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As a teenager, I recall the time when our rural church decided to create a Christmas Eve production involving all youth of the church from four or five years of age through high schoolers. For the congregation it was a “big deal” as we had not previo…
“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is praised” – Psalm 113:3 During the summer of 2019, I served at a nonprofit mission camp in Tennessee. I worked to serve the Lord, serve the people in the Cumberland Plateau, and the v…
A thrill of hope occurred right before Halloween, during the end of October, and when we had a small dusting of snow across the Midwest. I recall that the snow quickly melted by the afternoon that day, but the thrill of hope that I heard from my youn…
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Traveling is my passion. It started back when I was a kid when our family took long driving trips. We would see as many sights and people as possible as we made our way to our destinations. “A Thrill of Hope” for me is planning and experiencing inter…
My dad planted a tree in my yard, not too long before he died, though I can’t recall the exact timeframe. It was special, just one connection to him; and while the tree did fairly well for the last 12 years or so, it was struggling recently and was c…
The fire tetrahedron contains four components, which is the only relevant application of my high school parallelogram indoctrination. These components are ignition, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical reaction. A fire starved of oxygen will not burn. To put…
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, COVID-fatigued, or are struggling to find the energy to function in the way you are accustomed to, consider reaching out to our staff counselor/social worker, Angie Vaaler, LMSW. Her services are free of char…
For as long as Cal Atwell remembers, he wanted to be a doctor. He grew up in Annawan, Illinois, where he was friends with the son of the local physician. Forty years into his career as a surgeon, he still loves what he does. During the pandemic, his…
How will financial pledging happen this year? This week, you will receive a letter from the church with your pledge card enclosed. Simply mail your pledge card back to the church using the enclosed envelope and postage stamp — OR — drop off your…
The St. Paul veterans group would like to know if any St. Paul member has a child or grandchild serving in the military, so they can send them a greeting to thank them for their service. Lyle Peterson looks forward to hearing from you. You can messag…
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For more than 27 years, patients who have had surgery at Genesis Medical Center – East, have been cared for by Bonnie Heydeman. One constant with COVID-19 for surgical staff? Change, she said. The amount of gear required to keep medical staff and pat…
The St. Paul Endowment Committee recently approved tuition support for Christine Vincent, a seminary student who is a St. Paul member and former youth ministry intern. Below is a portion of the letter she wrote to the committee. I am a seminarian at…