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Faith

Submitting to authorities Why should we submit to authorities? The Bible explains it very well. In Romans 13: 1- 5 it says “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God established. Consequently, he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do not do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and good. But if you do wrong, be ...

Faith Briefs for Jan. 16

Faith

2026 Education Contest announced Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Joan of Arc, #1291 is sponsoring the local education contest for 2026. The themes for this year are: “The Least of These”: -— Matthew 25:40 or “The Least of These: Lifting Others Up.” Youth in grades 4 through 12, as well as Adult CDA Members, are encouraged to participate. The entries must reflect the theme chosen and need to be your original idea. Entry deadline is Jan. 30. For more information contact Pat Gawarecki at 507-828-1098.

Finding hope in the Star of Bethlehem

Faith

It’s hard not to ponder the horrific irony in the timing of this year’s Epiphany feast celebrated Jan. 6, and the killing of a Minneapolis woman by ICE agents a day later. The Christian observance of Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the magi who traveled a great distance to see the newborn baby savior, signifying Jesus’ revelation to all the world as the messiah, not only to the Jews. In other words, it’s a festival to recognize the savior’s manifestation as God in the flesh. Because of that, an epiphany also can be described as a moment when one has a clarifying ...

Seeing the Christmas Miracle year round warns off the doom

Faith

“No, sir, it’s a donation,” the kind woman said with a comforting smile. “Thank you for all your staff does.” Christmas Eve morning I had stopped into our local religious supplies store to pick up communion supplies for our Christmas Day worship at the shelter. The generous woman helping me took one look at my shelter badge and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Everything on the house, a donation to help make our service beautiful. I finished my happy cry sitting in my pickup. What a joy to begin Christmas! Friends, the world is not as bad as we want to believe. There ...

Campus Notes for Dec. 20

Schools

Southeast Technical College announces graduation Area students graduated from Southeast Technical College, earning an AAS, diploma or certificate at the end of the fall 2025 semester. A commencement ceremony was held Dec. 12 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Area students include: Cottonwood: Rachel Brusven, associate degree, registered nurse Marshall: Kaitlynn Goblish, associate degree, registered nurse Canby: Lilli Opdahl, associate degree, business administration: agriculture emphasis Clarkfield: Kiara Sakry, diploma, licensed practical nursing Granite Falls: ...

Faith Briefs for Dec. 19

Faith

Blue Christmas Worship at First Lutheran There will be a Blue Christmas Worship sponsored by First Lutheran and Christ United Presbyterian churches in Marshall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at First Lutheran’s main sanctuary. The holiday season can be difficult for many — a time when grief, loss, or loneliness feel especially heavy. First Lutheran and Christ United Presbyterian churches are joining together to provide a Blue Christmas Worship that offers a quiet, reflective space for prayer, comfort, and hope.