Do you remember going to see Santa when you were a child? I remember going to the rotunda at Ridgedale and waiting in line to see Santa. There was a fake wooden cabin surrounded by scenery and decorations. When we finally reached the front of the line, I got twenty-seven seconds to ask Santa for my Christmas gifts and to take a photo with him.In 2019, as we prepared for the Kids Christmas Program ...  Read More

This past spring, I went on a photography trip up along Minnesota’s North Shore just before Memorial Day. The smoky haze from the Canadian wildfires still hung in the air, but I still enjoyed hiking and taking photos. While not the shots that I had envisioned when planning the trip, I still came away with several great shots.At the end of the trip, I spent a day in Duluth. I awoke before sunrise a...  Read More

I’ve always been both in awe and jealous of people who have the dedication to keep a daily journal. I’ve kept a journal for trips that I’ve gone on, such as the Germany trip with All Saints or my family’s trip to Thailand, but I struggle to write a journal entry every day when I’m in my normal routine.Every time I try, I never manage to keep it up for more than two weeks. Eventually, I’ll have a b...  Read More

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Today’s reading from First Thessalonians begins with an encouragement to “rejoice always.” With Christmas Eve just a week away, with houses adorned with twinkling lights, with cheerful songs playing on the radio, some of us find it easy to get into a...  Read More

The Christmas Eve service is a very special and meaningful service for many, including families. When families join us for the 4 pm and 9pm services on Christmas Eve, kids are invited to stop by the Welcome Center before the service for a goodie bag of activities to do during the service or to enjoy at home....  Read More

When home begins to fill with the varied wonderful smells of baking cookies, Christmas memories come flooding back.It starts in late November with the peppernuts and springerlies. Old fashioned cookies that need time to harden before you dunk them in your coffee. As a non-coffee drinker, I don’t enjoy those cookies very much, though warm peppernuts fresh out of the oven are very good for the seven...  Read More

Please make your planned year-end 2023 tax-deductible contributions by December 31st. Contributions can be put in the offering boxes during the worship service that day. The church office will be open for drop-offs from 9am-4pm on Thursday, December 28th. Ring the doorbell at the west entrance on arrival and someone will meet you at the door.Checks mailed to All Saints Lutheran Church must be post...  Read More

What are your favorite sounds of Christmas?Perhaps it is the music? The loud and boisterous celebrations of Joy to the World and Go Tell It on the Mountain. The symbolism in Lo How a Rose or The Holly and the Ivy. The gentle, hushed tones of Away in a Manger or Silent night.Or maybe it’s the sounds of excitement and joy from your family. Kids tearing open wrapping paper and playing with toys. Adul...  Read More

Believe it or not, it’s time to start planning for summer! Green Lake offers lots of fun activities for kids of all ages such as: Gaga ball, air square, swimming and beach fun, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, campfires, games, crafts and more. Not only is camp an amazing way to get outside and enjoy God’s creation, at Green Lake kids also learn awesome lessons and Bible Stories all week...  Read More

Last night was the peak of the Geminids, a prolific meteor shower often ignored due to falling on cold December nights, as opposed to the popular Perseids which happen on the warm evenings of August. Still, with the skies clear, I was outside with my camera. Even though the photo above is the best shot I got, I was able to see many more with my eyes.I’ve been out stargazing before, both with and w...  Read More

Forget to donate a Christmas Poinsettia? We've extended the deadline through this Sunday, December 17. Help us beautify the sanctuary for the Christmas season by making a donation for a poinsettia in honor or in memory of someone special to you. The suggested donation is $25.Donate on the Make a Gift page and select Flowers as the Fund type (see below). You may also donate using the form at the We...  Read More

Here in Minnesota, we love our lakes so much that, after spending all summer on and around them, we eagerly wait for them to freeze so we can spend winter on them as well. How astonishing that what once flowed freely can turn solid and strong enough to support people and vehicles. An awe-inspiring part of God’s creation.Our souls can sometimes be like water. When things are going well, they flow l...  Read More