Last Monday I was settling in for a week with staff and catching up with new and old colleagues around Spokane. There was snow on the ground early in the week but it gradually melted and so I worked in at least three walk-and-talks, including two new to me city parks and a walk in the synod office neighborhood. I always appreciate one-on-one conversations.

Wednesday was a full day that began with Eucharist led by Episcopal Bishop Gretchen for the Spokane Diocese and NWIM Synod Staffs and a joint coffee time. Our NWIM staff spend the rest of the day together meeting on the top floor of Paulson House and venturing to Spokane’s Hillyard Neighborhood (named after the railroad yard that used to be there).

Wednesday evening I joined St. Luke for their Lent Soup Supper and Holden Evening Prayer. Their midweek series is The Apostle’s Creed and the Sacraments and I gave a message on the First Article.

Friday I did some writing and then headed over to Central Washington for Sarah Toney’s Saturday Ordination and Installation at Celebration Lutheran in East Wenatchee.

Sunday I preached at Grace Lutheran, across the Columbia River in Wenatchee. Pastor James presided and Deacon Ruth led the music–using so many great pieces from All Creation Sings. Before worship I led a forum on affordable housing, the companion synod trip last fall, and the office of the bishop.

Sunday afternoon I was able to connect with several rostered leaders individually. DEM Liv Larson Andrews preached for the Episcopal and ELCA congregations in Cashmere (worshiping together in Lent) so we ate lunch along the river before she drove back to Spokane. This morning I flew from Wenatchee through Seattle to Chicago for my second conference of bishops. Most of us from Regions 1 and 2 (the West) are gathering tomorrow morning and then the entire group will be together through Saturday morning.