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Category Archives: Reflections
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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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
Time for Stories
Originally published in the Northwest Intermountain Synod e-newsletter. Octopuses have had an excellent few years in pop culture. In 2020 there was the inspiring documentary, My Octopus Teacher. Two years later, Shelby Van Pelt’s novel Remarkably Bright Creatures became a best seller (I … Continue reading
Through the Palouse to Spokane
After preaching at First Lutheran, Kennewick last Sunday, I drove to Trinity Lutheran, Endicott for the 75th anniversary of their historic church building. From the church’s FB page: We were blessed to have these people back home with us to … Continue reading
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South Central Cluster +
Tuesday: Drove to Yakima with a stop along the way for a pre-Approval conversation with one of our Word and Sacrament ministry candidates. Grateful for former Trinity, Nampa member Ruthann for hosting me. Wednesday: Noon Lent worship at Central Lutheran … Continue reading
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Grief and Gratitude
Originally published in the NWIM Synod March e-newsletter. Psalm 13 (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship) 1How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long shall I have perplexity in my mind, and grief in … Continue reading
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
Bishop’s Report for NWIM Synod Council
Bishop’s Report for NWIM Synod Council – January 2025 Pastor: Since our fall meeting, I have visited the following congregations for a Sunday worship or an ordination: Fullness of God at Holden Village, Lake Chelan Lutheran, Sunnyside Lutheran, ordination/installation at … Continue reading
Bishops Academy in Puerto Rico
I am just finishing my first work trip of 2025: ELCA and ELCiCanada Bishops Academy in Puerto Rico. The Academy, held every two years in various locations, provides fellowship and continuing education for those of us called to serve as … Continue reading
LOM Conference
Last Monday through Friday I was in Baltimore for the annual Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Conference. I served on the LOM board from 2013-2018 and attended many conferences and board meetings. I stayed involved with the network, developing an education committee, … Continue reading
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A Place at the Table 