“I am not emotionally prepared for Christmas to be in December this year.” I heard a friend say that. He’d waited so long to become an adult, only to discover that he wasn’t good at it. “When are you going to put the Christmas lights up?” his wife asked. “It’s too cold,” he replied. “I’m waiting until summer.” “Then it will be too hot.” “OK, I’ll do it next … [Read more...]
“Do All the Good You Can”
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) The above quote is from The Reverend John Wesley (1703-1791). In light of all that is before us in our world today, it is a timely reminder for us to focus on doing good. In a world full of things contrary to God’s ways, it is important for people … [Read more...]
Ohtani: History in the Making
By Cashton Newgaard America has just been shocked! December 9, 2023, the biggest contract in not just baseball, but in all American sports history was signed by Shoei Ohtani. Imagine what a person could do with $700 million. That is a huge amount of money. This contract is already becoming one of the hottest topics in baseball history. This two-way player just keeps … [Read more...]
Christmas Traditions Around the Globe
By Alleen Erchoff-Costet What does the Christmas spirit mean to you? Christmas is celebrated in many different ways in cultures around the world. Most of us might set up a Christmas tree and open presents on Christmas day. Christmas traditions may include decorating the tree, baking cookies, opening presents, watching movies, and keeping up with The Elf on the Shelf. Some … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Lutefisk, Oyster Stew and Santa Claus Came by Helicopter
Lutefisk and oyster stew were Christmas traditions for many families around Spring Grove in the first half of the 1900s. And Santa visited every year, too. The following Christmas memories were part of an oral history project made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning. In the winter and spring of 1997, six Spring Grove … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: It’s Time
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free Has one minute ever felt like an eternity to you? The feeling of every single foot fall on that last minute or mile of your marathon, the last minute of your workday, the last push before the baby is born. Or perhaps you like I have felt the weighty measure of minutes while sitting vigil next to a loved one taking … [Read more...]
Why I’m Wrecked This Christmas (It’s not what you think)
Have you ever been so busy, you miss something that was right in front of your face? (Like in the summer, when I look around the whole house for the sunglasses that are top of my head.) Please tell me I’m not the only one! Sometimes we forget the things that are most important because we’re too busy running around to see them. The same can be true of Christmas. The “most … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: Giving Grace
By Pastor Stuart Weist First Baptist Church of Preston The Christmas season is upon us, and we know what that means. It’s that time of year to purchase gifts for family and friends, attend holiday concerts, put up lights, and hang ornaments on the tree. Hopefully all these holiday activities fill your home and heart with joy. Hopefully the lights remind you as a believer … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Not a Normal Year at Houston High
In addition to beautiful brick buildings, formal education of the youth in Houston, Minn., has taken place in church basements, a log hut, an opera house and a schoolhouse that not only swayed in the wind but also provided a path for floodwater. Education in the village began in 1855 in a log shanty in lower Houston on the south side of the old Root River bed. As enrollment … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion: It’s A Miracle!
By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist You know how sometimes familiar Bible stories take on new meaning? That just happened to me with the story of the feeding of the 5,000-plus. A quick re-telling from John chapter 6. Jesus has gathered a crowd of people around him. They follow him wherever he goes, apparently. One day Jesus notices that the crowd is “hungry.” … [Read more...]