The last year has been one of unknowns. A pandemic. An election. Constant changes in policies and procedures for churches, grocery stores, gyms, and schools. Just about everything has been unknown. There are many other unknowns for each of us in our lives – new or ending relationships, employment changes, graduating or starting school, moving to a new home or into a care … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Cornerstones
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches A few years ago, my husband decided to build a woodshed in our side yard. Well, our house is built on top of a hill and the yard slopes away on both sides. As he considered various locations for the woodshed, it became apparent that the cornerstone of the building was going to have to be very … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – “Sunshine in My Soul”
As many of you know, I am not a good singer, but I love happy, joyful, uplifting music! One of my favorite composers is Scott Joplin who lived in the early 1900’s and wrote contemporary ragtime music of his era. Happy, upbeat, toe-tapping music – the kind of music that brings smiles! Some time ago, I ran across an old hymnal, a songbook from the early 1900s. I thumbed … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Family values
By Pastor Jeff Jacobs Unity Lutheran Parish - St. Paul, Saetersdal and St. Matthew’s, Granger We usually consider the Bible very family oriented. God is our Father, and we are sisters and brothers in Christ’s family. The first of the Ten Commandments dealing with human relationships is “Honor your father and your mother.” Jesus welcomed children and defended marriage … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: God hears and knows
By Pastor Pam Seebach Harmony, Mabel, and Newburg United Methodist Churches On the morning I wrote this, the thermometer read 4º when I got up. Brr! Something compelled me, though, so I put on several layers, covering all but my eyes, and headed out the door for my morning walk. It was cold, but as a true Minnesotan, I knew it could be worse! I walked west for a bit, then … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: A future with hope
By Pastor Jeff Jacobs Unity Lutheran Parish - St. Paul, Saetersdal and St. Matthew’s, Granger “Surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Six hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Jewish people in the Holy Land faced one of their darkest times. The northern … [Read more...]
There is one thing I can say…
By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist The church I serve, Chatfield United Methodist, has been organizing a Soup Supper and Silent Auction for the Eagles Cancer Telethon for many, many years. Like many of the ministries we do, we do it with such passion and faithfulness because we have been touched by the problem we are trying to alleviate. Hunger, lack … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions: When life gives you dingleberries…
By Pastor Bridget Sheely Racine/Sumner Center UMC, Stewartville UMC Children’s Mininstry Coordinator A few years back, when my two boys where young our family loaded up into our truck to go pick out our Christmas tree. As we cruised down the road with the Christmas music playing, our oldest was bouncing around in the back seat and doing what kids do, which ended with me … [Read more...]
Stone Church and St. Peter’s Cemetery Association raising funds through garage sale
Stone Church and St. Peter’s Cemetery Association are planning a fundraising garage sale to cover the expense of lawn care and surveying the grounds. All members of the cemeteries are invited to participate by donating items to sell and volunteering their time. Also, cash donations are welcome. Our goal is $12,000. The garage sale is planned for two days, Friday, September … [Read more...]
The “radical left” pastor
By Pastor David Stoeger I believe that all have human rights, including those who make the dangerous journey to this country in search of hope and a new life. Children have the right to not be separated from their parents at the border and not to be sent to unsanitary conditions with extremely limited resources. I believe the promise of America is for all people, not just … [Read more...]