Just less than a week ago I was getting ready to drive from Nampa to Ellensburg for our third of three Regional Gatherings. It was a long drive as I had not slept well the night before, but I took breaks and I had a great book to listen to (see end of blog post). As with Advent, Spokane Valley and Our Savior, Twin Falls, First Lutheran in Ellensburg was full of people who did an amazing job hosting us. Our volunteer registrar Diana was super organized. I arrived at the church early and got a nice tour from Pastor Dennis Hickman, who has served there for twenty years. Our speaker Grace Pomroy was again an engaging and wise presenter. We had ministry partners from Lutheran Community Services NW, Faith Action Network, Lutherhaven, and Holden Village. Most of all I am grateful for everyone who showed up ready to learn, sing, pray, and build relationships. It was so good to be together. Our sending service this time included a blessing for those in our synod (along with gifts they will take) who will be traveling to our companion synod, the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese of Tanzania, this summer.

Growing up in Custer, SD, all I knew about Ellensburg as a kid was that it was where the Borruds went when they were not running Lee Valley Ranch, their private camp near Custer. Dick helped start my home congregation, Custer Lutheran Fellowship, and was the campus pastor at South Dakota State University. He was later the campus pastor at Central Washington in Ellensburg. We knew him not just because of Custer but because he and my dad were both significant to the Lutheran camping movement. So, I was grateful the Borruds were in town and I was able to spend some time with them.

Sunday morning I headed south to Faith Lutheran in Toppenish, a congregation that began in the 1930s as a mission to the Yakima. They have shared a pastor, Tim Carnahan, with Our Savior in Sunnyside recently. They have also recently discerned that it is time for holy closure. A buyer is in the process of purchasing the building and its stuff (pews to dishes) so May 19, Pentecost was Faith’s Leave-Taking worship service. It was wonderful to hear stories of members and former members before and after worship, bring the synod’s thanks for years of faithful ministry, and participate in a small way in the worship service. One former pastor, Jim Christiansen, came back and I was grateful to hear about his time there in the 1970s. Many members from Our Savior came for worship and it was fun to meet them.

I drove that afternoon to the Tri-Cities, where I lodged with the Cryers, who I traveled to Tanzania with last fall. I attended an evening Youth Gathering fundraiser at Lord of Life Lutheran Church–best chocolate brownie I have had in a long time.

The next day I had breakfast with a candidate for ministry from the Tri-Cities and brunch with another ministry candidate from nearby. The morning of conversations ended with a sunny walk along the Columbia River.

The drive home was much easier because it was shorter and I had a few meetings and phone conversations. It was also gorgeous! Eastern Oregon is only green for a few months, but it was green and sunny on Monday afternoon. The stretch from La Grande to Baker City was especially breath-taking.

Playlist:

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (I’m about 1/3 through it)

A Braver Way podcast: How do you handle being triggered?

Pivot Podcast: Displacement of Enchantment–Dwight Zscheile interviews Andy Root