If you're reading along with our summer worship series in the Psalms, you've probably noticed one unusual word that keeps appearing:  "Selah." Probably capitalized; most likely in italics.  I wonder if you've tripped over it. That would be understandable. "What is...

I heard a retired pastor say something in a meeting several weeks ago that has stuck with me. She’s been retired for a few years, but she still comes to the Ames religious leader group that I attend. She said, as we checked in that day, "So much of my time now is...

by Jena  Finch-Manchester On Tuesday morning, my phone buzzed with a message from one of my former high schoolstudents asking if I was on campus. "Well...kind of!" I replied. "What's up?" She and her mom were visiting Iowa State University for a prospective student...

A few weeks ago, after worship, I noticed a man and a young woman standing outside the church's patio doors with suitcases, looking a little uncertain. I was headed their direction when I saw they had found our still-unlocked front doors and come inside. The man...

by Rev. Jena Finch-Manchester June is orientation season at Iowa State University. Throughout the month, new students and their parents arrive on campus for a day-and-a-half introduction to life as a Cyclone. The first day is packed with information: welcome sessions,...

Our Elementary Service Trip was a wonderful weekend of service, learning, and fun! Four elementary students and four adults traveled to Des Moines to spend time serving our neighbors and growing together as a community. During our trip, we partnered with Families...