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As we prepare ourselves to connect with God through the birth of Jesus on Christmas day, we can only fully do that by bringing the self that God made to the relationship…our true self…the self we already are. The more we are willing to risk being o…
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I have a bad habit of forgetting to empty the pockets of my clothes. This can become slightly problematic when chapstick or a piece of gum makes its way through the washing machine on laundry day. But it can also be a bit of a treat when pulling out…
Doubt. Uncertainty. Skepticism. These are the three words that come to my mind the most when I consider my feelings about Christianity. In my adult life I have attended and heard stories of churches that discourage questioning. This bothers me. If yo…
Christmas Eve worship 1 p.m. | Holy Communion & Carols All the glory of Christmas Eve in an early-afternoon option. Scripture and hymns tell the story of this holy night. Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaching. 3 p.m. | A Family Christmas Service A se…
An intergenerational effort will help ensure that students at J.B. Young K-8 School have socks to keep feet warm and food to keep bellies fed over the Christmas break. Socks and Supper will partner Sunday school kids, the Neighborhood Schools Partner…
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My Grandma Peg’s stained-glass studio was in the basement of her house. Studio sounds awfully fancy – in actuality it was an unfinished basement with cement floors and cement block walls. She kept her glass grinder, soldering gun, and her collection…
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I was standing at the entryway of Birch Cabin watching my family drive away. My parents had met here as counselors, and now, at ten years old, I was carrying out the Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp legacy. I was alone and nervous in Crystal Falls, Michiga…
When I was preparing for my first mission trip two years ago, I was experiencing some serious doubt. I wanted to serve, and I was willing to work hard. What I doubted was whether I had enough skills to make a credible contribution. Prior to leaving,…
I enjoy feeding the birds. In my rational mind, I understand that the birds instinctually come to the feeders for the millet, the safflower and the thistle. However, in my heart, I feel they come because we are friends. We count on each other. We mee…
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There exists a little-known hero of Thanksgiving Day. The turkey gets all the accolades it needs. Presidents are even required to take a break from their busy days to pardon one. Even canned cranberries have their loyal fans. Then, of course, there’s…
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I enjoy watching football. It doesn’t matter if it’s on a flat screen or in a stadium. There is that undeniable dopamine rush regardless of where one sits. How weird that some men wearing plastic helmets, and chasing after an oblong (sometimes-proper…
The energy is contagious. Hundreds of Quad City teenagers rally each fall to collect as many green beans, corn, flour, macaroni & cheese, and countless other nonperishable food items. It’s called the Student Hunger Drive, and it helps stock the s…