Memories: This morning I preached, presided, and brought greetings from the synod office to the congregation of Hope Lutheran. Hope sits on Highway 44 between Eagle and what was (but is no longer) the sleepy town of Star. During my time as pastor of Trinity Lutheran, Nampa I joined carpools to Luther Heights camp from Hope’s parking lot, I brought or met many youth from Trinity for Confirmation Co-op (joint Confirmation shared by 4-6 ELCA congregations in the Treasure Valley Cluster), I attended cluster gatherings for youth and/or adults.

Transformation: Slowly I have watched the building transform, first a makeover in the sanctuary and then a makeover in the building, transforming former day care rooms (Hope’s day care struggled coming out of the pandemic) to a beautiful and functional Idaho Food Bank site. I should have taken photos of their food storage and sorting rooms but I forgot the rest of the world has not been on the tour yet.

Something New: Last Sunday, Hope said goodbye to their interim pastor of about one year. At the end of June, Hope said goodbye to their young disciples minister Casey Cross, who will begin as Luther Heights Bible Camp’s first Associate Director Aug. 1. Part of Cross’ job will be helping Luther Heights (socked in by snow in the winter) become a fully year-round ministry. Confirmation Co-op, which ran from the fall of 2015 to spring 2023, will in fact transform into one of Luther Heights’ many offerings. As I caught up with many parents of youth who had come through Confirmation Co-op and other joint cluster youth ministries, my heart swelled with gratitude for the families’ trust in our collaborative efforts. I am also thankful to Hope for hosting so many of our events. Follow this LINK and click on For Congregations to learn more about what camp is offering.

Photos: End of second worship service, me with the current council president Len, me and a parent of kids I worked with long ago (kids are now adults!), Hope’s exterior from Linder and Highway 44.