Reflections After One Year

Since preachers following both the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary were in Mark this year, it seems appropriate to revisit these all-important words near the beginning of the gospel. July 1, 2024, also marks one year of me serving as bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod and I have been reflecting on the many ways I have seen the reign of God coming near all across our synod.

By Our Love

Pride. It’s not a simple thing. Listed among the seven deadly sins. Noted for coming before a fall. Rarely praised as a virtue except in the case of school spirit. And the collective noun for a group of lions. But in the old song Deb led us in as we walked the streets of Spokane with our supportive signs and smiling faces, we came to a stanza that sings, “and we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.” Pride!