Tag Archives: christianity

Bishop’s Report for 2025 NWIM Synod Assembly

One piece of the complete 2025 Synod Assembly Notebook Dear Friends in Christ, We are gathering as a synod under the theme Wellsprings of God’s Love. What does that mean precisely? A congregation is a Wellspring of God’s love when … Continue reading

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Maundy Thursday at St. John’s

Apr. 17, 2025 – American Falls, Idaho John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Cor. 11:23-26 The name of our worship service, Maundy, comes from the commandment or mandate Jesus’ gives his disciples, “to love one another. Just as I have loved you, … Continue reading

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14 Baptisms, 5 Confirmations, Holy Week with St. John’s Lutheran

This latest adventure started when I realized that during my first spring as bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod, I missed serving a congregation during Holy Week. I have loved being with my mom during the end of Advent and … Continue reading

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Ritzville, Staff Time, Synod Council, Kamiah

Last Wednesday I drove west from Spokane and joined Emanuel, Ritzville and St John, Sprague in Ritzville for Lent soup supper and Evening Prayer. These congregations are served faithfully by Pastors Nathaneil and Tricia Christman. Wednesday we celebrated the birthdays … Continue reading

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March 9, 2025 – Immanuel, Boise

Above – 8:30 worship in the old Augustana Chapel Luke 4:1-13 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. And thank you for the invitation to be with you this First Sunday in Lent. … Continue reading

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Spring COB

I spent most of this past week in Chicago for the spring Conference of Bishops. Per usual, we learned, heard reports, had conversation, worshiped, prayed, made some decisions, and talked some more. The executive committee of the COB intentionally planned … Continue reading

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Feb. 9, Hope, Eagle

Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 Nets breaking and boats sinking; the mention of these two images is enough for me to recall today’s gospel story–the calling of the first disciples in Luke’s gospel. The crowd of spectators and the men scrambling to haul in the … Continue reading

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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

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Shepherd of the Valley, Feb. 2

It was so good to be with SoV in Boise, about 11 months after Pastor Dave’s heart attack and the Sunday following when I was there to preside and give some comfort. There was wonderful energy this morning and Dave … Continue reading

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Near the Columbia River/Hope, the Stranger, History

Last Monday I flew from Boise to Portland, where a pastor and spouse picked me up on their way to the Byberg Preaching Conference in Seaside, OR. When I registered for this event months ago, I thought it would be … Continue reading

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