Young members of Grace Evangelical Free Church help break ground for a new 3,400 square-foot addition to the church on Sunday morning, July 29. The teens include, in front, from left, Katie Scruggs and Emily Tompkins, and in back, from left, Alex Campbell, Hannah Blomquist, Sarah Blomquist, Zach Scruggs, Will Gisler and Isaiah Scruggs. Gary Kadansky, a deacon at the church, said that the new addition will give Grace Church more flexibility to address programs for youth, including middle school and high school ministries and the church's AWANA program.
Josh Kruger, pastor of New Life Community Church, has organized "Work for Water," an effort to raise funds to dig wells that will bring clean water to the poor around the world.
The Sunday school kids of Zion Lutheran Church were challenged by Sunday School Coordinator, Wendy Weber, to consistently bring their weekly offering. If they met their goal, Wendy would cut her hair for Locks of Love. Well, they did it! They met their goal and Wendy cut her hair during Sunday school on Sunday, April 22. Ready for the cut, Wendy poses with the Sunday school kids and Connie Barnes, owner of Locks, Taper, Scissors, who donated her time for the special hair cut.
Dawn Clark of Stewartville, above, joined by her son Ryan, 14, in the background, painted a classroom at Stewartville High School during the first annual Stewie Serves event on Saturday, June 16.
Josh Kruger, pastor of New Life Community Church, right, displays a bottle that holds the kind of contaminated water consumed by many poor people around the world.
Members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard stand outside St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester during the funeral for Nick Dickhut, a 2007 graduate of Stewartville High School, last Tuesday, May 8. Dickhut was killed in combat in Afghanistan on Sunday, April 29.
Bobby Carr and Dan Mlenar of Smidt Company of Racine continued to make progress on a new 3,400 square-foot addition to Grace Evangelical Free Church last week. Carr is the superintendent for the project. Gary Kadansky, a deacon at Grace, has said that the addition addresses the church's continuing growth. "The new space gives Grace more flexibility in addressing growth in a few of our programs to kids, including our middle school and high school ministries and our AWANA program," Kadansky said. The new addition, which will cost an estimated $350,000, is expected to be completed by the end of December.
Stewartville Assembly of God had a very successful Harvest Festival Oct. 31 with lots of games, food and prizes. Keyannah Buck, left, and Peter Cain, right, are pictured where their prizes following the kids drawing. Adult drawing winners were Jamie Hubert and Crystal Vale, each winning an Angel Food Ministries "Bread of Life" Signature Box of food, which provides balanced nutrition and variety with enough food to help feed a family of four for about a week at a cost of only $31. Angel Food Ministries is a program available to anyone wanting to stretch their food dollars.
Boy Scouts and their leaders from Troop 56 and Pack 156 celebrated Scout Sunday at St. Bernard's Parish on Feb. 5. Front row from left, Edward Becker, Alan Bredesen, and Thomas Root. Middle row, Roger Mueller, Nicholas Otto, Patrick Miller, William Mueller, Nathan Edholm, and Amy Edholm. Back row, Rob Miller, Josh Beecher, Father Matt Fasnacht, and Kevin Christian.
Girl Scout Sunday was recognized on March 18 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with Father Matt Fasnacht. Pictured, back row from left is Olivia Nicklay, Fr. Matt Fasnacht, Bryttin Henderson, Alyssa Jones, and Elizabeth Root. Front row, from left is Ava Higgins, Elise Rediske, Emily Lamb, Erica Lamb, Abigail Parry, and Lacy Jewson.
About 750 runners and walkers took part in Grace Evangelical Free Church's second annual "Turkey Day 5K Family Run/Walk" on Thursday, Nov. 22. Gary Kadansky, a deacon at the church said that more than 600 participants preregistered for the event and 141 more signed up on the day of the run/walk. The 750 who took part almost doubled last year's participation, when almost 400 showed up. "it was phenomenal," Kadansky said.
John Quinn, bishop of the Diocese of Winona, blessed St. Bridget Catholic Church's new social hall after Mass at the church on Sunday, Dec. 2. Fr. Matt Fasnacht, pastor of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget Catholic churches, is standing at right. The new hall will be used for faith formation classes and as a gathering space for many church events.
Connor Myhrvold, 3 1/2, also of Stewartville, plays the Faith match game as his mother Amy looks on at the St. John's Lutheran Church carnival on Saturday, Sept. 8. Hundreds of children and their parents attended, taking advantage of a beautiful day to enjoy games, food and more.
Connor Myhrvold, 3 1/2, also of Stewartville, plays the Faith match game as his mother Amy looks on at the St. John's Lutheran Church carnival on Saturday, Sept. 8. Hundreds of children and their parents attended, taking advantage of a beautiful day to enjoy games, food and more.
Cassidy Thompson, 3, of Stewartville, shoots the basketball at the St. John's Lutheran Church carnival on Saturday, Sept. 8. Hundreds of children and their parents attended, taking advantage of a beautiful day to enjoy games, food and more.
Travis Jorde as a shepherd, Gary Kadansky and Brian Alwin, another shepherd, marvel as the shepherds explain the heavenly host's announcement that the Messiah has been born.
Grace Evangelical Free Church invites the community to a unique play, Bethlehem Inn, that highlights the birth of Jesus.
LIFE AT THE BETHLEHEM INN -- Hezekiah the Innkeeper, played by Gary Kadansky, second from left, explains a fine point to members of his family during a dress rehearsal for Grace Evangelical Free Church's upcoming performances of "Bethlehem Inn." Family members include, from left, Ben Raygor as Benjamin, Kadansky as Hezekiah, Kim Alwin as Hannah, Megan Alwin as a daughter and Carly Quam as a daughter.
Andrew Langseth's ministry at Grace Evangelical Free Church includes planning the worship portion of Sunday services, selecting and arranging the music and leading the congregation in song on his guitar.
Clergy members who delivered sermons at the Stewartville Ministerium's March 21 Good Friday service at the River of Life Worship Center include, front row, from left, Dr. John Grams of Grace Evangelical Free Church, John Kester of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, Dr. Jef Olson of Stewartville United Methodist Church and Father Greg Havel of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Back row, from left, David Hoot and Becky Hoot of the Stewartville Christian Church, John Heille of Zion Lutheran Church, Mike Hilger of the River of Life Worship Center and Bill Hoffman, retired pastor of the Reformed Church.
Accompanied by a photo of Mama Tranchita, four members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club display the tuxedo tops they will wear when they serve diners at another Mama Tranchita spaghetti-and-meatballs dinner, to be held at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 15. From left are Mark Severtson, Pat Hurley, Tom Graf and Dick Koenigs.
LEARNING TO HELP OTHERS -- The Mighty Muffins, a preschool- through third -grade group at Stewartville United Methodist Church, won a recent contest by donating 181 pounds of food to the Channel One Food Shelf. Members of the group include, front row, from left, Emma Thomason and Jayce Cast. Back row, from left, Logan Kidd, Joe Finley and Cody Keefer. The Cheese Puffs, a group of fourth- through sixth-graders, placed second in the contest by donating 174 pounds of food, and the Hot Potatoes, a group of seventh - through 12th graders, gave 142 pounds. The church gave the food in conjunction with the Minnesota Food Share March campaign.
STRING MUSIC -- A quartet of instrumentalists provided entertainment at the St. Bernard's Men's Club Mama Tranchita dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 15. The group included, from left, Ronn Carlson on guitar, Alex Weston and Peter Hogan on violin and John Diffley on string bass.
GOOD DINNER, GOOD TIMES -- The Mama Tranchita dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club was held Tuesday, April 15. In all, about 525 Stewartville and area residents enjoyed Mama Tranchita's spaghetti and meatballs along with garlic toast, salad with Italian dressing, spumoni ice cream and a glass of wine. Here, Jodi Hogan, left, and The Church Belles presented a number of energetic tunes, including "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." Many members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club dyed their hair black and sported painted-on mustaches as they served the guests. Todd Weston, one of the event organizers, was pleased with how the evening went. "It was as much fun for the people helping as it was for the people attending," he said.
GOOD DINNER, GOOD TIMES -- The Mama Tranchita dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club was held Tuesday, April 15. In all, about 525 Stewartville and area residents enjoyed Mama Tranchita's spaghetti and meatballs along with garlic toast, salad with Italian dressing, spumoni ice cream and a glass of wine. At left, Sue Slightam sang several solos. Many members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club dyed their hair black and sported painted-on mustaches as they served the guests. Todd Weston, one of the event organizers, was pleased with how the evening went. "It was as much fun for the people helping as it was for the people attending," he said.
GOOD DINNER, GOOD TIMES -- Father Greg Havel dyed his hair black and added a mustache for the Mama Tranchita dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 15. In all, about 525 Stewartville and area residents enjoyed Mama Tranchita's spaghetti and meatballs along with garlic toast, salad with Italian dressing, spumoni ice cream and a glass of wine. Many members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club dyed their hair black and sported painted-on mustaches as they served the guests. Todd Weston, one of the event organizers, was pleased with how the evening went. "It was as much fun for the people helping as it was for the people attending," he said.
A small group of Stewartville High School students, led by Andrew Langseth, associate pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church, gathered around the school's flag pole to pray during the National Day of Prayer on Friday morning, May 1.
Brecken Rester, 5, left, and his sister Elise, 2, of Stewartville, work on an Easter coloring project at the Stewartville Child Care Center last Thursday, March 28. The Child Care Center is affiliated with Stewartville Christian Church.
Pastors and ministers who took part in the Stewartville Community Good Friday Service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, March 29 include, front row, from left, Emily Carson of Zion Lutheran Church, Dave Hoot of Stewartville Christian Church, Chad Skaran of First Baptist Church and Byron Meline of Zion Lutheran Church. Back row, from left, Marcus Kendall of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, Josh Kruger of New Life Community Church, Fr. Matt Fasnacht of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches, and Wane Souhrada of Stewartville United Methodist Church. Rick Scott of Stewartville Assembly of God Church, Glen Holland of Racine United Methodist Church and Dr. John Grams of Grace Evangelical Free Church were not present when the photo was taken.
Jim Otto is one of the many waiters who served spaghetti and meatballs at the Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner. Members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club sold 566 advanced tickets to the event and served about 120 more guests who bought tickets at the door.
Lily Lukes, 4 1/2, of Stewartville, enjoys her spaghetti and meatballs at the Mama Tranchita Dinner at the Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 2. "It's yummy," she said.
Neal Abbott, standing at center left, and Alex Weston, right, provided music from table to table at the Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens on Tuesday, April 2.
Allen Bredesen, 8, of Racine, visited the new community library at Racine United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 30. The small library has books available for children, teen-agers and adults.
Todd Looney, general manager of Anytime Fitness of Stewartville, right center, presents a $320 check from the business to Andrew Langseth, pastor of Grace Evangelical Free Church, who will use the money to help pay for the church Youth Group's missionary trip to Haiti June 10-19. Sixteen students and chaperones, including Cole Hintz, left, and Chloe Kidd, will build a home, visit an orphanage and work to improve infant nutrition.
Rick Scott, pastor of Stewartville Assembly of God Church, left, pauses to pray for the students who will learn and the teachers, staff members and administrators who will work at Central Intermediate School during the 2013-14 school year.
Kimberly Alwin, coordinator of Operation Christmas Child at Grace Evangelical Free Church, helps Kaydn Davis, 3, of Stewartville, above, look through the contents of a box that will soon be sent to a poor child across the world.
Anna Wencl, youth director at Zion Lutheran Church; Andrew Langseth, pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Jeremy Krekula, youth pastor at Stewartville United Methodist Church, are looking forward to the Live Nativity at Grace Free Church this Saturday, Dec. 14.
Drivers in a long and steady line drove through the parking lot at Grace Evangelical Free Church to see the second annual Live Nativity on Saturday evening, Dec. 14. About 60 young people from a number of area churches took part.
The St. John's Lutheran Church Handbell Choir performed for a large audience at the Stewartville Care Center last week. It was the group's first performance ever outside of the church. Members include, from left, LuAnn Gotch, director; Lana Emmons, Hannah Andrews, Kathy Boettcher, Laura Louks, Kathy Tordsen and Audrey Oehlke.
From left, Stephanie Peterson, Julie Hayes and Marilyn Wester worked together last week to bake 280 hot cross buns for the members of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, who took them home on Holy Thursday evening. Hayes hosted the baking at her Stewartville home. "This is my Lenten act of service," she said.
Pastors from a number of Stewartville churches took part in an ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, April 18. They include, front row, from left, Dave Hoot and Becky Hoot of Stewartville Christian Church, Anna Wencl of Zion Lutheran Church, and Chad Skaran of First Baptist Church. Back row, from left, Byron Meline of Zion Lutheran Church, Marie A.K. Anderson of Zion Lutheran Church, Josh Kruger of New Life Community Church, Dr. John Grams of Grace Evangelical Free Church and Wane Souhrada of Stewartville United Methodist Church. Each pastor played a role of an individual involved in Jesus's crucifixion. Kruger is dressed as Caiaphas the high priest.
Gary Kadansky serves cotton candy to Alexis Harvey, 11, a fifth-grader at Central Intermediate School, at the Kids Extravaganza at Grace Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, April 19. Kids also made key chains and crosses, and had fun sliding down an inflatable slide.
Members of Stewartville's Assembly of God Church hold hands in prayer before starting a prayer walk to Stewartville's schools on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon, Aug. 24. Despite the heat, church members stopped at each local school to pray that students, teachers, staff members and administrators have a good year in 2014-15.
Fr. John Wilmot blessed the new monument to the innocent unborn at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 15.
The Royal Rangers at Stewartville Assembly of God Church worked together to spruce up an area just north of the church on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Five boys earned leadership merit badges for removing bushes, roots and rocks. The boys and church leaders plan to plant grass and place benches at the site.
READY FOR THE RUN -- Deacon Gary Kadansky, left, and Pastor Andrew Langseth of Grace Evangelical Free Church of Stewartville are looking forward to the church's fourth annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Family Run/Walk.
Pat Sobotta and many other authentic "Italian" waiters served more than 500 guests at the Mama Tranchita Dinner at Riverview Greens on Tuesday, March 24. The dinner, hosted by the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club, is held to raise money for church projects.
Pastors who took part in the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Community Center on Friday, April 3 include, front row, from left, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Kim Cassidy, Zion Lutheran Church and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church. Back row, from left, Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Rick Scott, Stewartville Assembly of God Church and Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church.
FOOD FOR THE POOR -- From left, Robin Sterzinger and her son Tanner, 14, of Ivanhoe, Minn., and Mesa Wibben, 10, a fifth grader at Central Intermediate School, work at the Food for Kidz food packaging event on April 11.
Mary Olson, standing, a member of the Stewartville Area Disaster Team, helps Keith and Jane Johnson of Rochester register their names and information during a mock disaster drill at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 18.
Children and teachers from St. John's Wee Care got a close-up look at the tulips blooming near St. John's Lutheran Church last week. Here, Justin Byrne, 4, peers at the flowers.
Fr. John Wilmot of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches was the featured speaker at the annual SHS Baccalaureate Service last Wednesday, May 20. "The Shepherd is with us," Wilmot told this year's SHS graduates. "He's always with us. Turn to him to help make you happy."
About 700 residents from Stewartville and across the area crowded into St. Bernard's Catholic Church to listen to Matthew Kelly on Saturday evening, May 16.
Paul Langmade, the new pastor of congregational life at Grace Evangelical Free Church of Stewartville, left, has joined a pastoral team that includes Andrew Langseth, center; and Dr. John Grams.
Daren Streblow, a comedian from Cloquet, Minn., left, entertained audiences at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch on Saturday, July 25, and at an event hosted by Grace Evangelical Free Church at Florence Park on Sunday, July 26.
The Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, which has played at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Summerfest celebration, also performed at an event hosted by Grace Evangelical Free Church at Florence Park on Sunday, July 26.
astor Wane Souhrada of the Stewartville United Methodist Church, above left, speaks to students Emma Thomason and Hunter Wilson as he hosts the Bible Club, one of four stations children visited each evening at the Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School from Monday, Aug. 10 through Thursday, Aug. 13.
Pastor Rick Scott and his wife Peggy, lead the members of the Stewartville Assembly of God Church in a prayer walk near Central Intermediate School on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Dominic Cerri of Byron propels seeds into the air during the watermelon seed-spitting contest at Stewartville Assembly of God Church on Wednesday evening, Aug. 26.
Byron Meline, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, second from left, and Iz Wilken, a member of the church, accepted Tiger Tokens from Sheila McNeill, principal of Central Intermediate School, far left, at the Stewartville School Board's meeting last week. Meline, Wilken and other members of Zion Church have helped with the Stewartville School District's backpack program, which provides food for local residents in need. Courtney Fakler, a social worker at Bonner Elementary School and at Central, who also helps with the program, is at far right.
All decked out as shepherds, angels and the Wise Men, the Wee Care children at St. John's Lutheran Church practiced for their annual Christmas program last week.
Pastor Lyle Fritsch, third from right, and members of St. John's Lutheran Church dropped off a large supply of socks and snacks for the students at Bonner Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Courtney Fakler, school social worker at Bonner and at Central Intermediate School, far right in the front row, said several students at Bonner come to school without socks, and others can't afford to bring snacks. Members of St. John's Church recently deposited the items into a laundry basket in the church narthex. Church members thanked Thrivent Financial for a significant donation to help pay for the items. Church members include, from left, Kathy Tordsen, Nancy Henke, Mary Boettcher, Deb Sloneker and Pastor Fritsch. At far right are Courtney Fakler and Matt Phelps, principal of Bonner Elementary School.
Pastor Lyle Fritsch, third from right, and members of St. John's Lutheran Church dropped off a large supply of socks and snacks for the students at Bonner Elementary School on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Courtney Fakler, school social worker at Bonner and at Central Intermediate School, far right in the front row, said several students at Bonner come to school without socks, and others can't afford to bring snacks. Members of St. John's Church recently deposited the items into a laundry basket in the church narthex. Church members thanked Thrivent Financial for a significant donation to help pay for the items. Church members include, from left, Kathy Tordsen, Nancy Henke, Mary Boettcher, Deb Sloneker and Pastor Fritsch. At far right are Courtney Fakler and Matt Phelps, principal of Bonner Elementary School.
Sam Horob, 4 1/2, of rural Stewartville, dressed as The Little Drummer Boy, appears ready to play his drum for the Baby Jesus at the Nativity at St. John's Lutheran Church on Thursday, Dec. 17. Sam is a student at St. John's Wee Care.
Laural Wooner, left, is the new administrative assistant at Stewartville United Methodist Church. Catie Levenick, right, is the church's new youth and family ministry coordinator. Both are enjoying their new duties. "I absolutely love my job," Wooner said. "I tell Pastor Wane that all the time." Levenick is starting to get her feet wet. "We're getting things started, getting to know the kids," she said.
The Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, March 25. Pastors and others who participated included, front row, from left, Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; Catie Levenick, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Kim Cassidy, Zion Lutheran Church; Kent Larson of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, who provided the music; and Paul Langmade, Grace Evangelical Free Church. Back row, from left, Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Dr. John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church.
Becky Hoot, pastor of Stewartville Christian Church, shared her message at the annual Baccalaureate Service at the Performing Arts Center last Thursday evening, May 11.
The St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club will present its biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28, with seating from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The candlelight dinner, served by "authentic" Italian waiters, will include Mama's original-recipe spaghetti and meatballs and much more. At left are Dick Koenigs, assistant chef, seated; and Scott Christian, president of the Men's Club. For tickets, call St. Bernard's Catholic Church at 533-8257.
Gracelynn Drees, 2, of Stewartville, enjoyed her spaghetti one noodle at a time at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club's biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28. The Men's Club served 575 dinners that evening.
Gracelynn Drees, 2, of Stewartville, enjoyed her spaghetti one noodle at a time at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club's biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28. Here, Jim Otto of St. Bernard's carries a tray full of spaghetti dinners to awaiting diners. The Men's Club served 575 dinners that evening.
With help from some of his fellow scouts, Caleb Rowley, a junior at Stewartville High School, painted a mural depicting the story of Jonah and the whale. Thanks in part to that work, Rowley has earned the Eagle Award, the highest honor in scouting.
"The Seven Deadly Sins" was the theme as the Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, April 14. Participating ministers spoke of lust, envy, greed, sloth, wrath, pride and gluttony, then nailed each sin to Jesus's cross. Speakers included, front row, from left, Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Paul Langmade, Grace Evangelical Free Church and Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. Back row, from left, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; Catie Levenick, Stewartville United Methodist Church; and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church.
Andrew Langseth, a pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville, was the featured speaker at the baccalaureate service for the Stewartville High School class of 2017 last Wednesday, May 24. Langseth filled a large container with more than 6,500 pennies, telling the graduates that each penny represents one day in their lives. Each day we live, he said, we should ask our ourselves why we are here. His life changed, he said, when God became the "why" in his life. "Once I had the why, the whats, the whens and the who's fell into place," he said. The Rochester Area Youth for Christ Teen Gospel Choir led the graduates and their parents in a number of songs, including "All Creatures of Our God and King," "How Great Thou Art," "Lord I Need You," "Forever," and "Oceans." The Stewartville Area Ministerium sponsored the service.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents bid a fond farewell to Barb Howes at St. John's Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 20. Above, Lori Torgerson, a Wee Care teacher for 20 years, left, speaks as Howes looks on.
Dee Radtke is the new director of the St. John's Wee Care Learning Center.
Father John Wilmot, pastor of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches, left, celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at a reception at St. Bernard's on Sunday, July 23. Julie and Dean Wiste, center and right, were among the many members of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's churches who congratulated Wilmot for reaching the milestone.
Renee Wilson, left, and Margaret Lex stand with the embroidered banner highlighting the history of SUMC.
Marsha Aarsvold of Mantorville moves a loaf of bread from the Racine United Methodist Church's wood-fire oven to the cooling racks on Saturday morning, Sept. 16. Looking on, from left, are Jeff Goeldi, a lay servant at the church, and church members Steve Wesenberg and Arica Schmoll. Aarsvold works with Goeldi at Schmidt Printing in Byron.
Jeff Goeldi, a lay servant at Racine United Methodist Church, center, moves several loaves of oatmeal wheat bread from the church's wood-fire oven to the cooling racks as church members Arica Schmoll, left, and Steve Wesenberg prepare to transfer the loaves for eventual sale. A group of 15 Christians worked as a team to bake 190 loaves of the bread on Saturday morning, Sept. 16. The group sold 178 loaves, raising $1,892 for the victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Gracelynn Drees, 2, of Stewartville, enjoyed her spaghetti one noodle at a time at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club's biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, March 28.
Workers gathered near the entrance to Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch last Wednesday, Jan. 31 to place the framework for a new sign that will welcome new visitors to the ranch. Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs, said a new sign would be placed inside the framework shortly thereafter.
The Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday morning, March 30. Participating ministers, each of whom spoke about some aspect of Jesus's passion, suffering and death, included, front row, from left, Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ; Paul Langmade and Dr. John Grams, both of Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church. Back row, from left, Dave Hoot and Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; along with Kim Kyllo and Byron Meline, both of Zion Lutheran Church.
The Friendship Wagon Train, raising money for Special Olympics, stopped in Stewartville on Saturday, June 23. At Stewartville United Methodist Church, the Wagon Train riders enjoyed a meal prepared by the Stewartville Morning Lions Club.
Mesa Wibben, 14, who will be a freshman at Stewartville High School, prepares to apply paint to a fence at the home of George and Beth Thompson of Stewartville on Wednesday morning, July 18. Mesa is one of 53 students who were part of the local STORM Camp, stationed at Stewartville United Methodist Church.
David and Becky Hoot, pastors of Stewartville Christian Church, celebrated the church's 40th anniversary in Stewartville on Monday, Aug. 13."I've enjoyed the peacefulness of the church, the strength of the members, and their dedication," David said. "Even though we're small in numbers, 80 percent of our members attend regularly."
Nick Johnson directs the Stewartville High School Concert Choir as it sings at the Minnesota State University, Mankato Choral Invitational at St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 8. Dr. David Dickau, director of choral activities at MSU, Mankato, invited Johnson and the SHS Choir to perform at the event. Johnson, who earned his undergraduate degree from MSU, Mankato, said he was honored that he and his choir were invited. "I learned a lot of what I know from Dr. Dickau," he said. "As I tell the students, Dr. Dickau is one of my heroes."
The St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club will present its biennial Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 9, with seating from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. From left. flanking a photograph of Mama Tranchita, are Steve Sturm, a waiter; Dick Koenigs, chef; and Rob Miller, who will work in a number of capacities at the dinner.
The Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday morning, April 19. Pastors/ministers who participated in or attended the service included, front row, from left, Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; Father Kevin Connolly, St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches; Byron Meline and Kim Kyllo, both of Zion Lutheran Church; Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ; and Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church. Back row, from left, Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; Paul Langmade, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Bob Bergland, retired pastor; Rick Scott, Stewartville Assembly of God; Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Dr. John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church.
Sydney Clausen, left, and Trey Cast, both members of the Stewartville United Methodist Church, scrape the railing of the deck at the home of Lola Hall of Stewartville on Tuesday morning, July 16. The two were among 51 young people who took part in Stewartville's third annual STORM Camp.
St. Bernard's missionaries Elizabeth Willenborg, left, and Mckenna Pickett paint in the Texas heat.
Justin Kumfer, the new associate pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, appreciates the warm welcome he has received from the St. John's congregation. "They've been very gracious to us as we are learning everyone's names and I'm preaching and teaching Bible study," he said.
The children at the St. John's Wee Care Learning Center presented their Christmas plays at St. John's Lutheran Church on Sunday, Dec. 14. During the week leading up to that date, some of the children, all decked out as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the Magi, practiced their presentation by gathering around the Baby Jesus in the manger.
Jace Bushman, 4, a student in a caterpillar class at the Wee Care Learning Center at St. John's Lutheran Church, poses as the Little Drummer Boy, ready to play his drum as his gift to the Baby Jesus.
Tracy Hoover, a member of Racine United Methodist Church, left, prepares to give away a package of hamburger donated by 2 Brothers BBQ of Stewartville to a resident who pulled up to the church's parking lot on Tuesday afternoon, March 31.
Travis Morse of Stewartville clears snow from the sidewalk near St. John's Lutheran Church and the Wee Care Learning Center on Monday morning, April 13 after a spring storm dumped about 7.5 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Easter Sunday, April 12.
Adhering to social distancing guidelines are, from left, Pastor Bryon Meline of Zion Lutheran Church, Father Kevin Connolly of St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches, Pastor Lyle Fritsch of St. John's Lutheran Church and Pastor John Grams of Grace Evangelical Free Church.
Adhering to social distancing guidelines are, in front, from left, Pastors Dave Hoot (with his dog, Bandi) and Becky Hoot of Stewartville Christian Church, and in back, from left, Pastor Bridget Sheely of Racine and Sumner Center Methodist churches, Pastor Chad Skaran of Redemption Hill Church, and Pastor Wane Souhrada of Stewartville United Methodist Church. Lance Lorenz, pastor of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, is not pictured.
On June 17, many members of Stewartville United Methodist Church drove past the church's entrance to shower Wane Souhrada, their pastor, with well-wishes upon his retirement after 10 years at the church. Here, Gust and Margaret Lex, seated in the white convertible, greet Pastor Souhrada.
Andrew Langseth, a 2002 graduate of Stewartville High School, right, is the new lead pastor of Grace Evangelical Free Church. Dr. John Grams, left, who has served as the church's lead pastor for 25 years, will now be the church's "pastor emeritus."
Rob Miller, ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester on Sunday, Aug. 23, poses with his wife, Patty. Miller thanked Patty for her support as he worked to become a deacon. "A real emphasis was on having the wives involved," Miller said. "This was not a calling within a vacuum."
Aaron Regnier , the new associate pastor of student ministries at Grace Evangelical Free Church, poses near the drum set used at Grace Church's Sunday services.
Alex Clark, 5, a student in Kathy Dux's butterfly class at the Wee Care Learning Center at St. John's Lutheran Church, took the part of the Little Drummer Boy last week, ready to play his drum as a gift to the Baby Jesus.
Dan Rainey, a supply purchasher, left, and Dick Koenigs, who helped find non-food items, are two of the members of the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club who will host a drive-thru Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at St. Bernard's on Saturday, April 17. As of last week, the event had sold out.
Dan Rainey, a supply purchasher, left, and Dick Koenigs, who helped find non-food items, are two of the members of the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Men's Club who will host a drive-thru Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at St. Bernard's on Saturday, April 17. As of last week, the event had sold out.
Church leaders gathered for the annual ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday, April 2. The 12 participants, who each read from the Passion of Jesus according to John, include, front row, from left, Bridget Sheely, Racine and Sumner Center United Methodist churches; Laura Nordstrom, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Aaron Regnier, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Kim Kyllo, Zion Lutheran Church; and Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church. Back row, from left, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ; Father Kevin Connolly, St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches; Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church. Laurie Helmers provided the music and singing for the service.
Carol Cole visited Zion Lutheran Church last week to crochet plastic bags into mats for the homeless. Every evening at home, she crochets for about three hours as she watches television. Above, from left, crocheters Cole, Kathy Ottjes and Jo Olson pose near a completed mat.
Kathy Ottjes, a member of Zion Lutheran Church, has joined three couples from two different Stewartville churches to crochet plastic bags into outdoor mats for the homeless. Jo Olson, another crocheter, is in the background.
Dr. John Grams, retiring after 26 years as pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church, says he and his wife, Renae, will continue to live in Stewartville, where they'll be involved in some form of ministry. "We will be doing a lot of traveling," he said. "I will miss the preaching and teaching the most, and of course, the people."
Byron Meline, retiring after serving as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church for more than 12 years, cherishes many beautiful memories from his time in Stewartville. As he begins retirement, he says he's experiencing a range of emotions, including: thankful, reflective, excited, sad, joyful, a bit fearful, expectant, peaceful, trusting, fulfilled and appreciated.
The children from St. John's Lutheran Church's Vacation Bible School, including, front row, from left above, Wyatt Feltis, Harrison Petersen, Dawsyn Hanson, Zeke Kumfer, Hazel Roeder, Aubrie Schaefer and Vayda Russell, sang about their love for Jesus with all their hearts at the Stewartville Care Center on Friday morning, Aug. 6. Care Center residents, at left, from left, Mary Hustak, applauding, and Wes and Ruth Faul, showed their appreciation for the music.
The children from St. John's Lutheran Church's Vacation Bible School, including, front row, from left above, Wyatt Feltis, Harrison Petersen, Dawsyn Hanson, Zeke Kumfer, Hazel Roeder, Aubrie Schaefer and Vayda Russell, sang about their love for Jesus with all their hearts at the Stewartville Care Center on Friday morning, Aug. 6. Care Center residents, at left, from left, Mary Hustak, applauding, and Wes and Ruth Faul, showed their appreciation for the music.
Amanda and Jamie Meyer, in back, and their children, in front, from left, Lucas, James and Dylan, hold samples of the produce the members of St. John's Lutheran Church have grown in the church garden on the church's property in Stewartville. Jamie built the stand at right, where the free produce has been on display since mid-June and will remain available as this summer's harvest continues.
Ruth Goodsell of Stewartville, a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church, left, pours ingredients through a funnel and into a bag held by Liza Neseth, who also attends Grace Church, at the meal pack for Haiti at the Church gym on Saturday, Oct. 30. Volunteers packaged a total of about 57,000 meals.
Brayden Albrecht, 4, a student in Kathy Dux's butterfly class at the Wee Care Learning Center at St. John's Lutheran Church, took the part of the Little Drummer Boy last week, ready to play his drum as a gift to the Baby Jesus.
