Tag Archives: jesus

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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Zion, Davenport & Christ, Egypt-March 29

A joy to be with the saints of Zion Lutheran, Davenport and Christ Lutheran, Egypt for Pastor Tyler Gubsch’s installation (worship and lunch at Zion). Thanks to the members of Christ Lutheran who then gave me a tour of their … Continue reading

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First, Kennewick – March 23, 2025

Luke 13:1-9 I have always been a big fan of the show Law and Order. I loved this show in my late teens and would watch reruns for hours while home on college breaks. I still think the first four … 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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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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