Rev. Peter J. Haugen St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church On the evening of our Lord Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples are not rejoicing. They are so captivated by their own anxieties and worries that they have locked themselves in the Upper Room “for fear of the Jews” (St. John 20:19). Even worse, this is after St. Mary Magdalene has reported that our Lord’s tomb was … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Knees only painful on Wednesday evenings
Part three of a series Summer revivals, Christmas pageants, a hospital stay and even sore knees during Wednesday prayers are treasured memories for area historian David Beckman of attending South Ridge Church while growing up in the 1940s a few miles west of La Crescent. The family worshipped twice on Sundays, starting with Sunday school for both children and adults before … [Read more...]
Why do cardinals hate me and who is that owl calling?
I was in the grocery store. A man, holding a cellphone to his ear, stared at the shelves and said, “What kind of bread do you want me to get?” His wife was several aisles away. They had divided the food-gathering duties. People hear a pair of great horned owls hooting back and forth, and wonder what they’re talking about. The duets help the owls stay in touch and reinforce … [Read more...]
A Pastor’s Wishes for Parents
By Rev. Deanna Woodward Maple Leaf Parish - United Methodist Churches of Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston and Spring Valley Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 19:14 This time of year, we move into confirmation and graduation season—important milestones in the lives of young people and … [Read more...]
You know spring has sprung when the snow has gotten warmer
Spring is right around the snowbank. Spring is when the snow gets warmer. There is no need to call the calendar repairman. Our seasons need training. Doug Larson wrote a perfect description of spring, “Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” A couple of other illustrative quotations are “Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Making ripples
Have you ever thrown a rock into a perfectly clear lake? Well, you’re also probably the one who unnecessarily walks through the yard after a fresh blanket of snow. Hey, stop talking about the snow! That’s a touchy subject this time of year. I’m trying to plant corn! I’m always impressed by the impact of one tiny rock on so much water. If you haven’t done this before, maybe … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Performances, Bible verses, a lot of singing and ice cream
By Lee Epps Part two of a series Throughout the first century of settlement by those of European heritage in southeast Minnesota, the church was a site for community activity, both religious and secular. This was certainly true for rural residents, some distance from villages where there might be larger buildings, such as hotels. Area historian David Beckman reflects on … [Read more...]
New life: Easter and spring
By Pastor Nissa Peterson Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches One of the things I love so much about spring is watching as different plants begin to sprout and grow. It starts with my daffodils, irises, and tulips. Then the grass begins to green, and buds on trees slowly begin to become leaves. It always feels like a miracle to have new growth and new life after a … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Church memories: Love Boat, bad-language basketball and a wedding mouse
Part one of a series The youth played table tennis without incident, but basketball was once curtailed because of cursing. It was the 1940s at the South Ridge Evangelical United Brethren Church (E. U. B.). Since 1968, when that denomination merged with the Methodist Church, the Houston County congregation has been known as South Ridge United Methodist Church. In those early … [Read more...]
The cross was NOT the end!
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches On the last page of most good stories, you will find the words ‘The End’ prominently printed following the final sentence of the story. This is fitting because every book or story eventually ends. Even Tolstoy’s 1,225-page book “War and Peace” eventually arrives at the end – no more story. Jesus’ … [Read more...]