Elaine Olson picked up the phone one day last fall. On the line was Erika Uthe, a pastor who works for the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA. Erika wanted to know if Elaine had any interest in writing the Lenten devotions for the synod for 2019. It…
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The sanctuary is now more than 11 years old, and digital technology now supersedes much of the analog technology installed with the opening of the sanctuary. New digital controls will provide an improved and balanced sound for the Open Spirit ensembl…
It seems that no matter how busy we are, waiting is a part of life. We wait for buds on the tree to indicate that winter is finally over. We wait on test results from the doctor’s office. We wait to hear from a potential employer after a job intervie…
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Thirty years ago, the sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary started monthly meetings to explore unmet needs in the Quad Cities. At the time, many religious communities across the country were moving more toward serving the homeless. The…
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With all of the snow and cold, February can be an especially hard month for people experiencing loss or struggling with a difficult situation. St. Paul offers a place for care and compassion, with a variety of support groups. Stroke Support Group: A…
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Today is February 14. Do you have an open bag of chocolate sitting next to you, too? I do. Advertising geniuses around the world work hard to train us to crave chocolate on Valentine’s Day. More often than not, it works. The chocolate I have on my de…
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In the village of Masaka, Denis Ssempala lived with his father, mother, and two siblings – a younger brother and an older sister. Their home was a simple one, without running water or electricity. He remembers feeling loved and listened to, especiall…
St. Paul Preschool will add a new classroom this coming year, one especially for 5-year-olds. B4K (Before Kindergarten) is designed for students who are eligible to start kindergarten but could benefit from an additional year of preschool. The class…
St. Paul’s social worker, Angie Vaaler, is available to supplement the counseling services of our pastors. Her services to St. Paul members and the Madison Elementary School community assist those who may be going through a difficult transition, stru…
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I’m not always the most health conscious person, but over Christmas, my younger sister kept fussing with her Fitbit so, growing curious, I asked her what it did. Pulling up the app on her phone, she showed me how it tracked her steps, monitored her s…
For years, Dan Barry wrote a column called “This Land” for the New York Times. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, he wandered around the country to tell stories. At some point about five years ago, he realized that he hadn’t been to Iowa in a coupl…
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Editor’s note: A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Sara Olson-Smith wrote about how she loves the snow. Pastor Katy Warren would like to offer a rebuttal. I hate the snow. Hate is a strong word. Perhaps “very much dislike” would be a bit kinder. Some will…