The OWLs March began with an exciting trip to the International Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota. Many of us got up early on a Saturday morning to experience a day of owls. We saw a very interesting program featuring a number of live rescue owls, learned about the owl art now on display around the town of Houston. Had an owl-themed lunch, saw a video on the Italian owls festival and bought owl souvenirs. You could easily say the day was a hoot….

For what reason would God choose to be born as one of us just to suffer and die on a cross? He deserves none of the punishment you see on the Isaiah 53 column. And we deserve none of the rewards you see on the New Testament text column. To what purpose?…

Construction zones almost always try my patience. I diligently get in the correct lane, as soon as I see the sign and try to wait patiently. Almost always, though, there is someone who drives past all who are waiting, and not slowly, of course. When they get to the front of the line, then they slow down and turn their signal on, waiting for someone to let them in line. Just once I would love for them not to be able to get in line, but someone always lets them in, like me, because my conscious wouldn’t let me not do it. Sometimes it feels like a construction zone here for our visitors waiting patiently until someone welcomes them. If they are not welcomed, many will just leave thinking we are an unfriendly church. I have been told that several times in the past year, and it breaks my heart. I cannot talk to everyone by myself, before or after worship, so people get missed.…

The OWLs are a hearty bunch. In spite of subzero temperature, we gathered for our potluck on Ash Wednesday. Thanks to everyone who brought extra food to help feed the mid-day worshipers. After a fantastic lunch, we had a fun time learning about each other’s heritage. We found a great number of us are from Norwegian descent, but we also have a few Germans and some from England. A great time was had by all… just see the photos on the left!

For March we hope for warmer weather as we leave the confines of La Crosse for our outing. We will travel to Houston, Minnesota, on Saturday, March 7, to visit the International Owls Festival.