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Local Columns

Pastor’s Column: Gender and Sexual Minorities in the Church

Several years back, a band I was part of was scheduled to play a small coffee shop in San Pedro, California, where the lead singer got her start. When we got there, we found out the venue had accidentally double booked us with an open mic. As the locals drifted in and started to engage, we came ...

Dengler Domain: The ball don’t lie

In Governor Kim Reynolds 2022 campaign ad, it ends with the words “Here in Iowa…America Still Works.” Does it? What version of American is Kim Reynolds envisioning? Her vision appears increasingly to be one where people at the bottom of the economic totem pole are stiffed while the top ...

On Nature: Good Environmental News

At the start of the year, it is good to reflect on the past year. While there were many environmental challenges during 2023, there were also some successes. Most notable were the outcomes from the COP23 climate summit. For the first time, the countries called for a transition away from fossil ...

Dengler Domain: Journalism

Last week, Sports Illustrated laid off most of its staff according to various reports. While it is not surprising, considering the state of Sports Illustrated, it is sad. Growing up, there was a time when I looked forward to getting this magazine each Thursday. I did not read it all, but I ...

On Nature: Energy Innovation Act

There have been many measures considered to combat climate change, but the recently introduced bipartisan “Energy Innovation Act” may be the best one. Although all the co-sponsors are Democrats, several Republicans have shown an interest in the bill. It also has the support of environmental ...

Dengler Domain: Cities

In December, I made a trip to Los Angeles. Film and television have always been intriguing, and it finally worked out to make the visit. Chicago and New York City have already been checked off the visit list. With these cities being the three largest cities in the United States, it feels right ...

Dengler Domain: Lyrics

Remembering lyrics to songs does not come easy. When listening to music, every other part of the song; the drums, guitars, and everything else in between is more prevalent. When I remember the lyrics to a song, it holds extra significance. One of these songs is Judah & The Lion’s “Suit ...

Pastor’s Column: An Honest Apology

About 2000 years ago, an itinerant rabbi named Yeshua Bin Yusef (Jesus, son of Joseph) founded through his teachings the breakaway Jewish sect we now know as the Christian church. In contrast to the dominant theology of his place and time, Jesus taught a path of love, grace, inclusion and ...

Dengler Domain: Who is serving Iowans?

Who in Iowa leadership roles are looking out for underserved Iowans? After a couple recent newsworthy items coming from the state of Iowa, it appears underserved Iowans are being pushed to the wayside for big donors and out of state interests. Those with money are in the ear of the politicians ...

Dengler Domain: Reindeer

With Christmas around the corner, it is time for joyous cheer and celebrations. One of the best parts of Christmas is nostalgia. Generations upon generations grow up with the traditions their ancestors performed. It is a beautiful way to connect with one’s past. One of these traditions is ...