Category Archives: NWIM Synod

ELCA Youth Gathering – Created to Be

I’m at the Dallas Love Field airport, having left New Orleans early (after a rough day for the airlines) getting ready to return to the Boise area after a wonderful week at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. A huge shout … Continue reading

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Reflections After One Year

Originally published in the Northwest Intermountain Synod electronic-newsletter for July 2024. “14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe … Continue reading

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July 14, 2024 – Wilbur

Wonderful morning with the saints of Wilbur Community Church in Wilbur, WA this morning. Wilbur is a federated Presbyterian USA/ELCA Congregation–meaning fully a member of both denominations. This became official in around 2020. They are currently served by Pr. Steven … Continue reading

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Celebration of New Partnership – Mountain Home

This morning, Bishop Jos (Idaho Episcopal Diocese) and I were both in Mountain Home to celebrate St. James Episcopal and Grace Lutheran sharing a priest. These two churches have long known one another, shared Advent worship services and soup suppers, … Continue reading

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June 7, 2024 St. James/Grace, Mountain Home

Sermon time shared with Bishop Jos of the Idaho Episcopal Diocese. St. James Episcopal Church and Grace Lutheran Church are now sharing an Episcopal priest, Father Larry. This joint worship at St. James, followed by lunch at Grace, celebrated this … Continue reading

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Omaha Ordination

This past weekend I traveled to Omaha, NE to preside at Gretchen Olson Kopp’s ordination to ministry of word and sacrament. She has been called to St. Mark’s Lutheran in Spokane, WA. On Gretchen’s suggestion, I worshiped at First Lutheran … Continue reading

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Candidacy and North Idaho

Last Friday and Saturday, the synod candidacy committee met for business and interviews. This is the committee of the Northwest Intermountain Synod which walks alongside candidates for Word and Sacrament and Word and Service ministry. During this meeting we had … Continue reading

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First Lutheran, Sandpoint Installation

June 2, 2024 Duane Fister’s Installation Acts 12:24-13:5a You have had quite a journey First Lutheran. First, with everyone else, you experienced a global pandemic. You said goodbye to a pastor and welcomed interims. You continue to steward your relationship … Continue reading

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Bonners Ferry, June 2

Trinity, Bonners Ferry 2 Cor. 4:5-12 These verses from 2nd Corinthians are, to my mind, among the most encouraging in all of scripture. They speak of the consistency of God’s loving care from the first day of creation to this present … Continue reading

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Ellensburg, Toppenish, Tri-Cities

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 … Continue reading

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