VOTE now

If you have not already voted, vote today Nov 2 or tomorrow Nov. 3. We may be tired of all the appeals for money, and upset about the attack adds, but don't let those things stop you from voting. This is our privilege and our responsibility. After Nov. 3, we will need to work together to mend our democracy. 

 November is here. It's been so warm this tree in front of Joel's and Rachel's house is bright red. Twenty years ago when Jennaya was not quite 2 and Rachel was pregnant with Jackson a storm blew a large tree down just missing them inside. We are thankful they survived. A year later we planted a "Thank you" tree. Jennaya is now 22 and Jackson 20. See the tree now.

Tarp

 This afternoon, Nov. 1 Donald Trump will be holding a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, a city we lived in for 38 years. On the side of the Five Flags Center is a beautiful mural saying "solidarity" with pictures of a diverse group of people. The organizers of the Trump rally hung a large tarp covering the solidarity mural. The City of Dubuque directed the group to remove the tarp and it has been removed. I'm grateful to Dubuque. 

Nov 1 All Saints Day

 Nov. 1 All Saints Day "For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Series 10

 The final quote from my high school term paper: "Unless a majority of people practice democracy in human relations by respecting the dignity of all people, regardless of race, nationality, creed or social status, they will not insist upon it in government. Norma, 1955 

Series 9

"It is not easy to respect the human dignity of every person, but it is important. People do not naturally love their neighbors for even though there are generous souls, people prefer to think that they are better. The main goal in life seems to be to get ahead, so it is hard to humble oneself to the idea of equality. Only the humility of Christ can serve as a goal."  Norma Cook, 1955.

Series 8

"'The ability to raise searching difficulties on both sides of a subject will make us detect more clearly the truth and errors about several points that arise,' said Aristotle. The freedom of speech should be used for the attainment of truth, not for subjective pleasure of utterance." Norma Cook, 1955. 

Series 7

Series 7

 "The valuations which refer to groups or individuals are called prejudices and are defended in terms of tradition, expediency or utility. . . In the United States suppressed minorities are supposed to stay in their "place." "They have not yet even been given the civil and political rights of democracy which includes a fair chance to make a living." Norma Cook, 1955.

Reformation

Reformation Sunday! Martin Luther wrote in his Large Catechism: "Jesus has completely given himself to us, withholding nothing."  "Jesus has made us free, and restored us to God's grace that he may rule us by his righteousness, wisdom, power, life and blessedness."

  I'm continuing my series of quotes from a 20-page term paper I wrote my senior year in high school, 1955, entitled, "Democratic Equality, an Ideal or a Goal?" I wrote, "Equality as a goal is something to strive for. It is up to every individual to do that much, for if democracy is not activity promoted it will be replaced."

 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.