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Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. is a children’s service inspired by a traditional interpretation of the Advent wreath. Each candle is representative of the four themes of this service and have been lit during the four-week season of Advent, culminating with the lighting of the center white Christ candle, as John chapter 1 is read. “What makes this all possible?” Grace (God’s underserved love) is the foundation of all Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

If you’re a poor gift giver, do you ever wish that you could purchase a gift that morphs into whatever the recipient of the gift wants, or needs? For example, if I wrap up the gift and give it to my wife, when she opens it, something pioneer woman comes out. For my daughters, when they open the box, Paw Patrol and Bluey appear. For myself, another draft horse.

The world feels magical lately, doesn’t it? Lights are glowing and the snow sparkles. Yet, for many, this “most wonderful time of the year” brings a unique heaviness. We know neighbors who are facing their first holiday without a loved one, struggling with finances, or watching the news with dread.

We don’t always feel hopeful, merry, or bright. And when depression hits, it can feel as though the entire world has dimmed. Things that typically feel easy suddenly take more effort. Everyday tasks feel heavier, motivation disappears and even getting out of bed can feel like a challenge. Depression does not just affect our mood, it affects our energy, our thoughts and how we see ourselves and the world. It can suddenly crash down or slyly slide in, hijacking our operating systems.

God’s love became human and was born in Bethlehem. As each of us have memories of Christmas, we can rejoice in the good, and lament for things gone bad, or left empty.

Cattle group applauds USDA intervention in King Ranch dispute R-CALF USA commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for intervening in the King Ranch case in Washington state.

Avera delivery units across the region were busy this year as thousands of new bundles of joy were welcomed into the world. A grand total of 6,227 babies made their arrival at Avera birthing centers this past year with the month of July coming in as the most active month to have a baby. While each of these miracles that made their way into the world are special and unique, it appears many will grow up sharing a similar name. Take a peek at the names given to the tiny patients in our nurseries for 2025.

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