By Rev. Peter Haugen St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Our salvation comes to us through death. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), after all, and those wages must be paid. We confront this reality, this sting, every time someone we love dies. Every time. Death is painful because death separates us, at least for a time; God forbid it should be for eternity. But … [Read more...]
Grand Meadow Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary
Grand Meadow Lutheran Church is celebrating our 150th anniversary in 2026. We have various events planned in the coming months. We have some of our previous pastors returning to lead us in worship as noted with the dates included below. There will be various displays set up throughout the year to highlight some of the groups working in our church as well as some of the … [Read more...]
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
By Pastor Kevin Barnhart Spring Grove Evangelical Free This will be the fix we have been waiting for. It took 10 days to come, it was the third replacement part, and my wife had been numbering the days it was an official count down. I came in triumphant when it arrived; finally, the fix had come, with over assumed confidence I said should I not take up the load of laundry … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – … And It Was Good
By Rev. Anders Nelson Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish - Mabel First Lutheran Church, Scheie Lutheran Church and Henrytown Lutheran Church In the last few weeks, I’ve started a new Bible study with my three congregations and we’ve chosen to start those sessions with a whirlwind tour of the Bible. This tour is focused on a 10,000-foot view of the Bible, highlighting important … [Read more...]
A Pastor’s Heart
By Rev. Debra Jene Collum Chatfield United Methodist In my kitchen drawer I have a large pizza cutter. It is really too big for a typical utensil drawer insert; yet I will always find a place for it no matter where live. Because this pizza cutter is part of the pastor’s heart that goes with me wherever I find myself. I have had this fairly mundane but important pizza cutter … [Read more...]
If Those Walls Could Talk, What Would They Say?
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) I was sitting in the historic church at Lenora which was built in 1865. Sunshine was streaming in the windows and the venerable sanctuary was filled with a cheery warmth. All around the room reminders of pioneer days spoke to me. … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – The Lost Table Is Found
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) Some time ago, the Preston Historical Society was busy getting ready for the construction of their new Depot Museum Building and in the process were doing a lot of cleaning, sorting and moving things around in preparation for the … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – God’s Love Ensures that the Battle is Done
By Rev. Timothy Sandeno St. Johns Lutheran Church and School The past couple of decades have brought forth a number of television singing competitions. One such show is The Voice. It is not limited to our country or even just English viewing. It is has spread to more than 70 countries and regions with some 150 global commissions and spinoffs. Music can be powerful. Often … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – In the Bulb There is a Flower …
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) I had the privilege and blessing to attend Garrett-Evangelical Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois on the shore of Lake Michigan. Those were indeed holy days. My life was enriched by an inspiring … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Living the Resurrection Now
By Pastor Kris Hertsgaard Kincaid Christ Lutheran Church Preston When the earth shakes and the tomb stands empty, God reveals that resurrection is not only something we witness but something we live – here and now – as a community raised with Christ, learning to walk through a fearful world with great joy. Easter begins with a tremor. In Matthew’s telling of the … [Read more...]