While on a walk the other day, I learned of a concept in economics that fascinated me. It also gives a name to something that has plagued almost all of us. The concept is called “sludge.” The purpose of sludge is to put so many obstacles in front o…
St. Paul and Camp Shalom have long been intertwined with camp starting out of St. Paul as an outdoor ministry center in the 1970s. More than 50 years later, Camp Shalom continues to attract kids and families, both as campers and as camp staff. This s…
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My family and I used to take vacations to the Jersey Shore when my grandparents (on my mom’s side) were still alive. Our destination was located on a barrier island connected by the Ingram Thorofare Bridge, which we nicknamed ‘the Causeway.’ The Caus…
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At the beginning of May, I traveled to New York City to attend a conference on grace. Not a professional development conference. Not a ministry conference. Not even a networking conference (though friends were made!). Just a group of Christians gathe…
St. Paul member Tom Taylor grew up working outside and looks forward to returning to the sunshine. “Some of my most rewarding work has been outside. I’m more deeply connected to my spirituality when I’m in nature,” Tom said. “The grounds of St. Paul…
The transition from elementary to middle school is a pivotal moment in a young person’s life. After spending years in a familiar environment, stepping into middle school brings new academic challenges, social dynamics, and a growing sense of independ…
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Just after the Second World War, when trade routes opened and food returned to war-torn England, the country received a shipment of bananas. The government allotted one for each child, so they could experience the taste of a banana. At the time, the…
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How is it with your soul? This sort of question usually makes me recoil. It smacks, to me anyway, of some sort of religious piety so far from my own that it sounds forced. How is it with your soul?… Do I have any control over that? Maybe I was in a…
Food has played a large role in St. Paul member Sherry Peer’s life. From her professional career, to time with her family, and her quiet impact on families during the holidays. Now, Sherry has found a new home and purpose in the Quad Cities after mov…
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At just about any given time of day, there is a distinct echo in our house. It comes from our two-year-old daughter, who is bound and determined to say and do everything just like her older brother. So, if Micah wants to play the piano, Mia decides i…
Greetings St. Paul, I am writing to you as I finish my third month as president of the Congregational Council. What an exciting and humbling opportunity to serve St. Paul after all of my years as a member at this exceptional place. I have lived in Io…
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The idea of making plans has been on my mind lately as I continue to ponder my summer plans. In May, the Tyler family begins to decide which destinations to travel to, which typically includes stops to play music with friends. In the old-time music w…