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Tag Archives: jesus
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
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
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
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
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
Year of Luke & the Season after Epiphany
Originally published in the bi-monthly electronic newsletter of the Northwest Intermountain Synod-ELCA. If your congregation follows the Revised Common Lectionary or the newer Narrative Lectionary, you could be hearing regularly from Luke’s Gospel (plus the Wedding at Cana from John 2) between now … Continue reading
Bishops Academy in Puerto Rico
I am just finishing my first work trip of 2025: ELCA and ELCiCanada Bishops Academy in Puerto Rico. The Academy, held every two years in various locations, provides fellowship and continuing education for those of us called to serve as … Continue reading
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
Heidi Cryer’s Retirement – Nov. 24, 2024
Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34 Lord of Life, Kennewick – Deacon Heidi Cryer’s Retirement It’s hard not to catch some of the similarities between today’s text and Deacon Heidi Cryer’s transition to retirement. Jeremiah has been prophesying for around twenty … Continue reading
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
A Place at the Table 