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…
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Amy Thoreson is the deputy director of the Scott County Health Department. First in a series of interviews with health care workers about working through COVID-19. Tell us about your job before COVID-19. My job is to oversee the daily operations of t…
Want some interesting reading during this pandemic? The St. Paul Book Corner has all kinds of wonderful ideas for you – like The Great Influenza by John M. Barry. When President George W Bush read Barry’s book, he “couldn’t put it down.” He not only…
Editor’s note: Ninth-grade confirmation students are sharing their faith stories on Sunday mornings. The story below is from Claire Mask, a student at Pleasant Valley High School. I decided to write my faith story on being a foster sister. In 2015, m…
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If it was Sunday evening, it was potluck night at the Ball-Trevor household. While Raymond and Mike were in the kitchen, their three kids were anxiously looking out the window for their neighbor Fran Wolfe, crossing fingers that she was walking up th…