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While there is much evidence to the contrary, I am convinced that humans are actually quite remarkable. We have this enormous capacity for courage, hope, and trust. If you ever doubt this, just spend some time watching trapeze artists. There they are…
With unanimity and enthusiasm, the St. Paul Congregational Council voted to begin a new permanent schedule on Sunday, May 20, 2018. The St. Paul staff, which deliberated extensively on all of the issues related to a schedule change, was integral to t…
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On a sheet of lined notebook paper, a girl named Jill put her pencil to work. She was 7 years old at the time, and she decided to write about the wind and an owl. Even at that young, young age, her words were lyrical, full of wisdom and whimsy. On a…
The psalmist inspires St. Paul spirit and action: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” That’s Psalm 24:1. A 24/1 church cherishes and cares for God’s creation. We live on a pinpoint of Earth in Davenport, Iowa. We’re mindful that God’s…
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On the week of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s death, it seems fitting to recall his most enduring legacy. King’s unbending commitment to non-violence turns on one central idea: revenge can never be a worthy substitute for love. In or…
With a warm smile and bulletins in hand, Sam Dickman greets visitors as they walk into the Sanctuary for worship. A bit later in worship, he makes his way down the middle aisle with seven fellow ushers. They are given baskets for offering, then make…
St. Paul people are preparing for three learning experiences this month — to Chicago, Tanzania, and the Iowa state penitentiary in Anamosa. The Free Indeed congregation inside the Iowa men’s penitentiary at Anamosa, Iowa, will welcome a group of St….
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I am always flooded with emotions during Holy Week and Easter. We begin waving palm branches with a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, praising God for the coming Messiah. But then our shouts of praise turn to chants of death as we say together “crucif…
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It was a great way to start the week. On Monday morning, dozens of people gathered to celebrate everyone living at Ridgecrest Village in Davenport who has a birthday in March. With coffee and orange juice, crumb cake and donuts, each individual marke…
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This March was my third time traveling to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., using my voice to advocate for the 1.25 million Americans (including myself) who live with type 1 diabetes. The advocacy efforts I support are on behalf of JDRF, which is the…
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Plenty of commentary is available regarding this generation’s young people. It’s natural to compare their experiences to our own. It’s common to hear or participate in conversations about things that they do not appreciate enough or the amount of tim…
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I’ve been trying to learn something about St. Patrick this week, but it’s hard to track down much information about a person who died 1,557 years ago. According to tradition, Patrick died on March 17, 461, which is why he is remembered and celebrated…