Nov. 30 marked not just the beginning of Advent, but the beginning of a new lectionary year—Matthew for those who follow the RCL and John for those who follow the newer Narrative Lectionary. For several lectionary cycles, my go-to commentary on Matthew has been ethicist Stanely Hauerwas’ commentary in the Brazos section. In conversation with Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Discipleship, it helped me draw on the best of Matthew’s gospel—a vision for the church on earth and clarity about what it means to follow Jesus.
E-News, Event
Lin Carlson
Join Pastor Liv on Tuesday evenings in Advent, 6:30pm PST / 7:30pm MST to study the ELCA social statement on Faith, Sexism and Justice by reading the short book on it by Mary Streufert and Mary Elise Lowe. Let’s take delight in the promises of God that we are all a part of the Body of Christ on earth.
E-News, Special Announcement
Lin Carlson
The Northwest Intermountain Synod Council recently reviewed and approved the 2026 Compensation Guidelines for Deacon and Pastor and are now available at https://nwimsynod.org/documents-resources.
Pulpit Supply guidelines for 2026 have been revised as well.
E-News
Lin Carlson
Our July 2025 Mission Support Memo enlightens us about our ELCA chaplains in specialized ministry and federal chaplaincy across our church who minister to all in all kinds of places. Our ELCA chaplains in specialized ministry and federal chaplaincy serve to support those defending our country, in places outside church walls, tending to people of all needs and backgrounds and showing the gratitude and love of God to all.