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An embarrassment of riches

It was somewhat embarrassing. Not as mortifying as being elbowed by your wife because you were snoring in church, but still. This fall, our garden yielded an embarrassment of riches. Last winter, when I was pining for summer, I begged the garden gods to grant me just a few pumpkins and gourds. A mischievous garden god must have grinned and said, “Hold my beer.” I lost the crop about five times, which is typical for most growing seasons. First it was too warm and dry, then it became too cold and wet. This just proves the timeworn farmer’s adage that there are only five kinds ...

Answering your questions about the Marshall schools referendum

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been in classrooms, hallways, games and events — hearing from teachers, staff and families about the momentum our students are building. I’m proud of the work happening across Marshall schools. I’ve also been talking with community partners about where we’re headed. At the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, we highlighted how the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program helps produce job-ready graduates who are ready to fill the local positions our businesses need. I greatly appreciated the encouragement and ...

Fire Prevention Week helped to overcome a teenage fear

This week was Fire Prevention Week, a time to recognize the need for fire safety and the importance of local fire crews. Fire departments host open houses, visit schools and do other public awareness projects, all aimed at keeping everyone mindful of the need to practice fire safety basics. They emphasize prevention with steps like smoke detectors and furnace checks. They also teach people what to do if a fire occurs. People are encouraged to practice an evacuation plan and to know safety measures such as the stop, drop, and roll. I enjoyed Fire Prevention Week activities as a ...

How to heal the world? One person at a time

Friends, if you want to make a difference today -- right now! -- seek out the people in your community who feel unseen, unsafe and alone … and pour your heart into them. If you are a Jesus follower, empty yourself as Christ did, for the sake of their and your community’s wellbeing. Twice in the past week as a pastor, I’ve been approached by people who are terrified. People who have every reason to worry about their own and their loved ones’ safety, given the recent treatment of people on the margins. As their pleading eyes bore into me, they implored me to answer why God ...

Enjoying Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a Bavarian word. The “okto” part means eight, “ber” means cold, and the “fest” part means beer. Oktoberfest thus translates to “eight cold beers” which is pretty much the focus of that type of gathering. New Ulm is purported to have one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation. My wife and I decided to motor to New Ulm to assess this matter for ourselves. The first stop on our investigation was the August Schell Brewing Company. The Schell brewery is located near New Ulm and is perched on the bluffs of the Cottonwood River. It’s an ...

Stay aware of breast cancer this October

Pink ribbons, pink hair and pink T-shirts are signs of the season this October, yet more importantly, these colorful reminders can save lives. Did you known that breast cancer deaths have steadily decreased by 44% since 1989, thanks to better screening and early detection? This strong track record is a reminder that all women age 40 and over should have regular mammograms, the gold standard in breast cancer screening. Because breast cancer is most treatable when discovered in its earliest stages, we are grateful to have the latest screening mammogram equipment here in Marshall, so we ...