Breaking News

Life

Fireflies, so many other beloved insects are threatened with extinction

Faith

Fireflies are remarkable creatures, aren’t they? So magical that they could only have been designed by a divinely gifted maker! After all, fireflies — did you know that they are actually beetles! — produce their lights with the help of special abdominal organs which combine the chemical luciferin, enzymes called luciferase, oxygen and the molecular fuel known as “ATP” to produce their luminescent glow that brings so much glee on a warm summer evening. Just how does it work? Entomologists believe fireflies control their lights -- which they use to talk to each other! — ...

Faith Briefs for Oct. 4

Faith

Life Chain Sunday There will be a peaceful pro-life demonstration of silent prayer and humble supplication to God on behalf of unborn babies and their mothers from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the corner of Main Street and College Drive. Join us all are welcome. Pro-life posters with prayers and hymns will be provided. Fall Rally Oct. 12 Pipestone Zone Lutheran Women in Mission Fall Rally will be Saturday, Oct. 12, at Zion Lutheran Church, 305 East 2nd Street, Hardwick. Coffee will be at 9 a.m. The rally begins at 9:30 a.m., with Bible study and servant event making birthday bags ...

I’m certain that God likes a good prank too

Faith

Do you think that God likes a good prank? Recently, after a nightly walk with our dogs, I am certain the answer is yes! But first, a secret: Every day, I talk to God in a long running internal conversation about the most minute of things to really critical spiritual questions. And this conversation crescendos every night while walking our dogs, sometimes leading to hand gestures, head shakes and even verbal outbursts of joy or frustration. Sometimes I wonder what the neighbors along our route think of the big dude with two dogs tugging him along while he animatedly talks into the ...

Don’t fall for the scarcity trap; divine love really is infinite

Faith

True, divine-centered love will continue to grow. Grow larger than just inclusion of immediate family members; larger than your friends; and even beyond your neighbors. That’s how we know love is actual, true love: It’s infinite. That was Scott’s message when he married our oldest son, Garrett, and his fiancee this past weekend. Scott is Anna’s godfather, and wrote a lovely and memorable message for the ceremony. A week later, I’m still stunned that his revelation of what an infinite love looks like surprised me so. Eight years of being clergy, five years of seminary ...

Faith Briefs for Sept. 27

Faith

Pet blessing Oct. 6 In observance of St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day, a blessing of pets will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, in the parking lot of Holy Redeemer Church, Marshall. This is an ecumenical event, sponsored by the Secular Franciscan Order. All are invited to bring their leashed or caged pets and join in the celebration. If you would like more information about this event, contact Nancy at 507-430-0910.

Would you join me on a journey called ‘Finding Faith?’

Faith

I would like to invite you on a journey with me. A journey I call “Finding Faith.” Now, I don’t want to imply that I am at present searching for my own faith, as I currently experience more confidence in my own faith than I ever have. Nor, do I promise that I can help anyone else find their own faith. For that is a grand mystery that I don’t claim to know the answer to. It is a hubris that I don’t possess. However, it is my hope that we can explore faith together. And for some that might mean digging deeper into our faiths. For others that might mean just trying to figure ...