As ELCA Lutherans follow the ID Legislature

Posted on January 23, 2025 by megganmanlove

Jan. 22, 2025

Dear Idahoans in the NWIM Synod: ELCA,

The state legislature is back in session. Various legislators and the governor gave us previews of what to expect and the first few weeks have already seen a flurry of bills. In the summary of the ELCA’s 1991 Social Statement Church in Society, we read, “God’s restless church is called to serve and advocate in response to such diverse social situations as disasters, poverty, discrimination, social policies and economic arrangements. The statement says the church should keep enough critical distance from society to act, when appropriate, like the prophets of Scripture. Prophets challenged the culture, exposed the power of sin and idolatry, and spoke out on behalf of the poor and powerless.”

Our cranberry ELW hymnal has beautiful prayers for those who govern. Please pray for them often during worship and on your own. Get to know our legislators and those on their staffs. The more real relationships we build, the more meaningful conversations we can have. Rejoice when they pass legislation that helps those most on the margins of society. Unfortunately, those moments do not always get the most press. 

I am particularly mindful of the legislation being proposed around the following issues, legislation that could adversely impact the most vulnerable in the state. I hope you will join me in opposing the following:

  • A repeal of Medicaid expansion
  • Legislation that further erodes women’s reproductive health
  • Taxpayer support for private and religious education (which could end up underfunding public schools and burdening tax payers) 
  • Legislation that dehumanizes and threatens immigrants and refugees (see the letter from the Region 1 ELCA bishops on immigration)
  • Legislation that dehumanizes our LGBTQ siblings and takes away their human rights (see our synod’s 2023 resolution on Transgender Dignity)

I will also be watching for scheduled executions and will join others who protest them (see our synod’s 2023 resolution condemning the use of the firing squad and all forms of the death penalty). 

On the other hand, any legislation that addresses food and housing challenges, I will follow closely and hope to support whole heartedly. The 1999 ELCA Social Statement Economic Life “addresses economic life in light of the moral imperative to seek sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all.” I want all Idahoans to have enough and believe the legislature could help solve food and housing scarcity.

Bishop Meggan Manlove

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Region 1 Bishops Immigration Statement

Posted on January 22, 2025 by megganmanlove

January 22, 2025

A Statement on Immigration

As Lutherans, we are called to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ, who welcomed strangers and emphasized love, mercy, and justice for all people. We believe that every human being, regardless of their country of origin or legal status, is created in the image of God and has inherent dignity and worth. This foundational truth compels us to approach the issue of immigration with compassion and a commitment to the common good.

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality. God commands the people of Israel, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34). Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) shows us that caring for people in need is central to who we are as Christians. The parable also challenges us to acknowledge the goodness in all people because the “foreigner” in the story is the one who acts in the most Christlike way. In light of these teachings, we advocate for an immigration policy that reflects Christ’s love, recognizing that all people deserve respect and protection. 

The Lutheran tradition emphasizes both mercy and justice. Justice requires everyone, including immigrants, to be treated fairly and equitably. While upholding the rule of law is important, it must not be done in ways that dehumanize or exploit vulnerable people. We are especially concerned about the possibility that places of worship, hospitals, and schools could be the target of deportation raids. A policy that allowed such raids would increase the suffering not only of undocumented people but also of many people who would fear being unjustly targeted and thus avoid those places. Denying people the opportunity to attend worship, be educated, or receive medical treatment violates individuals’ fundamental rights. We urge those in government and law enforcement who are responsible for the detention or deportation of undocumented persons to consider how their actions might be seen in the eyes of God.

We are all members of the same human family. Therefore, we approach immigration not merely as a political or legal issue but as a matter of human solidarity. The health and prosperity of the United States are intertwined with the contributions and lives of immigrants. Immigrants bring diverse gifts and play an essential role in our communities and economies. Our immigration policies should reflect a commitment to the welfare of all, especially the most vulnerable. 

As people who have received God’s mercy and grace, we are called to extend that same mercy and grace to others. This means offering opportunities for new beginnings, particularly for those already present in the United States without legal documentation. A just immigration policy would provide pathways to citizenship for those who have lived in the U.S. for years, contributing to the country and integrating into our communities. It should also guarantee protection for those fleeing violence or persecution, ensure that immigrant families remain united, and make sure that children are not punished for their parents’ actions.

We are called, as individuals and as a society, to remember that the immigrants among us are not intruders or enemies but bearers of the image of God, deserving of our care, respect, and advocacy.

The Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop, Northwest Washington Synod

The Rev. Richard Jaech, Bishop, Southwestern Washington Synod

The Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling, Bishop, Montana Synod                                

The Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar, Bishop, Oregon Synod

The Rev. Dr. Meggan Manlove, Bishop, Northwest Intermountain Synod

The Rev. Timothy Oslovich, Bishop, Alaska Synod

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Letter for Annual Meetings

Posted on January 22, 2025 by megganmanlove

13Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’  John 4:13-14 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our synod staff and synod council have been using the phrase Wellsprings of God’s Love to describe ministries across the beautiful and vast Northwest Intermountain Synod. In our two-page document about what we do together as a synod, you’ll read, “As the waters of our synod all flow into streams and creeks that run into the Snake and Columbia Rivers, our ministry sites make up a watershed proclaiming the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ.” Using the phrase Wellsprings of God’s Love is meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive. In other words, we do not want to give you one more thing to do or be. The phrase comes out of who you already are, which our staff observes as we travel throughout the synod. Furthermore, a wellspring implies abundance, and we trust that such abundance is possible because of God’s love made known to us through Jesus Christ. Whether you are in a rural community or a more urban area, your ministry might feel isolated; you are not. The waters above ground and the aquifers below keep us connected as one synod, one church. Wellsprings are not isolated, and neither are our ministries!

Our scripture guide for Wellsprings of God’s Love comes from John chapter 4: Jesus’ encountering the woman at the well. Jesus uses the phrase “living water” for the Holy Spirit that meets people’s thirst for life in relationship with God. Ultimately, that is what ministries in our Northwest Intermountain Synod do, help people be in relationship with the loving God we worship. Whatever that looks like in your context, thank you! And thank you also for your gifts of Mission Support. Because of Mission Support from congregations like yours, our entire synod can collectively help people build and strengthen their relationships with God. 

When we gather online for our Synod Assembly, Saturday, May 3, we will use John 4:7-15 as our central text. Further along in the story, in verse 29, the woman says to the people in her city, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” 

As you celebrate the ministries in your own congregation from the past year and look ahead to the new year, I encourage you individually and collectively to wonder and commit to who you will proclaim, “Come and see!” Who in your sphere of family and friends has no idea that a Wellspring of God’s Love even exists? Who needs a place of welcome? Who has no clue that God’s love is absolutely without a doubt for them? Who is parched from the daily grind of life? Telling someone about God’s love can be scary. Inviting someone to join you for worship or a potluck might be overwhelming. Consider how you have experienced your congregation, or one like it, as a Wellspring of God’s Love. That is your story, your truth. And then you can be bold to say, “Come and see!”

Peace,

Bishop Meggan Manlove

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Whitney UMC: Celebrating Sophia’s Table at BSU

Posted on January 19, 2025 by megganmanlove

Pastor Hannah Andres (Whitney United Methodist Church, Boise and Sophia’s Table) asked me to bring greetings to Whitney UMC and thank them for their partnership in campus ministry. What a wonderful morning! A BSU professor greeted me after worship. A few of his students came to worship at Whitney for the first time this morning and they were able to meet one of the students already involved in Sophia’s Table. This congregation, by the way, does an incredible job of loving their neighbors through food and clothing ministries. Thanks for the invite Pastor Hannah! Also a shout-out to the two current ELCA board members of Sophia’s Table: Pastor Mariah Mills (Redeemer, Boise) and Tom Trotter (Immanuel, Boise). Scroll down for my words of explanation and gratitude. Bonus, Pastor Hannah is doing a sermon series on Methodism so I got a lesson in Holy Conferencing.

With Pastor Hannah after worship

Thank You Whitney UMC, Boise – Jan. 19, 2025

I am here to celebrate the ecumenical campus ministry at Boise State: Sophia’s Table, but first some background. My name is Meggan Manlove and since July 2023 I have served as bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod, covering mostly Eastern WA and Idaho, 88 ministries between Leavenworth, WA and Jackson, WY. Before my election, I served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran, Nampa for 12.5 years.

ELCA stands for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are evangelical because we believe and trust in the good news, evangelion in Greek, not because we are part of the capital E Evangelical Movement in this country. The ELCA is one of several Lutheran families in the Treasure Valley, other families are Missouri Synod, Wisconsin Synod, Lutheran Church of the Brethren. The ELCA is the family that ordains women and LGBTQ individuals, and we practice what we call open table, non-members are welcome to Holy Communion.

Since the creation of the ELCA church body in 1988, this synod has supported Lutheran Campus Ministries on three campuses: Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington State University in Pullman, and University of Idaho in Moscow.

For many years, including during my 12+ years serving in Nampa, we ELCA Lutherans wanted to start some kind of campus ministry at Boise State, possibly ecumenically. When District Superintendent Rev. Karen Hernandez, Interim Presbyter Rachel Yates, and I started meeting for lunch, none of us dreamed this might be a fruit, but it is, in part thanks to you all! Rev. Karen suggested appointing a pastor at Whitney ¾ time. The other ¼ appointment would be to campus ministry IF two other ecumenical partners would join. We Lutherans and Presbyterians eventually said Yes. Last fall, the students named the ministry Sophia’s Table.

Why yet another campus ministry at Boise State? To be the bridge from the Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, UCC, Episcopal, Disciples of Christ congregations of students’ youth to their adulthood congregations, to be sure. But more importantly, to ensure there is a space where young adults can hear and explore the gospel, the gospel in which Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection liberates us from our bondage to sin, individual sin and systems of oppression. Further, young adult followers of Jesus, no matter their gender, first language, race, or sexual identity, need to know that they are loved and forgiven and freed by Jesus’ Christ. So, hear from your ELCA Lutheran siblings that we are incredibly grateful to be partnering with you in this ministry: Sophia’s Table.

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Grand Canyon and NWIM Synods-Church Together

Posted on January 13, 2025 by megganmanlove

For Baptism of our Lord Sunday, my mom and I drove northwest of Mesa to Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West. One of our Northwest Intermountain Synod candidates for Word and Sacrament ministry received full-tuition scholarship from this congregation for his seminary education at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. I figured that since I was relatively close, I could go make the trip and say thank you. Mom and I slipped into the very end of the 8:30 am worship service and were seated in the front pew. Imagine our surprise when we looked behind us and saw the Tuckers, who we used to worship with at our home church: Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer, SD! On our way to coffee hour between the two services, a woman thanked me for my words and said she had been baptized at Cameron Emmanuel near Kendrick, ID where I was for the Second Sunday of Advent!! (Read on for more NWIM Synod connections).

Associate Pastor Pam Reynold presiding at the 10:30am service.
With the Tuckers
Leone Lovejoy, baptized at Cameron Emmanuel

My first Sunday in Mesa, mom and I attended Love of Christ, where several members of Lutheran Church of the Master, Coeur d’Alene came up to me and said, “You’re our bishop!” One of them was Pat Fuller. Years ago she and her husband gifted this cross to the congregation. As the congregation has just sold the part of the building where the cross hung, she and her husband offered to bring it to their winter congregation, Love of Christ!

Pat Fuller with the cross from Lutheran Church of the Master
Finishing a 5-mile hike with Bishop Deb Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod: ELCA

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Year of Luke & the Season after Epiphany

Posted on January 12, 2025 by megganmanlove

Originally published in the bi-monthly electronic newsletter of the Northwest Intermountain Synod-ELCA.

Bernward’s Doors: Presentation in the Temple

If your congregation follows the Revised Common Lectionary or the newer Narrative Lectionary, you could be hearing regularly from Luke’s Gospel (plus the Wedding at Cana from John 2) between now and Ash Wednesday, March 5. I actually love a long Season after Epiphany (marking the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus) because we keep learning more and more about Jesus, hearing more manifestations. That said, it can be a hard season to hold together thematically. You might consider, as Sundays and Seasons from Augsburg Fortress suggested, singing a gathering hymn like When Jesus Came to Jordan (ELW 305) or Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (ELW 310) for the entire season! Or you could simply keep stars up in the sanctuary for eight weeks. 

Luke’s Gospel has much to offer us during this church season and all year. I first grew to appreciate this Gospel my first summer working on a Lutheran camp staff. Our weekly bible study that year was on the liturgical, or church, year and was largely shaped by Luke’s Gospel, for obvious reasons. All the Gospels include Jesus’ death and resurrection, but Luke’s Gospel also includes one of Jesus’ birth narratives and, if you read Luke-Acts as two volumes of one narrative written by the same author, the Pentecost story. That Lutheran camp also offered Morning Prayer (Matins) every morning for anyone who wanted to attend and worshiped using Prayer at the End of the Day (Compline) in the middle of each camp session. Both of those daily offices, along with Evening Prayer (Vespers), are anchored by one of the canticles sung in the first two chapters of Luke.  In many ways, the canticles by Jesus’ mother Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon set up the rest of the rest of the Gospel:

prayer (which Jesus does often in Luke),

the activity of the Holy Spirit, and

attention to those on the margins of society.

the reign of God, Jesus as Savior (deliverer and rescuer),

warnings about wealth’s potential to corrupt,

Where might you go for resources on preaching on or teaching Luke’s Gospel? About a year ago, I used this space to introduce a commentary on Mark’s Gospel and so I thought I would use this January column to name some of my favorite commentaries on Luke. None of this should prevent any of you readers from bringing your own life experiences and stories to this Gospel; something it sadly took me too long to learn to do. That said, a good commentary can be one of many helpful tools in the preaching and teaching toolbox. For years I leaned heavily on Alan Culpepper’s Luke commentary in the New Interpreter’s Bible. More recently I have been turning to Joel Green’s older New International Commentary, which weaves together historical and narrative context. Two new commentaries that could be interesting to read straight through, rather than turning to them for a particular passage, are Justo Gonzalez’ 2010 commentary in the Belief series and Robert Karris’ Eating Your Way Through Luke’s Gospel. I also love visiting the Vanderbilt Divinity Library’s lectionary to see which pieces of art they have paired with the Sunday scripture readings. What is your favorite commentary or source for preaching and teaching on Luke (podcast, YouTube series, blog)? 

Thanks to all of you who will be preaching the gospel and teaching across the Northwest Intermountain Synod in 2025! Your communities and the world needs to hear about Jesus’ love and healing.

Peace,

Bishop Meggan Manlove

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Bishops Academy in Puerto Rico

Posted on January 9, 2025 by megganmanlove

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 bishop in the United States and Canada.

Saturday: National Forest excursion we could opt into. Many of us went to El Yunque National Rainforest for hiking, water fun, waterfalls, and a delicious lunch! Then back to the hotel for opening worship and a message from Rev. Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Sunday: Bishops went to worship in many different churches around and in San Juan on a most important festival Sunday in Puerto Rico: Epiphany or Tres Reyes! I attended Iglesia Evangelical Lutheran De La Epifania in Bayamon, named for this special day. I attended with Bishop Becca Middeke-Conlin (OK-AR Synod) and Bishop Craig Miller (Upper Susquehanna Synod–Pennsylvania) and his family. Pastor Rafaela Morales, the first woman pastor lifted up by the Caribbean Synod, was visiting that day (see photo below) from her home in Worcester, MA–such an honor to meet her! The worship was wonderful! After worship we guests were given boxes to fill with grass for the camels or horses and then the three kings processed in with gifts for us and the entire congregation. We then went to the fellowship hall for an amazing lunch and live music and dancing.

In the evening we made a trip out to the Lutheran Camp, where we also spent Monday and Tuesday morning, for another special Epiphany festival. This camp dates back to 1951, when the women of the Caribbean Synod raised $1000 to purchase the 16 acres! The camp suffered greatly during Hurricane Maria. As people came to Puerto Rico to help after the hurricane, the camp hosted volunteers and began to be redeveloped. Many of us hiked up the hill to the rebuilt chapel (the altar was the only thing that survived the hurricane).

Monday: Summary from my colleague Bp Nathan Pipho of the New England Synod: “This morning, the Rev. Dr. Jose David Rodriguez told us a Lutheran presence on the island of Puerto Rico dates back to the 16th century and shared more about Lutheran ministry on the island since 1898 and the many contributions of Puerto Rican leaders to the ELCA. [Many of us had read Rodriguez’ Caribbean Lutherans before the event.] This afternoon the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos challenged us to move beyond colonial/imperialist thinking that God speaks to just one dominant culture with that message then interpreted to others. He instead invited us to listen for God speaking in local vernacular and used five local Puerto Rican expressions to lead us deeper into an understanding of God’s work in the world.”

Tuesday: In the morning we heard from Rev. Dr. Evie Landrau, who works for ELCA World Hunger, on “The Social and Political situation on the Island, focusing on Afro-descendent struggles and contributions.” Dr. Landrau was also our guide through El Yunque. I am grateful for all she shared personally, theologically, and politically. Wow! We were also greeted by Rev. Eugene Cho, newer President/CEO of Bread for the World. I continue to be so grateful for Bread’s work and witness.

Again from Bp Pipho “This afternoon the bishops were led on a walking tour of Old San Juan. We saw the street where an encounter between a Black Jamaican and a Swedish Lutheran seminarian in 1898 led to the first Protestant worship in San Juan and also the building where the Lutherans first gathered for worship. Tonight is the sending Eucharist, closing dinner, and music and dancing led by Junte Loiceño!”

A huge thank you to worship planner and leader Deacon John Weit. I loved being introduced to so many new songs and appreciate all the care he put into planning our devotions and worship services. It is also such a gift to worship and sit in the pew, soaking it all in and being present!

Big thanks to Bp. Vivian Davila (Caribbean Synod, ELCA), our gracious hostess, who worked so hard to make local arrangements for a successful Bishops Academy.

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Thanks for Mission Support

Posted on December 19, 2024 by megganmanlove

“Together in Jesus Christ we are freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly, and serve joyfully.” Mission of the Northwest Intermountain Synod

Dec. 17, 2024       

Dear Friends in Christ,

Thank you again for gifting the synod with Mission Support throughout 2024! Your generosity has been immense and, when you factor for some special circumstances last year, Mission Support this year is up. Hooray! Mission Support, special gifts, and SHARE Fund grants have helped us carry out our synod’s mission in these wonderful ways:

  • Three Regional Gatherings with Grace Pomroy, who helped us think about Funding Forward
  • Flood Relief campaign for our siblings in the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese of Tanzania
  • Sharing the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ at our three Lutheran Campus Ministries
  • Walking with nine ministry candidates in different stages of the ELCA Candidacy process
  • Supporting Cultivating Justice, a synod authorized outreach ministry in Wenatchee
  • Connecting with congregations across the synod through synod staff visits 
  • Enrolling eight lay people in the Montana Synod’s Lay Ministry Associate program and hosting eleven participants at our Preach, Pray, Preside Retreat
  • First Call Theological Education retreat with much of Region 1 and coaching for all of our pastors and deacons in their first call
  • Gathering online for book and Bible studies to grow as followers of Jesus Christ
  • Pastors and deacons praying, engaging with scripture, and nurturing relationships at Bishop’s Fall Convocation, with lectures by Dr. Rachel Wrenn and Pr. Tim Brown
  • Our synod representatives traveling to the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese, continuing our accompaniment relationship
  • Launching a second cohort of HAVEN: a means of refuge and avenue for wellness for rostered leaders (engaging Bowen Family Systems Theory)
  • Connecting online through monthly Council Connections, Land Stewardship Cohort, pastors leading congregations in transition group, committee work, and more
  • Our Eco-faith Action Network defining their mission and making plans for future ministry
  • Congregation call committees and synod staff walking together through transitions and calling new pastors and deacons, including several new ecumenical partnerships

Again, thank you for your Mission Support and additional gifts in 2024. We have done so much together as a synod for the sake of the Gospel because of your generosity! Only because of rising costs will our synod need an extra $84,000 to meet budget. Synod staff and council have done well keeping expenses low, despite costs going up. An extra gift of $500 per congregation would equal $43,000 and be an additional help in closing the gap. Thank you in advance for your end-of-year Mission Support. The synod hopes to build on the ministries named in this letter in 2025!

Bishop Meggan Manlove

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Palouse and Spokane

Posted on December 15, 2024 by megganmanlove

December 6, I flew up to Spokane and drove down to Moscow for Saturday’s Advent Brunch at Emmanuel Lutheran, Moscow. I shared the history of two of my favorite Advent hymns: Lost in the Night and Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers! and talked about the work of the synod. Organizer Charlene and I learned that we both lived in the International House at the University of Chicago while earning master’s degrees. Emmanuel is served by Pastor Sierra Westermann. It was fun to talk with members about the energy in the congregation and preschool. I loved the poster on the fellowship hall wall laying out the congregation’s goals for 2024.

It was commencement weekend for the University of Idaho so the town was pretty full, though not as full as for spring graduation. There was also a Saturday evening football game at University of Idaho. I stayed at my lovely home-stay and watched the NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Tournament.

Sunday morning, interim pastor of Cameron Emanuel near Kendrick, Idaho Nick Nicolai picked me up and drove us out to Cameron where I preached and presided. This congregation has a long storied history (celebrated their 125th anniversary back in 2016) and last Sunday morning we talked about their future. The music during worship, including an anthem by the choir, was wonderful! I would love to come back for their community VBS or Fall Festival. The Palouse was a little grey this morning but the views were still spectacular.

The week up in Spokane included one-on-ones with staff members, catching up with an old friend, additional conversations with pastors serving in the area, attending a Lutheran Campus Ministry board meeting, and generally enjoying seeing the horizon (they were socked in most of the week in the Boise area by an inversion and fog). On Wednesday, our staff spent the day together at St. Mark’s Lutheran’s parish house. Our time included Dwelling in the Word, celebrating wins from 2024, looking ahead to 2025, breaking bread, stretching our legs, giving thanks for this wonderful work of serving the NWIM Synod.

We got our blood flowing after lunch with a stroll to Manitou Park, where we found a great photographer

On this Third Sunday of Advent, I joined the saints of Central Lutheran, Spokane and presided at Holy Communion. Central, served by Pastor David Kappus, will host the tri-parish worship for All Saints and Salem Lutheran MLK Weekend. Central is also exploring ministry with and for Riverview Reitirement Community. Central sold its building to City Covenant several years ago and now pays a minimal fee for utilities. We had a lively conversation about ministry following worship.

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King of Glory, Boise – Dec. 1

Posted on December 1, 2024 by megganmanlove

Wonderful morning with the saints of King of Glory Lutheran, Boise, served by Pastor Connie Winter Eulberg. There were many percussion instruments up front used by kids helping leading music throughout worship on this festive day. The north entrance to the parking lot was closed because they are finally tapping the sewer to prepare for the 8 units of affordable housing (see rendering) to be built in partnership with LEAP Housing. I thanked the congregation for hosting one of several Transgender Dignity panels held last year across the Treasure Valley. Last photo is with member Mary Rickerd who, I learned today, started the Advent Brunch at Emmanuel, Moscow a few years back. I’ll be the presenter at said brunch next Saturday.

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