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Category Archives: Reflections
Labor Day and Callings
Originally posted in the Northwest Intermountain Synod’s electronic newsletter. Dear Saints of the Northwest Intermountain Synod, Growing up in Custer, South Dakota, Labor Day weekend always marked the end of the major tourism season that shaped so much of life … Continue reading
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Southern Idaho Camp Tour
I have wanted to take a tour of the many camps in Southern Idaho since I first moved to the Treasure Valley in the fall of 2010 and the interest grew in 2011 when I started serving on the board … Continue reading
Ecumenism – at home and at the Castle
Last Monday I made it to Wartburg Seminary for the CaSTLE Project (Country and Small Town Lived Ecclesiology) Conference (their grant supporting rural ministry). Pastor Ramie drove me down from Wisconsin, where she lives and I was last weekend. She … Continue reading
Holy Wisdom Monastery + Family History/Present
On Monday I left the Northwest Intermountain Synod, so much of it on fire, for Wisconsin. It was the first time I considered forgoing travel to stay behind, because of the fires, especially those still burning through Spokane. A wise … Continue reading
Preparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering
Originally published in the early August 2026 NWIM Synod Newsletter. Dear Saints of the NWIM Synod, It is already time for you and your congregation to start planning for next summer’s ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, whether you have one or … Continue reading
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Remember Your Baptism
Originally published in the early July 2026 synod e-newsletter: Dear Friends in Christ, I have recently been saying around lunch tables and in sermons that my answer to just about everything in this moment is, remember your baptism. As you … Continue reading
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Rostered Ministers Gathering – Indiana
Last Monday through Thursday (July 6-9) was the third ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering, held in Indianapolis. Previous gatherings were in Atlanta and Phoenix and they are on a three-year cycle like the WELCA gathering and Youth Gathering (minus pandemic disruptions). … Continue reading
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All about Pride parades and festivals – a letter to the NWIM Synod
Originally sent to pastors, deacons, and synod council members in 2025. Across our synod, from June through September, community members will be showing up at Pride Parades and Festivals as one way to support our LGBTQ+ siblings. You might wonder … Continue reading
Book Review: The Art of Gathering
Pastor Todd Buegler from the ELCA Youth Ministry Network asked me in December if I would write an occasional book review for the Network’s online Connect Journal. Have you ever left a dinner party whispering “that was a waste of … Continue reading
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2026 Bp Report for Assembly
April 2026 Bishop’s Report to Assembly – Kennewick First Lutheran Scripture and Metaphors: During our 2023 bishop election, I said that I was guided by Galatians 5:13-14, 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as … Continue reading
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A Place at the Table 