Eastern Washington/Idaho Synod
A great missional quote
"It is not the church of God that has a mission in the world, but the God of mission that has a church in the world." -Archbishop Rowan Williams in L Magazine May/June 2012
Reflection on Church Division
Dearly Beloved,
Grace and Peace to you.
After a big church fight like the United Methodist Church just had, people sometimes ask the losers why they stay in a denomination-- or sometimes even with congregations-- when they have such deep differences. Why not leave them and join up with more like-minded people? Well, you stay because they're your people. You stay because Jesus' commandment wasn't to agree with each other, but to live with each other.
What do you think will be the key to the growing of the body of Christ?
Saddle Sores and Darwin
On at least three occasions I have considered professional ministry outside the ELCA. The relative clarity of political stance in the ECUSA and the UCC looked attractive when set alongside the ELCA. The denomination seemed weak... directionless... polite. Sexuality was a non-issue for me. Genetics? Really? There is nothing in the scope of the statement that addresses a real concern of mine... or most of my generation.
Reflection on Ash Wednesday
It’s 10:15p.m. February 22nd, 2012. In my world of liturgical Christianity… Ash Wednesday. My day started with the setting of the table, turning on the heat and lights, preparing the worship space at 5:30a.m. So, why am I here nearly 17 hours later? Easter.
Do you believe the EWAID Synod to be a viable entity?
Ecclesiology of the ELCA: Blessing or Burden?
I was recently asked to sit on the Constitution Committee for the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod. In the past, this was the kind of opportunity that I would jump at without hesitation. I still can't tell you if it was blind ambition, a technical nerdiness, or a desire to serve my denomination that made those decisions so easy. But, this time I found myself thrown into considerable prayer and discernment. I told Bp. Asst.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Spokane, WA
To share the gospel through worship and service. To be an inclusive community for justice and peace among diverse peoples.
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