“This boy kept coming over to my house, and my father told him not to come over any more. But then he went off to war…” So begins Part 2 of our interview with centenarian, Ruth Polcha, and so begins the beautiful love story between a faithful Slovak Lutheran named Edward Polcha and—you guessed it—a German Lutheran girl named Ruth Zehnder. Together they made a faithful Lutheran family that has bequeathed further generations of faithful and generous servants of Christ.

Recorded 7 August, A.D. 2025

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with centenarian Ruth Polcha. This interview is a window into a humble and faithful Christian family. Ruth is a relatively new member of St. Paul’s, but through her daughter’s family, she has a long connection to us. Her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Al Mueller, are some of St. Paul’s more faithful and active members. After many years separated across several states, Kathy rejoiced to have her mother nearby, and when you hear the delightful Christian countenance and faithfulness of Ruth Florence Esther (Zehnder) Polcha you’ll know why she is an inspiration and faithful example.

Recorded 7 August, A.D. 2025

We have a deep conviction that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or “liturgy”—especially sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. You see, the Divine Service—the Word and Sacrament worship of the Church—is a wedding feast. It is the “marriage supper of the Lamb,” (Rev 19.9) where Jesus Christ Himself is our host and the substance of the feast. So, it’s really helpful—and pretty important—that those who are learning the rituals of the feast are willing learners, humble . . . and welcomed and taught the rich practices of the Church’s wedding feast by people with generous and hospitable hearts.