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This week, people from around the world gathered to welcome 2026. One of my favorite things about New Years is to learn the customs from around the world that help to welcome the next year. These traditions are expressions of new beginnings, and wish…
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Since launching this summer, the partnership between St. Paul and Tapestry Farms has flourished beyond expectations. What began as monthly deliveries of culturally appropriate food and hygiene items to refugee families has grown into something deeper…
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Many of you know that I am, in fact, a bit of a Christmas enthusiast. The music, the (bad) movies, the decorations, traditions. All of it. I will battle to the end that Die Hard is a Christmas movie and it should be watched annually, lest the season …
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During these weeks before Christmas, our family lights candles on an Advent wreath at dinner time. As we light the candles we sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” When our son was four or five, he asked about the lyrics of that twelfth century chant and w…
JOY: Jesus, Others, and You! “We’ve called the Quad Cities home for nearly 40 years (Sam from central Iowa, Dee from eastern Nebraska). After retiring from the grocery industry and office administration, we’re blessed to share our days with our son a…
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“Will you know him when you see him? Will he look like any other man? Will you recognize your savior? Will you know your redeemer? As the child in Bethlehem?” -Chorus of “Will You Know Him?” by Beverly Smith Alongside millions of Americans, I had to…
As the holiday season approaches, two Quad City families are transforming their homes and community spaces with elaborate displays that honor both creativity and tradition. Whether through painstaking restoration or innovative design, they remind us…
Unexpected joy Having a sense of faith provides hope and community. When life gets a little more difficult, that faith brings a sense of hope and knowing that “this too, shall pass.” At the same time, it reminds you that you are never alone. You have…
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For most of us, we typically reserve the word “awe” for that feeling of being in the presence of something truly incredible, mesmerizing, or that’s otherwise beyond extraordinary. For instance, a few weeks ago, you probably saw lots of images of peop…
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This weekend, we gather for worship for the last time this liturgical year. Simply put, we are knocking on the door of Advent, that time of preparation before our Christmas celebrations. But first, we must recognize the day called The Reign of Christ…
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Caregiving can be overwhelming but a St. Paul group is helping to support each other through those challenges. Meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the group creates a safe space to share ideas, gather resources, and support one an…
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“May you go from strength to strength!” This blessing, echoing a phrase from Psalms 84:7, is one of many gifts I have gained over the years of my dialogue and partnerships with Jews. The sentiment of the phrase seems clear, at least to Merriam-Webste…