IJR News — today's news from every sideFive tiny state parks reveal ancient fossils, Lincoln ties and colonial history — Sep 6, 2026Across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Massachusetts, little-known state parks reveal extraordinary natural and historical treasures hiding in plain sight. From Channahon’s river confluence to Falls of the Ohio’s vast Devonian fossil beds, Lincoln Homestead’s Lincoln-era roots, Morris State Park’s protection of Crowley’s Ridge, and Roxbury Heritage’s historic John Eliot Square and First Church, these small gems offer accessible, richly meaningful experiences.
Jared Kim Never heard of Morris State Park before this but Crowley's Ridge sounds like a hidden gem, adding it to my list for the next road trip.
Farhat Named Lead Pastor, St. John’s Denver — Jul 24, 2026Andrew Farhat, a Concordia Seminary graduate with a Master of Divinity, has served as lead pastor of St. John’s Church and School Denver since 2021 after joining as a campus pastor in 2018, overseeing a Lutheran multi-site ministry that reaches more than 500,000 people annually. His background includes prior ministry in Oregon, engineering training, and a focus on Gospel teaching, evangelism, and discipling new converts within a church-and-school setting.
