You’re probably familiar with this scenario: you’re at the doctor’s office and she is reviewing with you a diagnosis and plan of treatment for whatever brought you there. You’re following most of what she’s saying, but from time to time there are terms that escape your. You know she’s using medical lingo, but because you trust your doctor you’re not too concerned. Still, it’s never fun feeling like you don’t fully understand what’s going on, especially when it comes to your health.

Have you ever noticed the different ways one gathers strength to endure those struggles that pop up in life? It may be the quiet of a starry night. It may the freshness of the air in the fall as you hear a breeze gently blowing through the leaves. It may be the presence one feels as they read a book, listen to music or contemplate a piece of art. It may be the rippling of the water as the children play close by. I do these things, but the most important thing that I do to find that inner strength, the energy, the peace to do the thing that I do, is to connect with other people. I have a true story to tell.

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and found God’s blessings surrounding you in all that you did. As we enter into a new school year we welcome new friends as well as old and look for new adventures where we can blossom in God’s word. Some of our activities for the year will be new. You can be assured that the favorites will remain however: movie night, Sugar Creek Winter fun days, Sugar Creek summer camp, cookie decorating, etc.

We got things warmed up in August, and the fun will continue in September. We will start the month with our potluck on Wednesday, September 16, at noon. But take note!!! To change things up a bit, we will have the potluck at Mary and Brian Narveson’s house. We are hoping for a warm fall day where everyone can gather on the deck for fresh air and fun. In case of bad weather, we will gather in the house. Our program will be musical games. 

Sunday school at First Lutheran kicks off with “Rally Day” on First Fest Sunday, August 30th, from 9:15 to 10:15 in the narthex. There will not be Sunday school class this day, however parents and kids are encouraged to come register, see their classrooms, meet their teachers and receive their registration packets

Last month I explained to you about the Veterans Ministry and some of the things that I would be writing about. The following is one of the first calls I received on behalf of this initiative. I think you might be surprised at what the outcome was....

I hope all of you have been enjoying the beautiful summer that God has provided for us. There are so many things to be thankful for that we must not forget to talk to God and let him know that we appreciate everything He blesses us with. Even the sad moments are a blessing because without rain things cannot grow....

Hi everyone! My name is Tina Nelson and I just recently got hired as the new Director of Discipleship of Youth. I am from Rapid City, South Dakota and graduated from the University of South Dakota this past May. I have been working in camping ministry for over 9 years now. I started in Custer, SD at a Lutheran camp called Outlaw Ranch, and after five years decided to change to Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI for a new challenge. I have had so many amazing experiences over the past four years there as a High School Village Leader. I am so very passionate about working with young adults and helping them to learn their own unique gifts and callings. I love the outdoors and connecting with God through adventures with youth in His creation. This job is such a blessing to me and I can’t wait to get to know all of you and share my passions!

The OWLs took the month of July off for vacation travel, family gatherings and summer fun. Hope everyone had a great July. At the end of June our monthly outing took us to Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum in Fountain City. We had a great day looking at beautiful classic cars and a fantastic toy collection with what has to be one of the largest collections of pedal cars in the country. The museum and ice cream at the Narveson’s made for a great day. 

I first became acquainted with Ben Larson at a pastor’s event where he, along with three friends, led the music and worship. I never knew Ben well personally, but knew him to be a kind and generous person who had a talent when it came to music. Over the years there were many opportunities to be led in song and worship by this quartet of talented people and to learn some of the music Ben had composed. All of us who knew Ben and his family grieved deeply when Ben died. So when his parents, Judd and April, approached us about this project they were working on to honor Ben and the music he composed, we chose to participate....

The fourth of July is a fun family holiday, The kids get to play with fire, worried parents get to watch and almost everyone loves the fireworks display of brilliant colors. People are wearing red, white and blue, having family picnics and going early to get their favorite spot to watch the fireworks. We have a wonderful way to celebrate our freedom...