Inside the Daily Planet, 12/2/07

Welcome to Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Church; farewell to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church by Judy Peacock, SENA News A few months ago, the church buildings at 4000 28th Ave. S. turned spring green. The color change is part of a transition for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 2005, the Our Redeemer congregation, facing a declining membership, gifted its buildings to the rapidly growing Oromo congregation. Now, in early 2008, Our Redeemer will merge with Minnehaha Communion Lutheran Church, leaving the Oromos the sole occupants of the worship center and parish house. Readers, Writers and Books New Ulm: standing strong through wars and constant social and political change by Joseph A. Amato, Minnesota 2020 MN 2020 Editor’s Note: Some social scientists view New Ulm, Minnesota as the most ethnically German city in America. Others look at the same demographic data and, noting that nearly a quarter of all Americans have some German ancestry, view New Ulm as the least diverse community in America. Can it be both? Women of a new tribe by Kam Williams, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Photographer captures beauty of African American women NEW IN VOICES Iran benefits from Mideast peace talks by William O. Beeman, New America Media Iran was not invited to the Middle East summit in Annapolis, but the Iranians are there nonetheless, and they will benefit whatever the outcome.