1
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…
5
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…
1
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…
November 19, 2015 We are shocked and dismayed by the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East, but also in Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Senseless acts of terror will maim and forever have an impact…
Part of my daily prayer practice is walking outside. I feel connected with God when I’m out in the fresh air. Some walks are for soaking in the day, while other walks turn into prayerful conversations with God. I have learned to appreciate the pesky…
3
The songs began on a Tuesday evening in September. A few of the members of the Open Spirit contemporary ensemble – which provide worship leadership for St. Paul’s 11:45 a.m. service – got together at Hans Schnekloth’s house. Chris Ryan had created a…
1
What are the 40 positive assets in a young person’s life that can help them thrive? How can knowing and understanding these assets shape efforts to reach out to others, no matter their gender, age, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or ability? R…
On the weekend of Nov. 13-14, St. Paul will host two nights of fun: a game night for parents and an intergenerational trivia event. Parents’ Game Night is Friday, Nov. 13, 5:30-8 p.m. Come for dinner and get ready to laugh out loud with other parent…
As he filmed a series documentaries focused on the issues of immigration, Luis Argueta noticed the consequences, especially for kids, of familial separation. During one of his trips to the Midwest (Argueta also produced a documentary about the large-…