Category Archives: Reflections

Idaho’s Prop 1 & Lutheran Social Teachings

Oct. 9, 2024 Dear ELCA Lutherans in Idaho, I am writing to you today to draw your attention to Proposition 1 on the ballot this November. It is my privilege to share that our church is on record for unrestricted … Continue reading

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Room for Mystery

I adapted the following from a portion of my D.Min. dissertation Equipping Lutherans for Faith Storytelling. I grieved when I realized the people in my congregation did not feel that they had a grace-filled faith story to tell other people. … 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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Retreat in Seward

I never learned the history, but Region 1 of the ELCA (AK, MT, OR, SW WA, NW WA, NWIM) has a long history of bishops and spouses retreats. We rotate around the region and this year we were hosted by … Continue reading

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Holy Trinity Lutheran & St. Paul Lutheran

Last fall I received an email from Gary Bracht, council president of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Ephrata, inviting me out to Holy Trinity and St. Paul Quincy this March. The weekend finally arrived! I drove over yesterday and had dinner … Continue reading

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Before Scheduled Execution-Letter from ELCA Lutherans to Idaho’s Governor

Context: In 2023, Idaho approved a law that made a firing squad the state’s backup method of execution when lethal injection drugs are unavailable. Resolution passed at April 2023 Northwest Intermountain Synod-ELCA Assembly: Condemn the use of the firing squad … Continue reading

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Quick trip to Tri-Cities and Walla Walla

Saturday afternoon I drove up through the Northeast corner of Oregon to Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Kennewick, WA. I got to the church early and took a short walk to get the blood flowing. I was helped on … Continue reading

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Camp, Congregation, and Home

I spent all day Saturday with an incredible group of people talking about camps, congregations, families, and faith. From the Rhythms of Faith website: “The Rhythms of Faith Project seeks to empower parents and caregivers in family faith formation by … Continue reading

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Manifestations

Originally published in the Northwest Intermountain Synod January 2024 e-news: “…. anthems be to thee addressed, God in flesh made manifest.” ELW 310 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise has always been a favorite hymn of mine, ever since I had … Continue reading

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Lutheran Higher Ed (or Cobbers & Lutes)

There was a time last spring when I thought I would spend Oct. 13, 2023 flying to Moorhead, Minnesota for my 25th college reunion at Concordia. But the Northwest Intermountain Synod Candidacy Committee needed a Saturday to meet (tomorrow) and … Continue reading

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