By Rev. Peter J. Haugen St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:1-2). “We … all formerly lived in the lusts of the flesh, indulging the … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Talitha Koum!
Pastor Mark Geselle Valley Christian Center In my Bible reading, I came across a word we don’t use much these days. Matthew, Mark and Luke record the story of Jairus’ daughter who was at the point of death. Jairus sent for Jesus because he had faith to believe Jesus could heal her. In the meantime, the girl died. Everyone knew she was dead. Her parents knew. Those paid to … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Three Things that Never Change
By Pastor Paul Hauschild Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches As the school year begins, so do our programs at church ramp up! Pastors and leaders get excited about more youth, children and families in church. What curriculum will we use? What topics and themes do we highlight? How can we bring out God’s story in a new and relevant way? What games should we plan and … [Read more...]
Leap of Faith
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is celebrating 75 years of ministry this year. The theme for this year of celebration is “A Leap of Faith” as it both describes how Our Savior’s was formed, and our current faithful response to ministry today. Seventy-five years ago, discussions between Trinity Lutheran of the Norwegian ELC Synod and Zion Lutheran of the ALC German Synod came to … [Read more...]
Meet Me in the Water Revival Attracts Nearly 3,000 to Peterson
A small southeastern Minnesota town became the gathering place for thousands of people August 29-30 as the Kayla Gabbard Ministry brought its Meet Me in the Water Revival to Peterson. Nearly 3,000 people attended the two-day event with 1,021 attendees baptized in the Root River by Founder Kayla Gabbard, Pastor Elwood Patrick, and a team of baptizers. Local resident Nikki … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – A Warm Fuzzy or a Cold Prickly?
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) When I was in seminary, I had many blessed moments studying theology, Biblical studies, pastoral counseling, preaching, church administration and the various things needed in parish ministry. I had many talented and well-learned professors … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – A Jealous God
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free Jealousy is a deep and very real emotion. It bubbles up in ways that so often we categorize as negative. Being jealous over possessions, over a physical trait, talents, relationships, over all kinds of things we long for and indeed God commands us not to covet anything. But, and this is the most beautiful caveat you can … [Read more...]
Jesus’ Parables: Storytelling, Improvisation, and Meaningmaking
By Rev. Anders Nelson Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish - Mabel First Lutheran Church, Scheie Lutheran Church and Henrytown Lutheran Church There’s something really beautiful and interesting in the way Jesus teaches his disciples and, through the beauty of the Living Word, us by means of creative storytelling and meaningmaking. Throughout these summer months, my parish has … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – The Gift of Gathering
Christ Lutheran Church, Preston “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) Recently I went to the library to check out a book. I found it easily enough, but along the way I noticed the displays: staff picks, new books, summer reads. Before I left, I had chosen a second book and enjoyed a conversation with the librarian. It was a … [Read more...]
Just Having Fun!!! Laughter, Giggles, And Orange Hair!!!
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) Just having fun! Here’s a picture of two of my granddaughters having fun with grandpa! How do you like my new hairstyle? We were having a happy and fun time together during the week of the Fillmore County Fair. There was a lot of … [Read more...]