Recently, Bishop Manlove asked me to serve as the synod’s ecumenical and interfaith representative with the tasks of naming, describing, highlighting the ecumenical and interfaith ministries which are in place throughout the Northwest Intermountain Synod, and encouraging the people of the synod to be engaged in them.

To begin, I’ve been a part of the NWIM Synod since it was the EWAID Synod (which isn’t that long ago, so more specifically, for about 20 years). I have served as an intentional interim pastor, pastor, and mission developer in a number of communities throughout the synod.

I currently live a very embodied ecumenical life as the Vicar of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Spokane, Washington. That’s “Episco-speak” for Pastor-who-is-of-a-different-denomination for the congregation. I have served this community for eight years and counting. In other ministry sites, ecumenical work was an important part of my ministry and the congregation’s. Out of this experience and learning with you, I will periodically share ideas and possibilities for ecumenical and interfaith ministries which you may wish to engage in and live.

In this message, I’d like to highlight the ecumenical faith communities which exist in our synod already:

• Fairfield Community Church in Fairfield, WA is a federated congregation of ELCA, PCUSA and is served by the Rev. Debbie Cato (PCUSA)

• Grace Community Church, (ELCA and PCUSA) Potlach, ID is currently in pastoral transition.

• New Day Lutheran Church, Idaho Falls, ID served by Rev. Ann Bjorklund (ELCA) is nested and worships in the building of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Idaho Falls, ID.

• Star Valley United Church is a united church of the ELCA and PCUSA and is being served by Rev. Steven Bibb (UMC)

• Wilbur Community Church in Wilbur, WA which is a partnership of Wilbur Lutheran Church and Community Presbyterian Church and is served by the Rev. Steve Niccolls (PCUSA).

• Faith Lutheran, Kamiah, ID is worshiping with Community Presbyterian (PCUSA), Kamiah. Both congregations are being served by Rev. Luann Howard (PCUSA).

• Ev. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Pocatello, ID hosts First Presbyterian, Pocatello in their building.

•  Central Lutheran Church, Spokane, WA nests within the building now owned by City Covenant Church (ECC).

•  The Rev. Ethan Bergman (ELCA) serves Grace Episcopal Church in Ellensburg, WA.

• The Rev. Mia Crosthwaite (ELCA) serves Kuna United Methodist Church, Kuna, ID.

• The Rev. Rob Gohl (ELCA) serves both Grace Lutheran in Cashmere, WA and St. James Episcopal in Cashmere, WA.

• The Rev. Mary Johnson (ELCA) serves as part time supply pastor for the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Roslyn, WA.

• The Rev. Kimmy Meinecke (ELCA) serves St. David’s Episcopal, Spokane, WA.

• The Rev. Larry Spier (Episcopal) serves Grace Lutheran in Mountain Home, ID.

• The Rev. Dane Breslin (ELCA) is serving Sunnyside UCC & Brethren, Wenatchee, WA.

We give thanks for these congregations and clergy who serve ecumenically and recognize the joy of worshiping, singing, serving, and praying with and among our siblings in Christ regardless of labels!

-Rev. Kimmy Meinecke

Key:

ELCA - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

PCUSA - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

UMC - United Methodist Church

UCC - United Church of Christ

ECC - Evangelical Covenant Church

NWIM - Northwest Intermountain Synod

EWAID - Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod