Prophetic vigil for Elgin community
Mike Murschel: It was one of those moments where events seem at total opposites of each other. At 2 p.m. Friday, city crews were putting up Christmas decorations along Kimball Street on Elgin's east side.

Coming together to give thanks
Mike Murschel: "We come from varied backgrounds and faith traditions, a myriad of life experiences and spiritual yearnings, yet connected by our gratitude for the gift of life and for the blessings that are ours as residents of this community, nation and world."

Houses of worship provide good sense of community
Mike Murschel: First, this is not a commentary about atheism versus faith, belief versus skepticism, or God versus no God. Timing being everything, the Freedom from Religion Foundation's annual conference runs Friday through Sunday . That conference juxtaposes itself against November and December -- months stuffed with holiday events that are resplendent with religious overtones, undertones, and tones of angels heard on high.

Judson celebrating its history
Mike Murschel: Elgin has a treasure tucked away behind the trees that line Route 31 as it courses northbound toward Interstate 90 from Big Timber Road. That treasure is Judson University. True to its heritage of giving back to the community in which it resides, this accredited evangelical Christian university once again opens its doors to a host of public events designed to inspire and empower.