William Arthur Wendt, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at his home in Oakdale.
A memorial service was at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury. Memorials are preferred to the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin for wells in Malawi and to the memorial fund at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury.
William Wendt was born to William E. Wendt and Dolores M. Johnson in Luverne. Bill attended the University of Minnesota and transferred to South Dakota State University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1962. Following basic training and service in Iceland, he was selected for the Naval Cadet program for aviation. He graduated with a degree in language arts in 1971 from the University of West Florida.
He met Marilyn Swan while stationed in San Diego. They were married in 1967.
During his naval career, Wendt served as a helicopter pilot earning his Navy wings in 1965. He retired from the U.S. Navy at the rank of lieutenant commander, having merited the Air Medal with One Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Five Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Following his Vietnam service, he served as a flight instructor and retired in 1983 ending his naval service as the chief flight operations and commander of DCASPRO Hayes in Dothan, Alabama.
Bill earned his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 1987 and his Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2002. He served his internship year from 1985-1986, at Luther Valley Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin. Bill was ordained in 1987.  He served ELCA congregations in Boyceville and Wheeler, Wisconsin, (Trinity and Our Savior’s Lutheran churches) and Mondovi, Wisconsin, (Drammen and Pleasant Valley Lutheran churches). He also served as needed as a Hospice chaplain. He retired from ministry in 2014.
Bill is remembered as a kind servant leader and excellent listener.  He was devoted to his faith, his country, and his family.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Balaton; two daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Muellner and Sarah Ashouri, both of Woodbury;  grandchild Asal Ashouri of Woodbury; stepgrandchildren Todd Hickethier of Woodbury and Mathew Muellner of White Bear Lake; and two sisters and a brother.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, and a son-in-law.
Arrangements were provided by Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Service of Stillwater www.bradshawfuneral.com.
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Dorothey Jean Perkins Swenson Texel, daughter of William and Anna Perkins, was born on Sept. 8, 1921. She had four siblings: Gilbert, Elizabeth, Wilma, and Beverly. The family lived in the Rock County area of southwest Minnesota. Dorothey grew up on her parents’ farm, graduated high school in Edgerton, Minnesota, and then moved to Los Angeles, California, to marry her sweetheart from Luverne, Lee Earl Swenson.
When Dorothey arrived in California, she found Lee had shipped out to war. However, Dorothey remained in Los Angeles and got a job with a large newspaper. After World War II the couple were married and settled in Downey, California, eventually moving to Fullerton. They raised their three children, Anna Lea, Michael George, and Gilbert Gene in Fullerton.
In the late 1950s Dorothey went to work full time for Bank of America in Fullerton as a teller. That was the beginning of a long and successful career in banking moving up to loan officer, branch manager, and eventually taking a regional staff position with California 1st Bank, which later became Union Bank. During her time in banking, Dorothey trained and mentored numerous young people, giving them their start in banking.
Lee died in 1964 following a painful bone cancer. Dorothey was now sole provider for her family of young teenagers. A few years later she met Lloyd Texel. They married and moved to Orange. Unfortunately Dorothey and Lloyd did not have much time together. Lloyd died of brain cancer in 1975 only a few years later.
After her retirement from banking, Dorothey moved back to Luverne, Minnesota, in 1981. She bought a house in town and cared for her father, Bill Perkins, in her home until his passing. Dorothey truly enjoyed being back in Luverne and was always busy. She was involved with the quilting club, active in the Historical Society and Presbyterian Church, helped with restoration of the Palace theatre in Luverne, served on committees for the fair and many other organizations in Luverne. Dorothey was a topnotch seamstress and needleworker and won many Grand Champion ribbons at the Rock County Fair. In Luverne, Dorothey became an avid doll collector and filled her large home and basement with a collection numbering over 100. She loved being back in Luverne with all her cousins and Minnesota family and made new friends easily. Dorothey traveled often to California to visit her children and grandchildren, showing up at important graduations and life events.
After two decades back at home in Luverne, Dorothey once again packed up for another move, this time to Washington state to live near her sister Wilma and son Gilbert. As she had all her life, she made many friends there, joined clubs, did needlework and learned a new craft, sewing cards and making folded paper cards. It was not any problem for her to craft all her Christmas cards each year, a mailing list over one hundred.
Reaching age 90 never slowed Dorothey down and she made another move, back to southern California to live in Yorba Linda near her son Michael. She enjoyed her life and friendships at Stonehaven and even at age 100 last year was still walking up to the clubhouse every Monday morning to have coffee and meet up with her lady friends.
Dorothey Jeanne passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at St. Jude hospital in Fullerton of complications from Covid. Her children, however, think her death has everything to do with living a good, very long life and always having the best time she could have. She was 101 years when she passed and still a character. She had spunk, worked hard her whole life, was loyal to family and friends, and always said what was on her mind.
She is survived by her children, Anna Garza, Mike Swenson, and Gilbert Swenson. Dorothey leaves behind four grandchildren, Lisa Garza-Hillman, Pablo Garza, Erin Swenson and Nicole Swenson and five great-grandchildren, Luna Garza-Hillman, twins Rinah and Ronan Garza-Hillman, Charlie Garza, and Cleo Garza.
In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a donation in Dorothey’s name, please contact the Maplewood Cemetery Association in Luverne, Minnesota at http://maplewoodcemeteryluverne.org/donations/  
Or Hinkly House Museum in Luverne, https://rockcountyhistorical.com/support-us/donate-now/
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David Lee Kruger, 76, Steen, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at the Sanford Luverne Hospital.
A funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the United Methodist Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
David Kruger was born on July 20, 1946, to Martin and Elizabeth (Giesen) Kruger in Luverne. He grew up in Ash Creek, attending public school in Ash Creek, Adrian, Hills and Luverne.
He married Linda Wallace on May 28, 1966, in Luverne. After their marriage they moved into Luverne for a short time before moving back to Ash Creek, where they raised their four children. David was confirmed and baptized at the Luverne Assembly of God church on Dec. 5, 1976. He lived for a short time in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before moving to Steen. David worked for Hanson Silo for 20 years and then Hills Stainless Steel for 23 years, retiring in 2010.
David was known as “Quicksilver” and “Mayor of Ash Creek.” He will be remembered for his love of racing. He won many races and track championships. He was inducted into the Huset’s Hall of Fame in 2012. On his 60th birthday he won an A feature while driving Pete Kracht’s car.
David was always willing to help anyone who needed it and enjoyed fixing things. He was a kind, friendly, loving person. He spent many hours playing bean bags, both in the backyard and playing in tournaments throughout area towns. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, giving rides on the four-wheeler or moped and making them ice cream cones. He enjoyed attending auction sales, tinkering, and cutting down trees to split into wood. He loved being outdoors.
David is survived by his children, Wayne (Amy) Kruger of Ash Creek, Scott Kruger of Ash Creek, Mark (Kristi Demuth) Kruger of Steen, and Angie (Bob) Westrum of Steen; stepchildren Kelly (Jarod) Tuntland of Canton, South Dakota, and Kasey (Steffanie) Hall of Lennox, South Dakota; grandchildren Dylan Kruger, Justine (Andrew) Miller, Megan (Jake) Schueller, Courtney Kruger, Wyatt Westrum, Ethan Kruger, Jack Kruger, Addison Westrum, Claire Kruger, Sam Kruger, Grayson Tuntland and Kendall Middlen; great-grandchildren, Oaklyn and Ivy Miller; and special friend, Judy Middlen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents; a brother, Melvin Kruger; and sisters Alberta Kremin and Viola Swenson.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, Chuck Waknitz, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away at 81.
Chuck was born on June 1, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Charles and Eileen (Magel) Waknitz. After graduating from trade school in 1959, he built his passion as owner of one of the best-known and well-respected outdoor amusement/carnival businesses.
In 1976 he married the love of his life Kris (Iveland) Waknitz. Together they raised a family and operated Chuck’s Amusements. He was selfless, kind, hardworking, loving, fair, honest, and always thought of as a nice guy. He loved his family fiercely and enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren.
Chuck and Kris shaped many young lives through their carnival business and taught them the meaning of hard work and fix-it skills. With a few simple tools, consisting of an IB tester, multi-end screwdriver, pliers, channel lock, and a roll of electrical tape, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or repair.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Eileen Waknitz, mother-in-law Betty (Carl) Nath, and son Sam.
He is survived by his wife, Kris; son Tom (Michelle) Waknitz, daughter Tami (Michael) Smits and adopted daughter Autumn (Mark) Krueger; sister Carol (Jim) Parlow; and brother Jim Waknitz; grandsons Cazwel (Molly) Waknitz, Tanner and Wyatt Smits and granddaughters Lilli (Mike) Marquez, Savannah Krueger, Grace Lenich, and Ruby Lenich; and eight great-grandchildren. Great comfort is felt that Dad has been reunited with his son Sam in heaven.
Appreciation and remembrance will be scheduled during the carnival season (this summer).
(0119 V)

Emma L. Nibbelink, age 18, of Luverne, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Sioux Center, Iowa.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. Funeral service will be Monday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. To view Emma’s Life Tribute video or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Emma Lynn Nibbelink was born on April 12, 2004, to Josh and Shelly (Buys) Nibbelink at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She lived with her family in Luverne. She was baptized on May 15, 2004, at Luverne Christian Reformed Church and professed her faith at that same childhood church on March 7, 2021. At the age of four, Emma became the best big sister to the family’s new addition, Addison “Addie.” The family loved camping, attending Josh’s softball games and tournaments, bonfires in the backyard and annual trips to the lake.
On Aug. 14, 2010, their lives were forever changed by the loss of her dad in an automobile accident. Emma never blamed God and kept sharing Him and the good news of salvation with everyone she met. That tragedy made the Nibbelink girls a very strong “Party of 3” – three girls that were always there for each other, no matter what came their way.
Emma attended school at Southwest Christian in Edgerton, Minnesota, where she graduated with the class of 2022. She was a percussionist in the band, sang in choir, led the student body in the traditional towel cheer at games with the “Go Eagles!” chant, played volleyball and was the team manager for girls’ basketball and softball.
Emma was everyone’s friend and made people feel seen. She had a community of family and friends in both Edgerton and Luverne.
She knew the value of hard work and earning money to help pay for college. She was a babysitter, employed at Pizza Ranch in Luverne, then as a photography assistant for Sydney Leigh Photography. She also was a CNA for Mary Jane Brown Home and more recently took a position as a CNA at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
Following graduation, Emma decided on Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where she was currently a freshman majoring in business and marketing with a minor in sociology. At Dordt she quickly found another community of friends, became involved in Bella Voce Choir and was excited to start a new position with the Dordt Admissions Office helping with campus visits.
While returning to college on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, Emma died as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Sioux Center, Iowa, at the age of 18 years, 8 months and 28 days.
Emma was a member of the Luverne Christian Reformed Church where she was active in their youth programs. She volunteered at Royal Family Kids Camp which serves foster children in the area. She had a passion for music. She loved singing and playing the guitar and ukulele. She enjoyed late night Netflix binges, impromptu photo sessions and was always game for a Starbucks/Scooters run.
Emma and Addie had an amazing bond. The sisters knew how to push the other’s buttons but they were each other’s secret keepers and best friend. They loved volleyball in the backyard, late night talks, summer days spent floating and tanning in their pool, music jam sessions in “Carol” (Emma’s car), and a quick FaceTime OOTD check for one another. Emma liked to google recipes and was quite the chef for their family. She made the most amazing meals but also the most amazing messes! To know Emma, was to hear Emma. If she wasn’t sleeping, the girl’s mouth was likely open. She was honest and unfiltered but also so loving. She truly loved her family, friends and God with her entire being. God was in her heart and she shared Him with everyone she knew.
Emma was a shining light in this world. This past Sunday, Emma wrote a couple quick notes in her Bible. The first was God’s inheritance “is something cool to look forward to.” The other being “Imitate Christ and witness to those around you” next to the passage from 1 Peter 3:15. The morning of the accident that took Emma to be with her dad, she downloaded the song “Nothing to Fear” by Porter’s Gate, a reminder that God is with us through it all.
Emma is lovingly remembered by her mom, Michelle “Shelly” and her sister, Addison Jo, of Luverne; maternal grandparents, Harley and Marilyn Buys of Brandon, South Dakota; paternal grandparents, Willard Nibbelink of Cherokee, Iowa, and Marg Pap of Luverne; aunts and uncles Mike Buys of Leota, Minnesota, Amy (Eric) Haan of Luverne, Amber (Joe) Jares of Sioux Falls, Jim (Vonda) Nibbelink of Luverne, Tim (Kris) Nibbelink of Rollingstone, Minnesota; cousins, Dalton (Kleinjan) and Jazzy Buys, Brooklyn, Blake and Olivia Haan, Nora and Jacob Jares, Dominic (Brooke), Luke and Jessa Nibbelink, and Peyton (Connor) Bundy, Eden and Jackson Nibbelink; and numerous other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her dad, Joshua; aunt Janna Nibbelink; cousin Jeremy Nibbelink; and friend Dani Gacke.   
(0119 V)

Arlene Wynia, age 92, of Luverne, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at the Luverne Hospice Cottage.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 13, from 4 t0 7 p.m. at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. To view Arlene’s LifeTribute video or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Arlene Joann Wynia was born on May 28, 1930, to Clarence and Rena (Wissink) Den Herder in Sioux Center, Iowa. On July 6, 1930, she was baptized at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Arlene attended country school and graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1947.
On Sept. 7, 1951, Arlene was united in marriage to Melvin J. Wynia at her parents’ home in Sioux Center. After obtaining her teaching certification, she taught in country school until Melvin’s discharge from the Army in 1953.  The couple then made their home in Rock Rapids, Iowa, and farmed there until 1964, when they purchased a farm near Luverne. In 1995 they left the farm and moved to a home in town. On Nov. 12, 2003, Melvin preceded Arlene in death. Arlene continued to live in her own home until August 2018 when she moved to Poplar Creek. In February 2019, she became a resident of the Good Samaritan – Mary Jane Brown nursing home.
First and foremost, Arlene was a loving wife and devoted mother to her very grateful family.  She was a member of the American Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school for several years, belonged to the Rebecca Circle, and played piano for choirs, quartets, and other singers and events.  Arlene also volunteered at Justice for All, Booking Buddies, and made quilts with church friends. She was grateful for the opportunity to travel the country on bus trips during her free time and truly treasured the time she spent supporting the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arlene was a devoted wife and mother who was a model of Christian love, patience, and unselfishness for her family and others who knew her.
She is lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren: Merlin and Debra Wynia of Luverne and their children Julie (Adam) Brown, Cara (Ernie) Flemig, and Ryan (Corey) Wynia; David and Rhonda Wynia of Luverne and their children Rachel (Andrew) Gregoire, Lanae (Nick) Brown, and Spencer (Jenna) Wynia; Charlene Feikema of Luverne and her children Shawn (Becky) Feikema, Michael (Staci) Feikema, and Ross (Lisa) Feikema; Marla and Victor Van Dyk of Sioux Falls and their children Gabrielle (Mark) Lindberg, Nichole (Brian) Van Hill, and Krista (Taylor) Rignell; Carol and Warren Sandbulte of Luverne and their daughter Kimberly (Ryan) Sandbulte-Drake; Janna and Brad Klarenbeek of Luverne and their children Paul (Megan) Klarenbeek, Emily Cowell, and Shelby (Brett) Rozenboom; Delores Peery of Sioux Falls and her children Carson Peery and Sydney Peery; and Roger and Julie Wynia of Luverne and their children Leah Wynia and Piper Wynia.
She is also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Frances Wynia of Sioux Center, Iowa; and twenty-six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; parents, Clarence and Rena Den Herder; sons-in-law, Matt Peery and Chuck Feikema; grandson-in-law, Zach Cowell; great-grandson, Ethan Brown; sisters, Gertrude Leusink and Genevieve Leusink; brothers-in-law, Gerrit John Leusink and Gerrit Henry Leusink; mother- and father-in-law; three other brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.
(0119 V)

There is nothing better than a great photo of an outdoor experience. As an old-school kind of guy, the new current trend of everything being digital makes my life a little harder.
I actually have a wall of fame in my garage. I have a collection of printed pictures from years of different experiences printed and stapled to this wall.
It seems today an actual print is kind of like a dinosaur. Trying to find one specific picture in a phone that has hundreds takes a good set of reader glasses and lots of time. By the time I find the photo I am looking for, the subject matter of the conversation has already changed about 65 different times.
What I try hard never to do is what I call meat pictures. You see them all the time, and they usually include some stockpile of some sort of animal or fish killed and stacked in a pile.  I have never found these to be to my liking.
Social media has transformed bragging and taken it to a new height. There just seem to be more and more folks who think that the only way they can feel good about their hunting and fishing talent is to post pictures of more game and fish than their counterparts could ever amass.
A group photo of each person holding one pheasant or one nice fish has been replaced with “Wow, we killed our limit for five days in a row” shots. This creates many behaviors I don’t like.
Focusing on the harvest and not on the experience gives those new to the sport the idea that success is only measured in total volume.
I was explaining to a new friend the other day that when I go fishing, my great day is a nice calm day on the water with the Twins playing on the radio in the background. I really don’t even like sports. It’s just the outdoor experience I strive for.
Videos of kill shots on a nice deer or 10 guns going off on a flock of geese is exciting for some but not necessary in my book.  Harvest is certainly part of the outdoor experience, but I don’t think it needs to be the centerpiece of your public broadcasting on social media.
Numbers at one time went along these lines. About 11 percent of the population is totally pro hunting and fishing. About 11 percent of the population is totally anti hunting and fishing, and the rest of the population is just neutral. Social media has the ability to reach many members of the large middle group. We as sportsmen and women need to act in a manner that allows that big group in the middle to stay there.
People who break game and fish laws are not sportsmen or sportswomen.  They are just poachers, plain and simple. When social media announces a hot bite on a local lake, there is that small percentage of the population that will go and take a limit, take them home, and then take another limit and do so over and over until the bite subsides. This instant information sharing allows those less than credible minority to capitalize on their bad behaviors.
In some cases, the social media craze can bring so many people to the same spot that as a result, the lake will experience so much harvest that it takes several years for that body of water to recover.
Now, I help people try to be successful at many outdoor activities. I share good public land spots for pheasants, for example. The difference is that scientifically/biologically you cannot overharvest roosters in a controlled season. Reducing rooster populations actually allows the remaining hens to enter the nesting season in better physical condition.
In the end the old saying, “Tell the truth but don’t always be telling it,” might just be the moral of my story today. Don’t judge your success based on the social media meat shots that are prevalent today. Did you have a quality outing? Did you clean game for the freezer? Would one more fish or game have made your day better?
Maybe it’s just because I am getting older, but bragging and boasting about the kill certainly has less appeal than it used to.
You can make your own decision, but before you make any post, ask yourself this question: Will this post advance conservation or motivate others to do good work? Then decide to hit post or delete. 
Scott Rall, Worthington, is a habitat conservationist, avid hunting and fishing enthusiast and is president of Nobles County Pheasants Forever. He can be reached at scottarall@gmail.com. or on Twitter @habitat champion.

St. Catherine Catholic Church
203 E. Brown St., Luverne
St. Catherine Ph. 283-8502; www.stscl.org
Monsignor Gerald Kosse, Pastor
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Mass. Public Mass will be celebrated at FULL capacity in the church. Masses: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Friday at the nursing homes – check the bulletin. All Sunday masses will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/stccluverne/videos/. Visit www.stscl.org for more information.
 
Luverne Christian Reformed Church
605 N. Estey St., Luverne
Office Ph. 283-8482; Prayer Line Ph. 449-5982
www.luvernecrc.com — office@luvernecrc.com
Joe Steenholdt, Pastor
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship service. 6:30 p.m. Evening worship service. We are streaming Sunday services live on YouTube at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Send him a friend request if you’re not connected. You may also visit our website for delayed broadcasts. Also our services are on local cable TV at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. In all circumstances, may we joyfully declare: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8.
 
First Baptist Church
103 N. Jackson St., P.O. Box 975, Luverne
Ph. 283-4091; email: fbcluv@iw.net — www.fbcluverne.org
Walt Moser, Pastor
Sundays: 10:30 a.m. In-person worship service. Service is also on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m.
 
Grace Lutheran Church
500 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4431; www.graceluverne.org — graceluverne@iw.net
Dave Christenson, Interim Pastor
Thursday, Jan. 19: 7:10 a.m. Breakfast Club. 8:30 a.m. Missions in Action. Sunday, Jan. 22: 9 a.m. Worship Service with Baptism and 2 year-olds Milestone. 10 a.m. Coffee with the Council. 10 a.m. Sunday School & Drums. 6:30 p.m. MS and HS mini golf at Grace. Monday, Jan. 23: Grace Notes deadline. Tuesday, Jan. 24: 9 a.m. Staff meeting. Wednesday, Jan. 25: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. 5:30 p.m. Glow Praise Band. 6:15 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation Class. 7:30 p.m. 9th Grade Confirmation Class. Online, TV and Radio Worship options are available. Online worship: Sundays 9 a.m. at www.graceluverne.org, click Worship tab; or Facebook page at Grace Lutheran ELCA, Luverne. TV: Vast Channel 3 Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Radio: KQAD-AM Radio Sundays at 8:15 a.m.
 
Bethany Lutheran Church
720 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4571 or 605-215-9834
Andrew Palmquist, Pastor
Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible class. 10:15 a.m. Worship service; worship online as well (at els.org). Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Zoom Bible study. See our Facebook page, Bethany Lutheran Church (Luverne) for other classes and events.
 
American Reformed Church
304 N. Fairview Dr., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-8600; email: office@arcluverne.org
Friday, Jan. 20: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. Sunday, Jan. 22: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. 10:50 a.m. Sunday School. Tuesday, Jan. 24: 12 p.m. Staff meeting. Wednesday, Jan. 25: 5:30 p.m. Midweek meal. 6:30 p.m. Pioneer Clubs. 6:30 p.m. Youth Groups. CommServices are also broadcast on Vast Channel 3 on Mondays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. DVD’s available upon request. To stay up to date on announcements, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @arcluverne.
 
Rock River Community Church
1075 110th Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-9070; email: info@rockrivercommunity.church
Bob Junak, Pastor
Come as you are—Sundays @ 10 a.m.: Main Service. Kids church age 3-6th grade—Nursery. Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Midweek Service—Kids age 3-6th grade.
 
United Methodist Church
109 N. Freeman Ave., Luverne
Ph. 283-4529
Saturday, Jan. 21: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Connell Bridal Shower. 8 p.m. AA meeting. Sunday, Jan. 22: 9 a.m. Adult Sunday school. 9:15 a.m. Coffee. 10:30 a.m. Worship Service, Officer Recognition Sunday. 4:30 p.m. Genesis/Revelation Bible Study. 6:30 p.m. ALIVE field trip. Monday, Jan. 23: 7 p.m. Genesis to Revelation Bible Study. Tuesday, Jan. 24: 1:30 p.m. Sewn in Faith 7 p.m. Scouts. Wednesday, Jan. 25: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Prayer Chapel. 5:30 p.m. Community Meal. 6:15 p.m. FUEL. 6:30 p.m. Confirmation. 8 p.m. AA meeting. Thursday, Jan. 26: Seedbed Class. Live streamed on Facebook and radio.
 
First Presbyterian Church
302 Central Lane, Luverne
Ph. 283-4787; email: Firstpc@iw.net
Sundays: 9 a.m. Adult Sunday school. 10:15 a.m. Worship service. Youth Sunday school during worship service. In-person Worship service and live on Facebook. Our Facebook page can be found under First Presbyterian Church of Luverne. We are also on the local Luverne cable station at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. on Thursdays.
 
St. John Lutheran Church
803 N. Cedar St., Luverne
Ph. 283-2316; email: stjohn@iw.net
www.stjohnlutheranluverne.org
Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. Worship Service. Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship Service. 10 a.m. Fellowship Time. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. Bible Study. 6:30 p.m. Catechesis Class. 6:30 p.m. Kids for Christ. 7:30 p.m. Youth Group. Services will be available on the Vast Channel 3 Sunday and online at the city website, cityofluverne.org. Holy Communion is offered on 2nd and 4th weekends and Liturgical Feasts.
 
Living Rock Church
500 E. Main St., Luverne
Ph. 449-0057; www.livingrockswmn.org
Josh Hayden, Pastor
 
New Life Celebration Church
101 W. Maple, Luverne
Ph. (605) 368-1924; email: newlifecelebration@gmail.com
 
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 E. 2nd St., P.O. Box 36, Hardwick
Ph. (507) 669-2855; zionoffice@alliancecom.net
Jesse Baker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship service. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:30 a.m. Bible study. Worship service on Luverne cable at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday.
 
Ben Clare United Methodist Church
26762 Ben Clare Ave., Valley Springs, S.D.
igtwlb@WOW.net
Bill Bates, Pastor
 
First Lutheran Church
300 Maple St., Valley Springs, S.D.
Ph. (605) 757-6662 – firstpalisade@alliancecom.net
Mark Eliason, Pastor
Wednesdays in January: Confirmation resumes at First Lutheran. Sunday, Jan. 22: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 10:30 a.m. Worship at First Lutheran Church. All are welcome. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @FirstLutheranValley Springs; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
Palisade Lutheran Church
211 121st St., Garretson, S.D.
Ph. (507) 597-6257 — palisadechurch@alliancecom.net
www.palisadelutheran.org
Wednesdays in January: Confirmation resumes at First Lutheran. Sunday, Jan. 22: 9 a.m. Worship Service at Palisade Lutheran Church. 10 a.m. Sunday School. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @PalisadeLC; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
First Presbyterian Church
201 S. 3rd St., P.O Box 73, Beaver Creek
Ph. 507-935-5025
email: lori.firstpres@gmail.com
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Session meeting.
 
Magnolia United Methodist Church
501 E. Luverne St., Magnolia
Ph. 605-215-3429
email: magnoliamnumc@gmail.com
Nancy Manning, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m., in-person with livestream available on the church’s Facebook site.
 
Steen Reformed Church
112 W. Church Ave., Steen
Ph. 855-2336
Jeremy Wiersema, Pastor
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Worship service in-person with livestream available on Facebook and YouTube. Radio worship on KQAD Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
 
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
112 N. Main St., Hills
Ph. 962-3270 / bethlehemofhills@gmail.com
Nita Parker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship at Tuff Chapel. 9 a.m. Sunday school. 10 a.m. Worship Service. Worship will be streamed live to Facebook at Bethlehem of Hills. You can find more info on our website blchills.org.
 
Hills United Reformed Church
410 S. Central Ave., Hills
Office Ph. 962-3254
hillsurc@alliancecom.net
Alan Camarigg, Pastor

Every sharp tool is sharpened for a purpose. A woodcarver’s set of knives is sharpened to the arc and angle needed. A hunter’s knife is sharpened to efficiently skin an animal. A butcher’s knife is sharpened to cut quickly through whatever meat or food is being chopped.
God puts us in connection with others to sharpen our purpose. He knows that our role on this earth, while unique and individual, is sharper when we are in connection with others.
“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:4-5
The Lord loves to take us as individuals, redeem us in Christ, and then build us together with others to be the “priesthood” he designed us to be.
What does that priesthood do?  Offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Collectively, we are living for the Lord.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
Again, we realize all of our life is one lived for the glory of the Lord. While we can do that individually, our effectiveness is when God combines our lives with the lives of others to carry out his purpose and mission on earth.
If he needed just one, he would have stopped with Jesus. However, Jesus chose 12 along with other followers who became the first New Testament Church. That quickly expanded to 3,000 on Pentecost and hasn’t stopped growing since.
Individually and collectively we “declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness.” When one gets discouraged, another is there to encourage. When one stumbles, another is there to pick them up. When one grows weary, another is there to strengthen. When one loses their way, another is there to go after them. When one needs to learn, another is there to teach.
It’s what God’s people do for each other and with each other when we collectively see and carry out our purpose in this life. We are here to follow the Lord and declare the praises of the Lord.
How?
By the sharpening of the Spirit and his work through others to remove the dull edges with the friction of sharpening and through the sparks to purify for himself a people that are his own.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-13
Iron will sharpen iron.  One person will sharpen another.
It’s not always easy, but it’s God’s way of making us sharp to carry out his purpose!
Lord, help us to receive the sparks of sharpening, knowing that your will is to sharpen for yourself a people who are transformed by and living out your grace!