For many people, everything about these last days of July has screamed “vacation!” It may be the welcome break from a long slog at work. It may be a deep desire to escape the vagaries of a Midwest summer. It may be the fulfillment of a long-planned a…
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By Karen Brooks, contributing writer Every weekend, pastors lead worship in front of the congregation, but behind the scenes many hands help make St. Paul a warm and welcoming place. Some volunteers sharpen pew pencils. Others collect the recycling…
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The abundance of rain has made the yards in my neighborhood lush and verdant. Tomatoes overflow their cages. Coneflowers burst with their bright pink in every direction. Hydrangeas have grown to be as big as bowling balls. On my daily dog walks, I’ve…
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Nearly 30 years ago, a German artist named Hans Hemmert came up with a new concept for a performance art piece. Hemmert wanted to find a way to visually represent the power of seeing others in a different perspective and the significance of what it m…
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“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age….
For the past two years, Mac Mullins has served as a pastoral resident at St. Paul. As his residency comes to a close, Mac reflects on the transformation he’s experienced—both personally and professionally—and looks ahead to his next chapter as an ass…
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I can be a sucker for a good parade. I remember community celebrations when I was growing up and I would get excited for the parade. Even as an adult, there is so much joy shown as people gather to celebrate. I love that a community can have pride…
At St. Paul, faith is a lifelong journey. As Lutheran Christians, we are continually growing—seeking deeper meaning and stronger connection with God throughout all stages of life. Intentional faith formation is central to who we are, and we cherish o…
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St. Paul member Kristin Stegall met Jaclyn “Jackie” Miller on a warm July evening. Little did Kristin know that such a simple encounter would open the door to a bond that would weave together two families from different generations and journeys, even…
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So, what do we do about all the violence in the Bible? I’ve heard this question countless times. And rarely do I have a helpful answer. Afterall, scripture is the inspired Word of God. It’s supposed to (among other things) guide us toward deeper…
For nearly 40 years, St. Paul member Shelly Decker has lived much of her life above the clouds —serving as a corporate flight attendant with a passion for excellence, a heart for mentoring, and a gift for the little things that make a big difference….
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It had been 20 years since the home renovation project tweaked a shoulder. The man with the shoulder–let’s call him “Jim”–noticed the occasional twinge, but never really paid much attention to it. Normal activities were affected, to be sure, as flexi…