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Category Archives: Reflections
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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April 2026 Report to Synod Council
Bishop’s Report to NWIM Synod Council – April 2026 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not … Continue reading
“Retreat” season for a bishop
The last month, since my bishops visit to our Lutheran seminary in Chicago and Spring Conference of Bishops, has been filled with three important retreats. After Conference of Bishops, I flew to Spokane. March 8, I led worship at Salem … Continue reading
COB Spring 2026
March 3-7 I was in Chicago with the ELCA Conference of Bishops. You can read the press release below. We have had a great deal of transition with many new synod bishops elected last spring and a new presiding bishop … Continue reading
Ecumenical and Interfaith in the Treasure Valley
I’m a week behind on posts! Last Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent 2026: ELCA Lutheran Pastor Mia Crosthwaite serves Kuna United Methodist Church in Kuna, ID. This is possible because the ELCA and UMC are in full communion–we can … Continue reading
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Two Capitols – One Synod
Thursday, February 12 was Faith Action Network’s Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia! I’m grateful for the pre-sessions, their weekly updates, the welcome today, and all of the work behind the scenes all year long. As the bishop of NWIM Synod, … Continue reading
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Bishops and ELCA Staff Trip to the Holy Land
Dear Northwest Intermountain Synod: ELCA (and other readers), It was an honor to represent our synod and the larger ELCA on a bishops accompaniment visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). One big highlight of our visit was the consecration of their new bishop, but … Continue reading
United at the Font – Pocatello
Last Saturday, Nov. 15, I joined the third and final United at the Font: Partnering for the Future event at First UMC in Pocatello. We held previous United at the Font events in Moses Lake (Oct. 25) and Clarkston (Nov. … Continue reading
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A Place at the Table 