Why I Stayed

About a year ago, there were a series of posts and articles written about Millennials and the church. Many times they were titled, ‘Why I Stayed.” Though this post might be related to that conversation, this isn’t my focus.  A few months ago I was asked a simple but profound question by another ministry leader. He knew of my story and the patience needed to … Continue reading Why I Stayed

This Week’s Links

Happy Tuesday! Each week on the blog I get to share some of what I have seen, read, and found interesting and thought provoking over the past week. To help make sense of all of these links, I have grouped them by the following categories: Church and Ministry Thought & Practice; Cross-Sector Collaboration; Leadership Thought & Practice; Millennials; Neighbor Love; Social Media & Blogging; and Vocation. I … Continue reading This Week’s Links

Wall

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 28th was  “Wall.” Today, I am thinking about walls. Walls are barriers. They are built for safety or in response to fear. Lately, the idea … Continue reading Wall

Clean

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 25th was  “Clean.” Growing up at my home congregation we used to sing a version of “Create in Me a Clean Heart O God,” after … Continue reading Clean

130 Years of Ministry

My home congregation, First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo, Washington turned 130 today. That’s quite a history. As it celebrates its birthday, and continues to serve in changing ways and a changing context, I wanted to share a quick post of gratitude for this congregation that God has led and continues to call and guide in Kitsap County. It is the congregation where I was baptized … Continue reading 130 Years of Ministry

Hands

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for today is “Hands.” Hands. Most people are born with two of them. Some are born with less. Most have five fingers each, though some people are born … Continue reading Hands

Ash Wednesday #Ash #lent2016 #ELCAlent2016

As I have done in previous Lents and Advents, I intend to share a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline this year. I will be using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. In addition to reflecting on the day’s word, this year, I am going to add the unique piece of pondering what this means for me … Continue reading Ash Wednesday #Ash #lent2016 #ELCAlent2016