It was a beautiful morning to drive to, worship and speak with the people of St. Paul Lutheran, Ontario, Oregon. My first 4-5 years at Trinity, Nampa, we participated in TVLYFE (monthly gatherings for high school youth that rotated from church to church). Trinity always attended the gathering at St. Paul because our kids knew each other from athletic events. I became more familiar with this congregation when one of its previous pastors, James Aalgaard (now at Grace, Wenatchee) and I were both up at Luther Heights Bible Camp the same week. The church was working towards building its early learning center Giggles and Grace. Before the congregation joined our synod, former Eastern WA Idaho Bishop Martin Wells encouraged Pr Justin Tigerman (Faith, Caldwell) and I to drive out for the installation of Pastor Justin Johnson. Johnson’s sister and I had sung in college choir together–small world. One of the St. Paul youth went with our cluster group to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston and her mom was there this morning–so fun to hear about this young woman’s life. The church has been served by Pastor Paul Malek most recently. The stained glass, pictured below, was designed by a church member in the last ten years and replaced “70s orange” according to one member this morning. I loved the vibrant colors. It was a good morning of worship, bringing greetings from the synod, and conversations about being church today in Ontario, Oregon, a city that is part of the Treasure Valley in so many ways but is obviously in a different state. I especially appreciated hearing from newer visitors and members about why they have landed at St. Paul–people primarily looking for community and a place and people to help them encounter God. St. Paul and Giggles and Grace are hosting Luther Heights on Location (Day Camp) in two weeks!