Category Archives: NWIM Synod

End of a Road Trip

When people ask me what has surprised me most about this call as bishop, how I respond usually depends on the day or week. I have certainly been surprised by the pastoral care needed by both rostered leaders and congregations. … Continue reading

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Prince of Peace – June 22, 2025

Luke 8:26-39 (Prince of Peace, Spokane, during Pr. Skindlov’s sabbatical) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you so much Prince of Peace for the invitation to be with you this morning … Continue reading

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Holy Trinity Sunday with First Lutheran, Ellensburg

June 15, 2025 John 16:12-15 The Holy Trinity, the center of this Sunday’s celebration, is, I believe, one of the most counter-cultural Christian beliefs. To live in the information age is to be inundated with photos, stories, data, headlines, and … Continue reading

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Outdoor Ministries, Joy, and Grief

I have spent the last week enjoying the spaces and the people who make up to of our Northwest Intermountain Synod’s outdoor ministry sites. Last Sunday through Tuesday I was at Luther Heights Bible Camp, a small camp between Stanley … Continue reading

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Reflections on Montana Synod Assembly

I am writing this blog post from the Great Falls Airport having spent the last few days with the Montana Synod during their Assembly. I was here as the Region 1 bishop representative because the assembly had a bishop election. … Continue reading

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Answering “How are you?”

I’ve been quiet on this blog the last few weeks. After our Synod Assembly and a few more days up in Spokane I flew back to the Treasure Valley and because of some miracle in the calendar have been here … Continue reading

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May ’25 Mission Support Thank You!

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” John … Continue reading

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195, 395, and Online Assembly

Two Saturdays ago I attended the wedding, here in the Treasure Valley, of a former parishioner and then I left before the reception so I could fly into Spokane. Sunday morning I drove down Highway 195 to Pullman for Pastor … Continue reading

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Bishop’s Report for 2025 NWIM Synod Assembly

One piece of the complete 2025 Synod Assembly Notebook Dear Friends in Christ, We are gathering as a synod under the theme Wellsprings of God’s Love. What does that mean precisely? A congregation is a Wellspring of God’s love when … Continue reading

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Easter Sermon – St. John’s Lutheran

American Falls – April 20, 2025 Easter – John 20:1-18 Peter goes to the tomb, looks in, observes the linen wrapping neatly folded and placed to the side.  He sees but comes to no conclusion and goes home. The other disciple … Continue reading

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