RELIGION

Refuge for recovery: First Baptist offers 12-step, Christ-centered program

WORTHINGTON — No one’s life is perfect. Everybody has struggles. That’s the premise behind Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered recovery program that was initiated a year ago and is about to begin its second year at Worthington’s First Baptist Church.

By Beth Rickers , September 15, 2011

'For the Lord is good': St. Paul's Lutheran in Fulda marks 125 years

FULDA — When it came time to set the date for St. Paul Lutheran Church’s 125th anniversary celebration, organizers decided to tie it in with one of the congregation’s most popular events — the Cow Pie Open, an annual golf outing that takes place on the farm of members Glen and Kay Gunderman.

By Beth Rickers , August 11, 2011

The call of the wild: Kristi Kuhl begins year-long ministry in Alaska

WORTHINGTON — Armed with one bulging suitcase, an old guitar and an exceedingly positive attitude, Kristi Kuhl arrived in Chugiak, Alaska, in early June to begin a year-long internship in youth ministry at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

By Jane Turpin Moore , July 14, 2011

Blessed to be a blessing: Members of Ellsworth parish have a lot to celebrate Sunday

ELLSWORTH — Throughout the many years of their membership, Bill and Jean Deutsch and their family have often taken up more than one pew at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellsworth. On Sunday, they will likely take up half the church as the Deutschs anticipate having most of their extended family of 10 children and spouses, 24 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren on hand for a special celebration at St. Mary’s. The church is celebrating its 125th anniversary; the church’s Knights of Columbus organization its 100th anniversary; and the Bishop’s Medal will be conferred upon Bill and Jean during a 2 p.m. Mass.

By Beth Rickers , July 07, 2011

Faithful to her art: Renowned Venezuelan artist completes project at St. Mary’s

WORTHINGTON — Primi Manteiga may not be able to verbalize her faith without the help of a translator, but she gets the message across — despite the language barrier — through her artwork.

By Beth Rickers , June 30, 2011

125 for Trinity: Brewster congregation marks anniversary this weekend

BREWSTER — The roots of Trinity Lutheran Church are entwined with the history of the Brewster community. The town — originally called Hersey after one of the railroad directors — was established as a railroad settlement in 1871. Among the first settlers were some German Lutherans.

By Beth Rickers , June 23, 2011

Transformed by God's Word: Jerusalems start new ministry in Worthington

WORTHINGTON — When Gideon Jerusalem came to the United States in 1983, it was as a student. But Gideon’s life was transformed by faith, and he and his family have become missionaries to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to people in the Worthington area.

By Beth Rickers , June 03, 2011

Speaker apologizes for controversial opening prayer

The final Friday of the 2011 Minnesota Legislature opened with a prayer that upset many House members by a Minneapolis man critics call anti-gay.

May 20, 2011

Ready to ride: Solid Rock hosts annual motorcycle rally Sunday

WORTHINGTON — Vrrrrrroooooooommmm! Motorcycle engines will “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” Sunday when Solid Rock Assembly once again hosts its annual Motorcycle Rally. This is the eighth year for the event, which draws motorcyclists for a day of worship and fellowship, according to Pastor Scott Peterson.

By Beth Rickers , May 12, 2011

Presbyterians clear way for gay clergy

NEW YORK – After decades of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Tuesday struck down a barrier to ordaining gays, ratifying a proposal that removes the celibacy requirement for unmarried clergy, in the latest mainline Protestant move toward accepting gay relationships.

May 11, 2011

Cowboy Church is a breed apart

Listen for the sound of the cowbell — it means church is beginning.

May 05, 2011

Team player: Former NFL member, sportscaster goes deep on behalf of local ministry affiliate

WORTHINGTON — One year ago, Irv Cross was just becoming familiar with the work of Love INC. But it didn’t take him long to get behind the concept. “We just have to reach out and be concerned about our neighbors,” said Cross, former NFL football player, coach and sports anchor who currently serves as executive director of the Love INC of Northwest Ramsey County.

By Beth Rickers , May 05, 2011

Out & Aboot: Christian rockers bring family-friendly tour to town

WORTHINGTON — Rock concerts aren’t always considered the most family-friendly environment, but organizers of the Out & Aboot Tour featuring two Christian rock bands, Downhere and Rush of Fools, stress that the show is appropriate for all ages. The local event begins at 7 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center in Worthington.

By Beth Rickers , April 14, 2011

Children of conflict: Worthington native writes one of Top 10 religious books for youths

All over the world kids go to summer camp where they play games and make new friends. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about that, except when the camp is located in Israel and half of the young campers are Palestinian and the other half Jewish. Because of years of conflict between these two ethnic, religious groups, children who live only a few miles apart may never meet anywhere except at Peace Camp.

By Katherine Hedeen , April 07, 2011

Twin spires, multiple members: Lismore’s St. Anthony Catholic Church marks 100 years

LISMORE — It’s been 100 years since Mary Ann Spieker’s father, Herman Wieneke, helped build the distinctive twin-spired St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore, but neither the stately structure nor Spieker’s reliance on it as her faith home are visibly diminishing with age.

By Jane Turpin Moore , April 05, 2011