Monthly Archives: February 2025

Visit to Greater Milwaukee Synod – Feb. 2025

Did you know that ELCA synods have domestic companion synod partners? Shortly after I started this call as bishop, Bishop Paul Erickson of the Greater Milwaukee Synod invited me for a visit. It took over a year, but this February … Continue reading

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Greater Milwaukee Synod – Sermon – Feb. 15

Milwaukee Synod (Domestic Companion Synod) – Feb. 15, 2025 Together in Mission 2025 event for lay and rostered leaders Luke 6:17-26 Thanks to Bishop Erickson for the invitation to be with you all. This was a synod I thought I … Continue reading

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Feb. 9, Hope, Eagle

Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 Nets breaking and boats sinking; the mention of these two images is enough for me to recall today’s gospel story–the calling of the first disciples in Luke’s gospel. The crowd of spectators and the men scrambling to haul in the … Continue reading

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Caring for our Kids and Youth in this Chapter

Originally published in the Northwest Intermountain Synod electronic newsletter, February 3, 2025. With the number of executive orders coming out of the new administration, state legislatures back in session, and the Season of Lent coming up, you may be scratching … Continue reading

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Shepherd of the Valley, Feb. 2

It was so good to be with SoV in Boise, about 11 months after Pastor Dave’s heart attack and the Sunday following when I was there to preside and give some comfort. There was wonderful energy this morning and Dave … Continue reading

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Near the Columbia River/Hope, the Stranger, History

Last Monday I flew from Boise to Portland, where a pastor and spouse picked me up on their way to the Byberg Preaching Conference in Seaside, OR. When I registered for this event months ago, I thought it would be … Continue reading

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