Category Archives: Reflections

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

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Leave a comment

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

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Idahoans Against the Death Penalty

Press Conference at Idaho State Capitol, Nov. 7, 2024, Bp Manlove (I am so grateful for the 1991 ELCA Social Statement on the death penalty. All quotes here are from that statement.) The Lutherans of the Northwest Intermountain Synod-ELCA grieve … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s Grounding You?

Originally published in the Northwest Intermountain Synod e-newsletter. As I write this, we are a few days from the election. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has excellent words about Casting Ballots as People of Faith in THIS VIDEO, which I encourage … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Lay Leadership Retreat – Preach, Pray, Preside

This past weekend, 11 lay people from across the northern part of the synod, three pastor teachers, and two synod staffers came together for prayer, learning, and building relationships. We titled the event Preach, Pray, Preside. Six of the participants … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Visit to St. Paul, Chewelah

I am making my way through a backlog of blog posts I could not post in real time because this time up in Spokane has been so full! Yesterday, Reformation Sunday, I preached at St. Paul Lutheran in Chewelah, WA. … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Leave a comment