Tag Archives: faith

Trinity, Nampa – July 12

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 So often when we read this parable of Jesus’ during a Bible Study or hear it preached during worship, the focus is on us planting seeds of faith in others or being good soil. The scripture passage becomes a … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Moses Lake and Lake Chelan – June 28

Sunday, June 28 was a double-worship day. I started by visiting Immanuel Lutheran in Moses Lake, served by interim Pastor Mary Anthony from the Oregon Synod. This congregation has been through a lot in the last 20 years, as members … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Shepherd of the Valley – June 7

Matt. 9:9-13, 18-26, Hosea 5:15-6:6 Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. It is so good to be with you today, saints of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran. We prayed already today … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

All about Pride parades and festivals – a letter to the NWIM Synod

Originally sent to pastors, deacons, and synod council members in 2025. Across our synod, from June through September, community members will be showing up at Pride Parades and Festivals as one way to support our LGBTQ+ siblings. You might wonder … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Holy Trinity Sunday, American Falls

Honored to spend Holy Trinity Sunday with the Saints of St. John’s Lutheran in American Falls, Idaho. After worship, I had a wonderful conversation with council members and the call committee. I’m grateful for their patience and discernment during this … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pentecost with St. Mark’s Lutheran

St. Mark’s Lutheran, Spokane, WA May 22-23, 2026 – Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 Grace to you and peace St. Mark’s Lutheran. It is so good to be with you and bring greetings from the synod staff and your siblings from across … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Central Lutheran, Yakima’s 100th

If you are a regular reader, some parts of this sermon may be familiar, because I preached on the end of John chapter 17 last year. Central Lutheran, Yakima’s 100th Anniversary Worship May 17, 2026 – John 17:1-11 Grace to … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

April 2026 Report to Synod Council

Bishop’s Report to NWIM Synod Council – April 2026 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Brendan’s Ordination

March 28, 2026, St. Luke Lutheran, Brendan Wiechert’s Ordination John 21:9-17 Peace and joy to you all on this celebratory day. It is so good to be with all of you who have walked with Brendan to this, his ordination … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Sermons | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Retreat” season for a bishop

The last month, since my bishops visit to our Lutheran seminary in Chicago and Spring Conference of Bishops, has been filled with three important retreats. After Conference of Bishops, I flew to Spokane. March 8, I led worship at Salem … Continue reading

Posted in NWIM Synod, Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment