One of the more memorable Advent experiences for our family involved connecting with others in the community with special needs. This was orchestrated through the Salvation Army, which provided the names of individuals or families. From a list provid…
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An email from the Davenport School of Yoga, sent in the summer of 2014, caught Christa Orfitelli’s eye. An announcement noted that the school, in downtown Davenport, would be starting a class for people interested in teaching yoga. Christa, who norma…
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I sat behind an older woman at a conference the other day. Her face looked like a mountain range, beautifully contoured all the way from hairline to chin. I have no idea who this woman was, but she was more interesting than the lecture. I glanced her…
Made from banana fiber – the tree-like stem of the banana tree – the figures of Donna Granneman’s favorite nativity scene are intricately created by hand, each with its own humble story to tell. The baby in the crib. The mother and her soon-to-be hus…
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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,…