Growing up on a farm in the country brought a variety of beauty into my life. In the winter months, the beauty changed when it was snow covered. When I went outside to do the horses on winter nights, I would sometimes have to search for them in the f…
One recent fall afternoon, I spent time at Madison Market, the food pantry St. Paul leads at the J.B. Young Opportunity Center. I answered questions, assisted with shopping decisions when needed, bagged groceries, and helped keep the flow going. The…
This fall, I began teaching a course called “Lives that Matter” at the East Moline Correctional Center. The course is part of a “Graduated Release Initiative” that offers incarcerated individuals support before and after their release from prison to…
Asa, right, with his brother, Gabe. I remember the first time I felt completely alone. I was about six years old, and had been on a bike ride with my family, which consists of…
3
One might say that our family’s commitment to faith isn’t restricted by distance. We have a 65-mile drive to worship and confirmation classes when we travel to St. Paul. The ministry offered here alone is worth every mile traveled. I can still rememb…
2
Take a moment and think of a favorite dish from holiday dinners of the past. What did it taste like? What was it served in? Who made it? Who was gathered around the table. So many times, food serves as the foundation of some of the most important mem…
Carol was confirmed at St. Paul (many years ago), but we joined St. Paul as a couple after moving to Eldridge from Moline. We were looking for a church that offered the traditional Lutheran liturgy, varied opportunities for worship and service, an ac…
On Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., come and give thanks, reunite with friends from near and far, and bring a bag of nonperishable food items and toiletries to help fill the shelves at the Friendly House Food Pantry (food can also be brought the we…
1
Take a moment and think of a favorite dish from holiday dinners of the past. What did it taste like? What was it served in? Who made it? Who was gathered around the table. So many times, food serves as the foundation of some of the most important mem…
1
We have found St. Paul to be a friendly, welcoming place to worship from the very first day we attended. After that first service, more than five years ago, we sat in the narthex enjoying a cup of coffee, while observing people greeting one another w…
1
Jeff Zust’s grandfather and great-uncle served in the military during World War I. His grandfather came home, took off his uniform and threw it away. His great-uncle was injured, and spent much of the rest of his life in the hospital. He died of his…
3
Three years ago, an exciting idea emerged that St. Paul could better serve its people, the families of Madison Elementary, and the wider community with a social worker on staff. The idea is now becoming an early reality, with the recruitment of Angie…