Beardstown has a shelter
It started with a vision and lots of prayer, but Beardstown will finally have an emergency shelter for those who need a temporary place to stay. While...
Pastor Mel Nielsen
Focus on Faith – Keep Chipping Away
“21 When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way...
Focus on Faith – If we don’t do it, who will?
8 “Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before...
Focus on Faith – Two little words to always remember
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and...
Focus on Faith – Finding life in God, the Living Water
When I was a young person, oh let’s say 20 years old, I wanted nothing to do with church. What a boring place, I thought. What a judgmental place, I...
Focus on Faith – Grandparents Day
If you didn’t know, Sunday, September 8, was Grandparents Day. Like Mother’s and Father’s Day, this is one of those national days where we are reminded...
Focus on Faith – What of Manners?
Have you noticed, like I have, that the world around us is getting less polite? Naturally angry people have always been around and willing to share...
Focus on Faith – Will you pray for me?
How many times have we heard a person on the news say something like, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them.” Are they really? I mean, are they really praying? It sounds nice to say, and it is a wonderful sentiment. It feels good to say those words of comfort. Yet, how often do we follow through and actually pray?
Focus on Faith – I give up my life freely
I met a friend in college who was ahead of the curve, he already had two sons. Two-year-old twin boys, who were a handful to say the least. Unfortunately, shortly after meeting this friend, he was divorced. His wife maintained custody, but he had the boys every other weekend.
Focus on Faith – What can you do to bring Glory to God this Lent?
I have yet to hear a parishioner say, “Lent is my favorite time of year.” I hear that sentiment about spring or fall or Christmastime and especially summer. Those rank among people’s favorite ‘times,’ but not Lent. At least it hasn’t been verbalized it to me.