I'm continuing my series or quotes from a 20-page term paper I wrote my senior year in high school, 1955, entitled, "Democratic Equality, an Ideal or a Goal?" 

 My book, "Open the Doors and See All the People" is now through Nov. 30 available 50% off: $8.50 with free Media Mail shipping. 

This is a book of stories the dozens of congregations I visited while a professor of "Church and Ministry" at Wartburg Seminary. Not only stories, but discussion questions to use with church councils, adult forums, retreats, throughout the year to help congregations discern their own mission and ministry.

Go to wipfandstock website conference 2026 Books by Norma Cook Everist. When asked, put in the discount code "confship" My book, Seventy Images of Grace in the Epistles" also is available at half price: $14.

Series 5 October 23

 "No one can say that color, or hair have any relationship to the quality of people, to their character or intelligence." The U.S. Supreme Court had just ruled six months before that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The country was very divided over race and education. Norma Cook, 1955. (I will resume these quotes from my high school term paper, next Mon-Fri. as we approach the Mid-terms) 

Series 4 October 22

 "Without the equality of opportunity individuals are deprived of the chance to develop their potentialities and to share the fruits of society." Norma Cook, 1955

Series 3 October 21

 "Because the right to participate in government is usually limited to citizens, there can be no denial of citizenship based upon race, color, creed, or national origin. . . It is unfair for people to be subjected to rule by a body from which it has been excluded. The right of the individual to vote is important to the group itself." Norma Cook, 1955

Series 2 Oct. 20

"In a democratic state we recognize the rule of a majority, but a majority, left unrestrained, may be as ruthless as a monarchy." Norma Cook, 1955

Series l Oct 19

 I'm beginning a new series as we move closer to Election Day. I wrote a 20-page term paper my senior year in high school, 1955, entitled, "Democratic Equality, an Ideal or a Goal?" These are quotes from what I was thinking 70 years ago: "Many well-meaning people feel that democracy is for Protestant, Anglo-Saxon Americans. They reject the full rights of immigrant groups. Our democracy is very limited if among 160 million Americans, we mistreat 55 or 60 million Americans." 

 Today is World Food Day, a global observance held every year on October 16 to raise awareness about world hunger, malnutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture. We are giving to ELCA World Hunger.

Voted

 It's 8:30 a.m. and we just got back from early voting at the Court House. Yesterday was the first day and they were crowded all day. We were the first to vote this morning in the drizzle. They were so helpful for me, living with a disability. Please vote as soon as you can. No hassle: helpful. Safe, secure. Vote!

 

Bridge

 A walk across the Meredith Willson ("Music Man") footbridge just three blocks from our home.

Oct 1 parents married

 My parents were born in 1898. After taking care of their families during the 20's, they were married October 11, 1929.  Just 17 days later was the "Crash," the beginning of the great depression, October 29. My sister, Marianne, was not born until 1936; I was born in 1938. 

Trump and Los Angeles and San Diego

 Trump said last night "Let them take out Los Angeles; let them take out San Diego." Don't say "Trump is old/fading" or "Trump is deranged/mentally ill.) Rather, what Trump is doing is evil. I speak up because Burton is from San Diego, but I would speak up because "taking out" any place in the U.S., or the world is wrong. Yet many of us go about our daily lives as though "Things will get better." We can just watch and wait. No! What can we do to protect the U.S. and the world?

First Graders

 Burton's first grade teacher in Mason City was Miss Wassom. Years later, when he was in San Diego and I was in Mason city,  Miss Wassom was my supervising teacher when I was doing student teaching. I remember her saying to the first graders when they stood up to talk, "Begin by saying if this is a true story or one I made up." The children did. They knew the difference. Currently President Trump is often called a child. What an insult to children. Would that Trump knew the difference between truth and "made up."  

 We took a ride around Mason City and a walk down a "pretty" street, only to return home and discover the most beautiful tree was right out our front windows. I am enjoying watching the leaves fall, slowly, as I write this. Brought the coleus in before the first frost.

Joel at WTS

 Son Joel stopped by Wartburg Seminary today. He first met Luther in 1979 at age 11.  For decades Joel and his wife Rachel--they were married at Wartburg--have been inspiring and mentoring hundreds and hundreds of students through choral music at Mason City High School and North Iowa Area Community College.

Buchheim death at 103

 Durwood "Bud" Buchheim, Professor of Homiletics at Wartburg Theological Seminary from 1979-1992, died peacefully September 29. He was 103 years old.  Deeply loved and respected, Bud served the church as pastor, bishop, and professor. We can give memorials to Wartburg Seminary, the Buchheim Rural Ministry Fund. We thank God for this man of the Church.

Orange Shirt Day

 September 30 is Orange Shirt Day: Also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honoring the Indigenous children harmed by residential and boarding school systems. Many died when taken from their homes and families. The survivors carry that trauma with them through generations. 

Bishop's message

 

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Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Yehiel Curry:

"As a church, we collectively continue to celebrate the diversity with which God has created the world. Scripture tells us that, from the very beginning, we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). In the book of Acts, many were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Each was given the power to witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:32-33). In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, the human body serves as a metaphor, demonstrating that a healthy Christian community relies on the many distinct gifts and qualities of each unique member—emphasizing unity through continuing to be a connected church.

Free Press Not

On a globalization trip to China some years ago we had a meeting with a government official. Suddenly the translator was dismissed--thrown out. He was replaced by a translator to the official's liking. That experience came back to my mind this week when some news reporters were banned from the White House.  The ban has been lifted for 14 days, but will this stop this administration's efforts to control the media? Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are crucial to a democracy.