church column
- By Pastor Praveen Muthsuamy, Hills United Reformed ChurchJuly 02, 2025The last time we considered Hebrews 12:1-2, we noted that this passage calls us to run the race well by doing four specific things: 1. Running by considering the cloud of witnesses. 2. Running by laying aside every weight. 3. Running by laying aside every sin. 4. Running with endurance by looking to Jesus. We also noted two important things regarding the passage. First, if you are not a…
- By Pastor Mark Eliason, Palisade Lutheran Church, Rock CountyJune 18, 2025It's mid-June, and we are well into summer. School is done for the year, and all the school activities like football, basketball, track, volleyball and all the rest are on a break, at least for most. With summer break also come trips to the lake, family vacations, and with all those things to distract us, Sunday morning worship tends to be put lower on the priority list than other things. I…
- By Pastor Joe Steenholdt, Christian Reformed Church, LuverneJune 04, 2025We find ourselves at the beginning of the summer season, with Buffalo Days just underway and the promise of a full summer stretching ahead. The days are gaining more sunlight, and temperatures are rising. My family has exciting plans that include camping trips, swimming lessons, VBS, basketball, and volleyball camps. We look forward to sunny days at the lake along with more opportunities to cast…
- By Pastor Jeremy Wiersema, Reformed Church of SteenMay 28, 2025This past Monday was Memorial Day. Flags lined streets in many small towns and flew above cemeteries. Memorial Day, as we all know, is a day to remember those who have died while serving our nation in the military. There were gatherings across our nation and speeches were given that were heartfelt and carefully crafted. Those who died serving in our armed forces died so that people like you…
- By Pastor Ed Borchardt, Zion Lutheran Church, HardwickMay 21, 2025The Gospel of John gives an account of a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. He is helpless in regard to helping himself to a pool (known to have healing remedies) which may help his condition. For 38 years friends, family, neighbors, strangers, no one helps him. Here we find him sitting on a mat. This mat is a tool. A mat is used for sitting, keeping the heat off his bottom side. A…
- By Pastor Andrew Palmquist, Bethany Lutheran Church, LuverneApril 30, 2025Every year, as spring comes, we see the miracle of life start once again. We look forward to the daffodils and tulips blooming and the fade from winter to spring. Things go from the gray and brown colors to living, vibrant green and vivid cheerful colors. Many people look forward to shedding their heavy coats in favor of lighter-weight apparel. Even though we go through this cycle every year, it…
- By Pastor Mark Eliason, Palisade Lutheran Church, Rock CountyMarch 26, 2025In the 13th chapter of Luke, Luke writes about sin and punishment. In this passage Jesus asks, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders…
- By Pastor Andrew Palmquist, Bethany Lutheran Church, LuverneFebruary 05, 2025“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God. The Lord is one! Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words that I am commanding you today are to be on your heart. Teach them diligently to your children.” Deuteronomy 6:4-7 These powerful words are part of the “Shema,” a prayer that is spoken daily in Jewish tradition. Those verses were some of…
- By Pastor Sarah Zender, Grace Lutheran Church, LuverneJanuary 22, 2025This week I’ve been thinking a lot about words that, when used as a noun, should probably be used as a verb. The first definition of love, for example, is “an intense feeling of deep affection.” That is a noun. It is also used as a verb, but it reflects the moment of feeling that sense of deep affection. This is a great word to have in our vocabulary tool kit. A Wheel of Emotion is a tool used…
- By Pastor Praveen Muthsuamy, Hills United Reformed ChurchJanuary 15, 2025You may have come across the idiom, “All roads lead to Rome.” It means that there are many ways to achieve the same goal or result. It suggests that no matter which path you choose, you will eventually reach your desired outcome. This saying may be true for some areas of life. For example, if someone wants to lose weight, they can try the vegan diet, Keto diet, Paleo diet, carnivore diet, and…
- By Pastor Joe Steenholdt, Christian Reformed Church, LuverneDecember 24, 2024Another Christmas has come and gone, leaving us in this reflective week at the end of the year—an in-between week to consider when to take down decorations and plan for New Year’s. We may feel hopeful about the future or anxious about what lies ahead. The message of Christmas is still fresh in our minds, yet I invite us to reflect beyond just the baby in Bethlehem. In the Gospel of Mark, he…
- By Pastor Jeremy Wiersema, Reformed Church of SteenDecember 18, 2024Are you ready for Christmas? There are only a few days left to get prepared. There are probably presents to wrap, and food to make. For me the shopping is done, and the best part is yet to come. My wife and I get to give gifts to people whom we love. One thing I have learned over the years is that a gift is only given when it has been received. That reminds me of a true story about my friend…
- By Pastor Josh Hayden, Living Rock Church, LuverneDecember 04, 2024Death seems to be the loudest frequency these days, Something that you can’t turn off or change. With the passing of two beloved people, only a couple days apart, It’s a frequency that seems to produce so much pain in my heart. The feeling of joy for them is overwhelming in our souls To know they are free, healed and forever whole. They suffered longer than we knew or could imagine, But…
- By NextGen Pastor Manda Steensma, Rock River Community Church, LuverneNovember 26, 2024Ten acts of kindness to 10 random people each day for 10 days. Reggie Dabbs challenged students at Luverne Schools last week with just that, a 10 for 10 Challenge. If one student completes the 10 for 10 Challenge, 100 people will know they matter. If 10 students complete the challenge, 1,000 people will know they matter. “You have nice eyebrows” started the challenge for every student in…
- By Pastor Sarah Zender, Grace Lutheran Church, LuverneNovember 06, 2024As I write this article, it is the day before our national election. When this is published, I hope that the results are clear and defined. Uncertainty creates a lot of tension in our collective hearts. It does not always bring out the best in people’s actions. As I prepare to vote, I am also preparing to preach on Sunday. At the church in which I serve, we follow a lectionary, which is a…
- By Rev. Dr. Steven Voris, First Presbyterian Church, LuverneOctober 23, 2024Halloween is approaching. That’s good and all. I’ll probably eat too much leftover Halloween candy and help the grandchildren with their costumes. Anything involving grandchildren and fun can’t be all bad. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend $11.6 billion on Halloween this year. That averages to about $103.63 per family, making Halloween the second biggest American…
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