Over the past month 240 people, from 56 different ministry sites, spanning 6 generations and including 10 decades (ages ranged from 3 months to over 90 years old!) came together in three different locations across the Northwest Intermountain Synod. Linda Staats was our facilitator for each of the gatherings as we formed faith across the ages and generations. We sang and danced, we ate and were filled, we listened and shared as we wondered together where the Holy Spirit is leading us now.

Below, Linda leads us in a Circle of Blessing as we celebrate all the generations present. The eldest and youngest of the group form the starting point (and connecting point) of the circle, and then all fall in, lining up eldest to youngest. This Circle of Blessing in Moses Lake spanned from 3 months old to over 86 years old (1,032 months!).

Each gathering began by discovering the native land from which we came using tribalnationsmaps.com This was a way of setting our own story within a larger context. A special thanks to the generosity of Aaron Carapella. Visit the website above to learn more about the Tribal Nations Maps.

Throughout the day, we heard (and acted out) God’s story through Acts 16:6-15, which depicts a portion of Paul and his companions’ second missionary journey through present-day Turkey and into Greece. Paul and the others encountered obstacles and found renewed vision for where God is calling them. Through it all, they strove to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Ministry today faces similar (and familiar) obstacles and discoveries of renewed vision. Through it all, we trust that the Holy Spirit is still preparing the way, guiding, and supporting us as we strive to faithfully follow where God leads.

The whole time together was educational. We learned about cross-generational ministry. We learned about and from God’s story, and from each others stories.

And the whole time together was worshipful. We were grounded once again in the central promises of the Christian faith — that hope overcomes despair, love is greater than hate, in and through Christ, life springs forth from death. We affirmed God’s promise made to us in baptism: that we are children of God (Rite of Asperge — sprinkling — pictured below). We shared in the holy meal of the Lord’s Supper.

These gatherings were certainly a blessing to me. I would like to especially thank Kelly and Mary from Luther Heights Bible Camp; Rebecca, Sarah, and Sara from Lutherhaven Ministries for their presence and partnership. Dawna Svaren for crafting our worship moments. Janet McIntosh, Ben Beard, Janet Williams, Dawna Svaren, Mary Riedl, David Haven, and LeAnn Haven for their song leadership. Peggy Harvey-Marose, Wes Howell, Pat Kaley, Ron Nitz, Sarah Henthorn, Wayne Ship-man, Pamela Duggan, Ann Murphy, and Don Short for assisting with worship. All the Synod council members and others who assisted. Immanuel Lutheran, Moses Lake for hosting us. Bishop Kristen Kuempel & the Synod staff. And especially Linda Staats for facilitating our time together. Thank you.

Pastor Phil Misner, Assistant to the Bishop