Most Greenlanders identify as Inuit, Lutheran

Most Greenlanders are proudly Inuit. And most are Lutheran. About 90% of the 57,000 Greenlanders identity as Inuit and the vast majority of them belong to the Lutheran Church today. That is more than 300 years after a Danish missionary brought that branch of Christianity to the world's largest island. Greenland is huge — about three times the size of Texas and most of it is covered in ice. But parishes are still located across many settlements in the icy land and people endure the frigid Arctic climate to fill up church pews on Sundays.

Survey tracks religions, religious traditions

The US Christian population has declined for years. A new survey shows that drop leveling off

The number of Americans who identify as Christian has declined steadily for years, but that drop shows signs of slowing. That's according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. Its Religious Landscape Study finds 62% of U.S. adults call themselves Christians, a level that has remained relatively stable since 2019. The rise of the religiously unaffiliated — the so-called "nones" — has also reached at least a temporary plateau, with approximately 29% of U.S. adults claiming no religious affiliation. By some measures, the U.S. remains overwhelmingly spiritual, with 83% believing in God or a universal spirit and 86% believing that people have a soul or spirit.

Congregations invite all for worship

Local congregations invite all in the community to join them in faith — whether they are looking for a new church family or are new to town and are seeking a place to worship.

Churches invite all to join in worship

Local congregations invite all in the community to join them in faith — whether they are looking for a new church family or are new to town and are seeking a place to worship.

All welcome at area church services

Local congregations invite all in the community to join them in faith — whether they are looking for a new church family or are new to town and are seeking a place to worship.

All welcome to join in area services

Local congregations invite all in the community to join them in faith — whether they are looking for a new church family or are new to town and are seeking a place to worship.

All welcome at area church services

Local congregations invite all in the community to join them in faith — whether they are looking for a new church family or are new to town and are seeking a place to worship.

Do you need fluoride treatment after a teeth cleaning? Dental experts weigh in

Dentists and hygienists often propose fluoride treatments after teeth cleanings or dental work. The relatively simple procedure involves applying a varnish, gel or foam directly to the teeth. It's designed to prevent decay by strengthening enamel.

Larry Ayer, 86

Larry Lee Ayer passed away February 23, 2025.

AI sermon: Enjoyable but it won't replace humans

What one Finnish church learned from creating a service almost entirely with AI

St. Paul's Lutheran church in Helsinki has held the first church service in Finland created mostly by artificial intelligence. The congregation heard a dialogue between a long-haired, bearded Jesus in robes and a menacing-looking Satan in modern clothes play out on a large screen in the sanctuary. While the clergy and worshippers said they enjoyed it, they agreed it wouldn't replace services led by humans anytime soon.

USACE, ISDA describe invasive species risks, plans

When it comes to invasive species, “the best, cheapest and most effective policy is always prevention, rather than trying to play catch up,” said ISDA program specialist Ryan Hanna.

Barry Lee Johnson, 70

Barry Lee Johnson, 70, passed away on February 27, 2025.

Legislators seek help on lake level, dam repairs

Lake Pend Oreille took center stage before the Senate Resources & Environment Committee Wednesday as District 1 legislators appealed for support on a longer summer pool — and a faster timeline on fixing defective gates at the Albeni Falls Dam.

Army Corps began Lake Pend Oreille refill March 28

Officials noted that it’s “too early” to determine when Lake Pend Oreille will reach its summer pool, but that they expect to achieve the mark once flood risks have subsided. They added that staff will consider the limitations of Albeni Falls Dam’s current limitations as they navigate the refill.

Finding the beauty in the broken road

There's a song from years ago sung by the country music band, Rascal Flatts. “Bless the Broken Road” is generally about a person finding their true love. It became a popular wedding song. One line says, “This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you; yes, He did.”

Exhibit celebrates women's impact, contributions

"Her Mark: A Tribute to Women" is a compelling new exhibition opening at the POAC Gallery on Friday, March 7, with a public reception from 5-7 p.m. This collection brings together works from 10 artists, each reflecting on the profound influence of women in their lives and in society.

PREP TRACK & FIELD: Porinchok leads Spartans at Ezra Gordon Invite

PREP TRACK & FIELD: Porinchok leads Spartans at Ezra Gordon Invite

Moody's upgrades North Idaho College's bond rating

Moody's Ratings has upgraded North Idaho College’s outlook to stable from negative and announced Baa1 issuer and revenue bond ratings for the college. The report from Moody’s noted that NIC had $8 million in total debt outstanding as of June 30. NIC President Nick Swayne said he is encouraged to see news of the fiscal policies of the new board have already spread beyond North Idaho.

Churches try new ideas as they face declines in members, money

When the Episcopal Church announced cuts to its national staff last month, it was the latest in a long-running cycle among historic U.S. Protestant denominations — declines in members leading to declines in funding and thus in staff. And it wasn't alone. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has similarly announced recent cuts to staff at its headquarters and in its global missions program. And the United Methodist Church, after undergoing a major schism, has settled into a historically low budget. It has cut the number of bishops and other positions.

Legals for March, 6 2025