Tag Archives: faith

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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Grief and Gratitude

Originally published in the NWIM Synod March e-newsletter. Psalm 13 (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship) 1How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long shall I have perplexity in my mind, and grief in … 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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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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Palouse and Spokane

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 … Continue reading →

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Bethel, Firth – Nov. 17, 2024

Saturday I drove to Pocatello to stay with cluster dean Pastor Wayne Shipman and his wife Janet–always grateful for their hospitality. I drove up to Bethel Lutheran in Firth Sunday morning. This is a small congregation that has not had … Continue reading →

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