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Faith isn’t about certainty at all but rather the opposite

Faith

I think that one of the most challenging aspects of living a life of faith is the realization that everything in this earthly life we know is so … ethereal. Circumstances can change in the time that it takes for an eyelash to drop to the ground, and that is a very disconcerting thought for most of us. This precariousness is jarring and reminds us that truly we walk through this life trusting in things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) I was reminded this week by a devotion I read that all we are certain of in this world is only temporary, and that our fortunes can literally change with the ...

SMSU Theater Arts to present ‘Pride and Prejudice’

Schools

SMSU Theatre’s fall production honors the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with” Pride and Prejudice” by Andrew Davies, based on the novel by Jane Austen. Performances are Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ,and Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Nov. 16 performance is free to all military service members, veterans and their families. Tickets are $10 and will be available only at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free for SMSU employees and students with valid ID. Free and convenient parking is available ...

SMSU Chorale to present concert on Nov. 9 featuring work by late Marshall poet, Saara Myrene Raappana

Schools

The SMSU Chorale, conducted by Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, will present “When We Sing Heart” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in First Lutheran Church, 100 Church Street in Marshall. “When We Sing Heart” will feature the world premiere of “When I Say Heart, I Mean,” by Linda Kachelmeier and based on the poetry of the late Marshall resident and SMSU adjunct faculty member, Saara Myrene Raappana. In March of 2024, SMSU and the Marshall community lost an icon. Raappana was a teacher, a poet of the finest order, a business owner, and a dear friend to many. She was an adjunct faculty ...

Four years! What a long, strange trip it’s been

Faith

Five hundred words to encapsulate four years. Doesn’t seem possible. It was four years ago this weekend, friends, that we started this journey together. Borne from a simple idea about a weekly column viewing faith through everyday stories and circumstances. What a trip it’s been! You’ve witnessed two more of our kids leave the nest, and our youngest start her senior year in high school. You’ve consoled me through the loss of our mother, two brothers and a beloved husky named “Cody” in that short time too. For that I’ll be forever grateful. You’ve supported me ...

Faith Briefs for Oct. 31

Faith

Surviving the Holidays GriefShare DVD presentation Surviving the Holidays GriefShare DVD will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in the gathering space of Holy Redeemer Church. The seminar is for anyone who is grieving a loved one’s death. Practical, hope-inspiring ideas include surviving social and family events, dealing with emotions and creating new traditions while honoring your loved one’s legacy. Families are welcome. Swedish meatball supper at Hope Lutheran A Swedish meatball supper and bake sale will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov.2, at Hope Lutheran Church, 113 S ...

The gospel is pretty clear on who is worthy of care

Faith

It doesn’t happen every time I’m out stumping for our faith-based nonprofit that operates an emergency shelter, food pantry and supportive housing apartments. But occasionally, when I wrap up my presentation and take questions, there will come one about the worthiness of some of our guests to receive our services. And oftentimes, the questions come veiled as innocent inquiries. Such as …Do the people residing in our shelter work for their keep? What are the requirements to being in our shelter? Do any of the guests pay for their bed and meals with an outside job? I’ve ...