Overcoming the Obstacle of Predictability in Our Faith Lives

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, predictability can seem like a comfort. Yet, in our faith lives, predictability can become an obstacle that stifles growth and diminishes our spiritual vibrancy. As Christians we are called to continually deepen our relationship with Christ and step out in faith, even when it feels challenging.

Routines are essential. They provide structure and a sense of normalcy. Attending church services, participating in Bible studies, and followi

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The Songs that Teach

“Jesus loves me… this I know…” I’ve got you singing now, don’t I? It’s a song that so many of us learned in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. Are you doing the actions now, too?

How long has it been since you sang this song? Probably not as long ago as you think because after you learned it, you sang it to your children and then to your grandchildren. You probably sang this song because it was cute and easy. The tune isn’t hard. The words are easy to remember. As you

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Diabetes Awareness Month

         “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”     1 John 3:18

Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of metabolic diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose).  And how the body produces and uses Insulin.  Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues.  It's also the brain's main source of fuel.

The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type o

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The Importance of Gathering Together as Christians

In a world that increasingly encourages isolation and digital connections, the call to gather together as a Christian community becomes ever more vital. We need to uphold the importance of gathering, not only as a tradition but as a spiritual necessity that fosters faith, strength, and unity.

The Bible is full of passages about the importance of gathering together. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting

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For the Love of Strangers

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”—Hebrews 13:2

Last month, Mt. Calvary helped to save the life of someone we’ll probably never meet. Praise be to God.

In June 2023, Abby Pulliam (Wiese) contacted Mt. Calvary about a passion project of hers. She wanted to put a Safe Haven Baby Box in the Des Moines area and asked if we would be willing to help.

For those who may not know, Iowa is one a about 19 states in Ameri

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It’s Virus Season

“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Our children are back in school. We are attending more indoor events. And the VIRUSES are out there!

There are four viruses which cause most of the respiratory illnesses during this time of year. The most frequently seen are the Rhinovirues which cause the common cold. Like the other viruses these spread through droplets in the air and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Respiratory syncytial viru...
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Responding to Mental Illness as Christians

In recent years, the conversations surrounding mental health—particularly depression and anxiety—have grown significantly. As Christians, we are called to respond to these struggles with compassion, understanding, and the hope that comes from our faith in Christ.

We know that we live in a fallen world, broken by sin. The effects of this brokenness extend to our bodies and minds, leading to both physical and mental suffering. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses a

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The Word of the Lord Remains

I remember being awestruck as I stood atop the great ziggurat outside Talil, Iraq. Our tour guide told us that this structure had been built about 3000 years before the birth of Christ, or about 5000 years before the day we were standing there. The ziggurat was one of the few things left standing; almost everything else was in ruins. A major shift in the path of a river had “killed” the city centuries before. Nevertheless, this ziggurat still stood, even though everyone ha

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Fall Prevention Month

         “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”     1 John 3:18

Everyone falls sometime in their life.  We slip on the ice, trip over the kitchen rug, or miss a step and down we go.  Falls can result in simple bruising and aching or more serious fractures or concussions.  As we age, falls can be more serious.  Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. Each year there are about 300,000 hi

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Our Walk with Christ

In our walk with Christ, we are called to pray asking God to grant our petitions, heal our wounds, and guide our steps. We know that our Lord is a loving and gracious Father, always ready to listen to His children. But what happens when the answer to our prayers is no? This is a question that has touched the hearts of believers throughout the ages, and it is one that requires deep faith and understanding of God’s will. In our Lutheran tradition, we are reminded that God's

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Turning Things Upside Down

First, let me thank everyone who has prayed, sent cards, brought food, and checked in on me following my knee surgery. I believe I’m on the mend. I felt so good that I was able to attend worship on August 28. I must say, it’s very odd feeling to sit in the pew of the church that I pastor. 

Don’t get me wrong, Pastor Cloeter delivered a powerful, grace-filled sermon. Aaron’s children message was great. Mt. Calvary was welcoming as it always is. It’s just weird to be on the r

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Healthy Vision

         “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”     1 John 3:18

     As you get older, your risk for some eye diseases may increase. But there’s a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy — and it all starts with taking care of your overall health. Set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing your best with these 8 tips!

Find an eye doctor you trust. (optometrist or ophthalmologist) Many eye diseases don’t have any early symptoms, so you could have a...
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Full Time Calling of A Christian

    As we navigate our daily lives, it's essential to remember that our calling as Christians extends beyond Sunday worship and personal devotion. Martin Luther profoundly emphasized the full-time nature of our Christian calling. Luther wrote "So that all of us should proclaim God's word and works at every time and in every place." This means our faith is not limited to the pulpit or confined within church walls; it is a key part of our daily lives, our faith influences ou

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Together

While serving in Iraq, I was a part of the  dignified transfers of over 90 Soldiers. A “dignified transfer” is a less than 5-minute ceremony for moving a fallen man or woman onto an aircraft to transport his or her remains back to the family as soon as possible. With so many of transfers preformed, sadly they all kind of run together, but there is one that I remember fondly.

This transfer was for a British Soldier and so the customs and traditions were a bit different. The

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Cataract Awareness Month

 “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”     1 John 3:18  

June is Cataract Awareness Month

Cataract is the world’s leading cause of blindness, accounting for approximately 42 percent of all cases of blindness in all nations. In the United States, more than 25 million Americans are estimated to have cataract.  As the population in America continues to age, the number of cataract cases are projected to increase by 50 percent to 38.5 million by 203

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