This last week was full, so full, of conversations and moments and beauty and all the things I love about this chapter of my life. My mom and I flew into Spokane from Phoenix and Boise respectively and drove over to Coeur d’Alene Monday. We stayed in a VRBO for two nights in between downtown and another older part of town. The weather Tuesday was gorgeous (unlike today’s snow). We walked around part of Tubbs Hill and then ate lunch at a place along the Spokane River. Phone calls and video conferencing are great but it was so good to have time together in person.

Wednesday and Thursday were filled with meetings and time with staff and making final preparations for the first of our three Regional Gatherings. We also briefly reviewed our online special synod assembly from Sunday evening, which now seems like a year ago.

Friday, mom and I got together with DEM Liv and her parents (in town for their grandson’s theater production). Mom and I went to REI where I bought this great poster for my office.

Then we went to lunch with Regional Gathering speaker Grace Pomroy and Luther Seminary representative Lisa–such a rich conversation.

Advent Lutheran in Spokane Valley did a wonderful job hosting our first Gathering. Grace exceeded my expectations. Everyone participated. It was lovely to be at a church and the icing on the cake was that the pews were covered with quilts soon being packed up and distributed through Lutheran World Relief. They made the sanctuary colorful and cozy. The worship elements were just right. Our staff and participants had time to make plenty of wonderful connections. Our special guest from the PCUSA Land Stewardship Program was fabulous and many people connected with him.

Sunday morning, Mom and I drove down through the Palouse to Troy, Idaho. I preached and Pastor Pat Kailey presided. Worship included blessing of many LWR quilts and was followed by a delicious Annual Fish Fry. During the Q and A I was asked great questions that made it clear Troy Lutheran is now in a good season of discernment about what is next. They already have a great foundation of meaningful worship, meaningful partnerships in the community, and a dedicated group of lay folks.