would like you to know Him and It better.

We may be living in a transitional or post-Christian society, but just because a people refuse the standard of divine truth it doesn't make it any less true.

I say, hang in their solders the king is coming.

Go God, boo devil

Alright, I have one alibi...OF COURSE HWS is worried about losing money. They are a business!! When a business determines the future may bring a loss of revenue, they come up with various means of increasing those revenues. Let's see, we can cut costs, consider layoffs, look for different suppliers, maybe even expand our operating hours to draw more business. Wow, what a concept. So all those of you who said, "they're just worried about losing money," yup, they sure are, and they are working on steps to avoid that (like businesses tend to do.) I'm sorry, I've got one other one - kudos to the poster that mentioned that if you are a good enough preacher/pastor/etc., your following will still choose you over going to the slots. I couldn't agree more!

pastorsteve wrote:"I say, hang in their solders the king is coming."

You have to realize the door you just opened for "thekingofmaine"!!!

Even though we disagree, we can indeed laugh togeather!

Listen folks wheather you agree or don't agree really is not the issue..............Jerry Mick, is all about getting attension for himself, and always has been. ( ever since the whole Buddy issue years ago. ) You can tell it is all about him, as he stands here for his picture. If this was about a more important issue, then he would not have posed for his " proud picture". He is just simply looking to get in the paper. God never said you MUST be in CHURCH SUNDAY AM ONLY...

you can worship however, and whenever you choose. A " pastor" should already know this ... right jerry

Maurice_Fleckman, you stated "the bible was written by nomadic middle easterners with a first century education". You need to do some more research. The Bible was actually written by many different people (kings, queens, slaves, prophets, fishermen, educated elite) over a two thousand year period, and even though it was penned by people, we are advised that "All Scripture is God-breathed..." And even though the Bible is proved correct and sound over and over and over, the time has come, as Paul warned in 2 Timothy, when "men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to falseness and lies."

Maurice, I got a 30 pack of PBR, me and my posse gonna go to da methadone clinic, get juiced up and drunk and taunt parishoners up for coming with us?

ChrisM, No, I did not state "the bible was written by nomadic middle easterners with a first century education". I QUOTED the post from Timmie as follows:

On 12/10/08 at 12:43 PM, Timmie wrote:

Gambling is stupid at any hour of any day.

That said, I would never suggest that someone should not have the opportunity to be stupid. It's how one might learn something....from experience and subsequent thought.

When substituting religious rote and biblical guidance for real thought, one should keep in mind the bible was written by nomadic middle easterners with a first century education. That's not adequate today.

I did however say, " and a first century sence of fictional story telling." In this post:

On 12/10/08 at 12:51 PM, Maurice_Fleckman wrote:

"one should keep in mind the bible was written by nomadic middle easterners with a first century education."

And a first century sence of fictional story telling.

So before you begin to preach your views on me, at the very least get your facts straight on what I said before begining your diatribe on religion that will in no way shape or form influence how I feel about religion.

thekingofmaine, Sounds great, but that 1,200 mile ride up, and the fact I need to burn one at the new church of the kind bud I read about here yesterday will likley hold y'all up too long, head out without me. maybe I'll have time when I visit next week.

sorry, i didn't read up far enough! Please accept my apology, Maurice Fleckman.

Accepted ChrisM, Time to log off, theres a little tornado warning and I have to trudge downtown to finnish some x-mas shopping. This has been a fun little debate, Happy holidays to you all.

Maurice_Fleckman, I am not trying to influence how you feel about religion. I, personally, along with Jesus, hate it. I was just trying to spread some truth for whoever would hear it. I apologized that I ascribed it to you, but my comments are there regardless of who mentioned. Just so you know, only God can change our hearts, He just asks us to spread the seed and water it.

Timmie, the Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Only part of it was written by nomads and that part would have been written a few centuries before the first century AD, and further back. Also, do you realize that much of the knowledge of ancient cultures has been forgotten and is beyond us even today. To say that something is not adequate because of when it was written is foolishness.

ChrisM, Amen! Happy2bme, I have to disagree with your opinion about Jerry Mick. Jerry Mick was NOT the new pastor after Buddy Franklin. Rev. Mick is more about sharing the Gospel, teaching people about the Bible, bringing in neighborhood kids to church so they can learn about the Lord. They have a relatively new program in that church that is for kids, and from all that I have read, it is all about bringing kids in so they can learn about God. PastorSteve, was the previous pastor at your church a man with the initials D.C.? Is your Dad C.N.? Just curious.

Well, I've enjoyed the debate. We'll do it again sometime. Gotta go.

ChrisM, you write as if you believe that Christians invented everything. On the contrary, the first Blue Law, that is the setting aside of Sunday for 'abstinence from work,' was instituted in the 4th Century by the Roman Emperor Constantine, a sun worshiper. It had absolutely nothing to do with Christianity. Also, the oldest known moral code is not from the Bible, but is the Code of Ur-Nammu, written in the Sumerian language ca. 2100-2050 BC, pre-dating the Code of Hammurabi and the Old Testament.

Shame on you Anne for raining down on their parade.

pastorsteve...re post @ 11:07a... "The Church of Do What You Want To"...I think your church is "The Church of What Pastor Steve Wants You To Do". Don't manipulate people. "...money money money money..." Umm...that is what pastors collect in church, isn't it? You gotta a little. Yes, I'm all for charity, but I think you also have to have a little fun yourself once in awhile, too...possibly at the casino. I bring a certain amount with me and I'm okay if I lose that amount. I don't spend any more than that set amount. Sometimes I walk out with more than I walked in with and sometimes I break even. Some people have addictive personalities. If it isn't a casino in this town that they are addicted to, it WILL be something else.

I don't care how you run your church. The topic here isn't that. It's trying to figure out should we allow churches to dictate how we spend our time on Sunday morning even if we aren't Christian? Should we let churches make laws? I am against both. It's not right. The people in your church...they are there because they want to be. They have chosen to be. They want you to lead them. Fine. I have NO problem with that. That is there right. I think that is great; however, outside of your church, don't tell us what to do. We don't go to your church. We choose not to. That is our right.

Pastor Steve and ChrisM: The Lord is reviving His people. His light is shining in this present darkness. And we are seeing the truth of John 3:18-21 by how people are reacting to the Light. Will be praying the Lord will continue to give you folks strength to press on. His still small voice drowns out the taunts of those whose minds are yet blinded to the Truth. God bless.

Esther:

Get back to the same sex marriage blog.

I'm relying on your praying for me there!

Maybe Pastor Steve is an alias for Buddy Franklin.

Glad to know that others remember the old story, too!

If I were Buddy Franklin I'd hide my name,also!

Hey Steve where's Adam!

this is for read to me. I grew up in this church, and I know he was not the first pastor, it was Jerry Farwell, Ken Chapmen, rockwell, then Jerry Mich,. however he came the same time as Farwell, to " bail us out" at Bangor Baptist, we never asked him to come, but he did and then he never left. it has always BEEN ABOUT HIM...he is the reason I do not go there. He DOES NOT care about little children, as I was a student at Bangor Christian when he was the principal. He was all about his public image then, and is all about his public image now. He loves all this attension. for the record, I am a christain, I believe that the Lord is our savior, however I dont think we have the right to tell the rest of the world how to live. we are to set an example, that is all ...the wrong message is being sent....GOD does not care if you go to church on sunday, friday, or monday...GOD does not care. ... like I said before it is just a way for him ( Jerry Mick) to get his name in the paper

So buying a lottery ticket is like gambling too...so the corner store is open at 8am on Sundays, why not complain to shut them down too? Oh wait no it is all about "Slots" Tickets are OK, Bingo, Scratch tickets, etc, but because someone is personally against Slots, they drag Church into it.

I don't like the fact that Church is held on Sundays, it adds more traffic to the roads, increases chances of accidents during certain hours of the day, let me go talk to the transportation board about that, it tends to add an extra 5 minutes to my trip.

Pastor Micky, mind your own business, for any Pastor too should do the same. Besides I was once told gambling is a sin, if that be true then who cares what people do on a Sunday morning. What's next RIchard Simmons is going to suggest Starbucks be closed every morning because people get Coffee to go every morning and it is bad for them??

Mainelyme: Where are you? What movies?

Sweetpea,

Why is it when ever I get involved in something that I care about people like you throw me in with dictators? If I say I think something is a bad idea, I'm called names and I'm told I should mind my own business. I can't believe you really think just because a person is a pastor that means they have to keep their thoughts to their self.

And if you came to the church I pastor at you would know I am far from a dictator.

PastorSteve, I might go the the church where you pastor, if I knew which one it was. Can you give us the town?

I cannot handle these comments any longer....I need to go to the temple and partake of the "Holy Sacrament"....Bless you all my children.....p.s. I don't really inhale....

Pastorsteve, you are 100% correct. Being a pastor doesn't mean that you are void of opinions, and also doesn't mean you can't speak out about your opinion.

Esther:

Haven't you ever heard of Cecil B. DeMille?

He always recreated Biblical scenes for the screen because that way he could portray filth and still get censorship approval!

Tell me the old old story.

Tell me the old old story.

Tell me the old old story,

Of Jesus Christ Our Lord!

Esther etals:

"Jesus loves me this I know.

"cause the Bible tells me so.

Yes, Jesus loves me

Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me.

The Bible tells me so!"

This is all chinzy;

When I was little back in the late forties early fifties Little David and other preachers used to play the old Bangor City Hall Stage and they'd give the audience a free candy bar on the way out.

You preachers going to give all of us a free candy bar on the way out,too?

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

If Obama said we need to take Sunday morning as a time for worship and not gamble (don't forget he wants to tell business how to operate) you would all be on your knees with your heads bowed!

Yes, Saltoria, yes we would! Try to remember that we have freedom of religion in this country. By the way, I don't think of Obama as "the" God, just "a" god. Don't look now -- Obama is appointing openly gay people to his cabinet!

I cannot believe it--no one makes anyone go there and do you realize how many people they employ????? the state of maine no longer has its shoe factories, its farmers and now our mills are closing---come on now people have to work---this state needs this and i see notihng wrong with it------i think the slots put more money into this state than the churches do as they are even tax exempt------hey maybe we should all vote to have the churches pay land taxes wow would that help our school budgets ---i guess my whole point is --- that we live in a country where we are free to choose to gamble or to go to church--- so come on leave its alone already-----we have little left in this state to employ our families--so tihnk of the good they do ----- i love it and i will choose to go there even on sunday---------

pastorsteve, I did not say you couldn't express your thoughts and opinions. You go and tell us how you run your church. We don't care. How you run your church is NOT the issue here. Your first post really ticked me off...otherwise I wouldn't have posted so much today.

You said: "I'm so glad I REALLY put my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When a person is born again it makes all the difference. I too once walked in darkness. I too once called people names and put them down when I felt threatened by their convictions." Is that we all need to do here? What worked for you will work for the rest of us? Do you think the rest of us here are all walking in darkness? On the contrary!

You said: "Look, we Christians doesn't have the right to jam our convictions down other people's throats, but it doesn't mean we have to be silent ether." You don't have to be silent, but look at things from other peoples' perspectives instead of just thinking people who would go to Hollywood Slots on Sunday morning are devil worshipers.

You said, "If you desired righteousness and not just power to govern your own life you would get it." I accept that sometimes I am right and sometimes I am wrong and do my best to learn from those mistakes. I am human...not some righteous fake who doesn't ever make mistakes.

You said: "Gambling is not healthy for a community. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how it negatively influences so many people. You just have to care about other people more that your right to gamble on a Sunday morning." pastorsteve...it negatively influences the people who get caught up in it, but the good part is it provides entertainment to healthy people, helps the economy for those that can afford it, and it provides 600 jobs to the community. You probably can count on one hand for me the people you have counseled that have a gambling addiction that have come through your church since Hollywood Slots opened. More people are addicted to alcohol and cigarettes, but I don't see you out there trying to stop stores from selling them or with a sign around your neck out in front of the bus station on Main St. saying "Honk if you want the use of alcohol and cigarettes to be banned on Sunday mornings." You aren't giving your opinions here...you are trying to take away an income from people who work on Sunday mornings. Don't you know how bad the economy is right now? Is prayer going to put food on their plate? Is prayer going to clothe them? You are trying to take away fun from people on Sunday mornings. It's the weekend and if you have a Sunday off, you might want to "enjoy" it.

You said, "This isn't about your rights or my rights. Its about what is right." And you are the one to tell me "what is right" because you are the holy righteous pastor here and above the rest of us posting?

On a softer note, I am not against people going to church. By all means, if that is what helps them get through life's troubles and makes them feel good about themselves, go for it. I'm happy for them. It's just not for some. Don't assume we're all one color, one religion, same background. We're not. That's what makes each of us special and unique.

Last time I read the Bible, the seventh day of the week was made sacred by God, and that was has always been Saturday, not Sunday. Catholics made the change from Saturday to Sunday worship, have admitted this, and defended Sunday worship as a purely Caotholic institution. Rev. Mick has absolutely no Biblical justiification for his objection to Sunday gambling. I'm not a friend of gambling, but the God I worship did not impose His Law on those who chose not to follow it. Mick shouldn't, either.

Andrew Beane

mainedadof2@yahoo.com

Blah blah blah blahhhhhhhhh, blah blah blah blah blah.

I've said this at least a few 100,000 times over the years.

If everyone would focus on their OWN LIVES this WOlRD would be a much better place to live in but that is not going to happen anytime soon. Some people love to focus on the lives of others instead of fixing their own problems.

And I screwed up world...

Opps.

Pastor Steve:

You are right. The pastors have to say something about the madness that is happening in this place we call home.When we have to sell out to the devil for a few jobs .

Simply put,gambling is wrong. Thank God for ministers with backbone.

People can be addicted to chocolate and it could be called "wrong". People can be addicted to sports and it could be called "wrong". People can be addicted to anything in life. They get so caught up in what they are doing they don't even realize it. Does this mean that pastors are going to try to make it law to stop selling chocolate? Stop allowing sports on tv? They have no place in trying to make it illegal to have a business open on Sunday mornings. I say no more. I've got better ways to spend my time. There is no way Pastor Mick is going to win this.

They never should have allowed gambling in Bangor to begin with.Gambling is wrong.It a cheap trick of the devil.The state of Maine is sinking to new lows.When will it stop?

I dont' know why some christians believe they have the right to tell others how to live or what businesses can and cannot do.

I hate to see old theaters used as supermarkets, and they use old churches for popular sinful drug and alcohol soaked nightclubs here in New York City.

Oh, well.

Whatever helps in, "Bringing in The Sheaves!"

Mainelyme

Here in Maine, we party like it's 1799.

wspahn. YOU ARE WRONG.

Maine part's like its 1699

KEVIN OF BANGOR

I agree with you man, I refer to thispooem by william s. burroughs about america: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I31hQ8TrT5M:

To John Dillinger and hope he is still alive.

Thanksgiving Day November 28 1986"

Thanks for the wild turkey and

the passenger pigeons, destined

to be shat out through wholesome

American guts.

Thanks for a continent to despoil

and poison.

Thanks for Indians to provide a

modicum of challenge and

danger.

Thanks for vast herds of bison to

kill and skin leaving the

carcasses to rot.

Thanks for bounties on wolves

and coyotes.

Thanks for the American dream,

To vulgarize and to falsify until

the bare lies shine through.

Thanks for the KKK.

For nigger-killin' lawmen,

feelin' their notches.

For decent church-goin' women,

with their mean, pinched, bitter,

evil faces.

Thanks for "Kill a Queer for

Christ" stickers.

Thanks for laboratory AIDS.

Thanks for Prohibition and the

war against drugs.

Thanks for a country where

nobody's allowed to mind the

own business.

Thanks for a nation of finks.

Yes, thanks for all the

memories-- all right let's see

your arms!

You always were a headache and

you always were a bore.

Thanks for the last and greatest

betrayal of the last and greatest

of human dreams.

i hope that they get to open earlier and eventually get table games and everything else that is a sin

showgirls, scantily clad women Rich...thats a sinful thing. camel-toed showgirl dressed as SPARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa

Well here is go if any of good and great christians out even care for human kind try thumping your bibles for something that matters...Like stopping Domestic Vilance....Preach about something that really will help and is a true sin...teach men and women how to be better husband and wives...instead of worring about who gambleing

1699? Forsooth!