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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) As many of you know, I like to walk on my land lovingly nicknamed “The Ponderosa.” I like to walk in the woods, down the road and out in the field.  A few nights ago in the cool of the evening ...  (somewhat cooler than the scorching heat of … [Read more...]

By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) It was a happy and fun night for the Cherry Grove 4th of July  Cowboy Church Service.  People thoroughly enjoyed the evening with upbeat music, good  messages and friendly fellowship.  In honor of the 250th birthday of the United States, … [Read more...]

By Mark Geselle Valley Christian Center My grandson Tate is 3 1/2 and is already a master at using his mom’s phone. My phone will go off quite regularly around 4 o’clock many afternoons while I’m at the office, showing his mom’s picture and that she’s FaceTiming me. I know it’s Tate, so I answer it and say, “Hi Tate!  How are you doing?”  He says, “Hi Bumpa” and goes on to … [Read more...]

By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) Recently, public broadcasting has presented an insightful documentary on the life of Henry David Thoreau.  Produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley, the program offers an informative picture of Thoreau as an author, naturalist and American … [Read more...]