A Place at the Table

I am writing this specifically for my congregants at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nampa, Idaho. Anyone who knows how to do a search on the internet can find a list of articles or books to read, films to watch, or pieces to listen to which will help them live into the current moment and better understand systemic racism and white supremacy.

I have tried to identify when my own journey began. I am embarrassed to say that although many books, conversations, and relationships shaped me and planted seeds, it was not until Ferguson that I sensed that the Civil Rights Movement had not solved as much as I had been told and that, as important, laws passed then had been chipped away at in the following years. What’s more, as a white person, I benefited from the lack of progress in ways I did not even understand.

I have not arrived. My personal work is far from over. There are new voices I need to read and more conversations I need to have. But I have done some work and I shepherd a flock of people who are at all different stages on this journey, but might be curious about recommendations from their pastor. Here are just a few great ones: Continue reading →

Dear Members and Friends of Trinity Lutheran, Nampa,

Idaho Governor Brad Little began gradually lifting the Stay at Home Order and included churches in Stage One of Rebound Idaho, congregational leaders (pastors and lay people) in the ELCA Treasure Valley Cluster have been discerning when we should return to in-person worship and, if so, what would it look like. Trinity’s Council President Kim Mills and I were asked to serve on the Treasure Valley Cluster COVID-19 Task Force.  We have been working with representatives from other congregations. Our synodical bishop also provided guidance in a recent letter, which I commend to you. Continue reading →