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…
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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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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…
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…
With excitement for a couple of new programs, and gratefulness for a camp filled with kids last summer, the staff of Camp Shalom is looking forward to a fun and faith-filled adventure for summer 2019. Registration is now open. Tom Bley, executive dir…
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Editor’s note: Emma Tews is a senior in high school. She recently shared her faith story during Sunday Night Live. If you know my family, you know that I have two sisters and we look and act very similarly because we are so close. I grew up as my old…
St. Paul’s annual meeting will be held on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 10:10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. This meeting includes items of important business such as approving the 2019 budget and review of 2018 financials and annual report. The congregation will consi…
The St. Paul kitchen, where countless meals are made each year, now has a new stove. This is exciting news for those who make food for the Churches United meal site, bread crosses on Good Fridays, and muffins for preschool events, among others. The o…
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The dedicated volunteers who lead the St. Paul Library are reporting a very good year for 2018, with 452 checkouts – up from 293 in 2017. The number of children’s books and adult fiction books checked out in 2018 doubled over 2017. 2018 Total Bi…