Tag Archives: church

Grant Writing as Storytelling: Rural (Ecumenical) Ministry

This post contains our Northwest Intermountain Synod’s grant application to Wartburg Seminary’s Castle Project for small town and rural ministry. I did most of the writing after good conversations with Episcopal Bishop Gretchen Rehberg and Presbyter Sheryl Kinder-Pile up in … Continue reading

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May ’25 Mission Support Thank You!

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” John … Continue reading

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195, 395, and Online Assembly

Two Saturdays ago I attended the wedding, here in the Treasure Valley, of a former parishioner and then I left before the reception so I could fly into Spokane. Sunday morning I drove down Highway 195 to Pullman for Pastor … Continue reading

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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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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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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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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

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Region 1 Bishops Immigration Statement

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 … Continue reading

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Letter for Annual Meetings

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 … Continue reading

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