Blogs

{Shared with permission.} It was a hot day and I had parked in the shade while I went to the dermatologist. Coming out of the appointment, I wondered how I was going to navigate the two curbs to get back to my car. At 89 years old, I am a bit unsteady on my feet. In fact, I carry an emergency button around my neck just in case I fall. As ...

The Gospel for this Sunday features sheep and goats. While both are domesticated farm animals, the truth is, sheep and goats are quite different. Since I am neither a shepherd of sheep nor goats, I know that I am venturing way outside of my own pasture, but here goes… It seems to me that sheep are far more vulnerable, therefore, far more needful of...

In the middle of our hike up at Silver Falls, she pointed to a tree dripping with lichen. Look she said, nature's version of silly string. Yes indeed. Today, I received an email from a wise and generous spirit and she spoke of things she had learned from our friend Jill. Yes indeed. You who see, you who point, please know that you make a difference...

It is Sunday and Sunday still is my go-to-church day. Even during this season of Covid-19, even with the church decentralized, I get to go to church on Sunday. I am very aware that this is a precious gift; for those who gather to lead worship each Sunday, please know that we acknowledge what a blessing it is to be called and/or allowed to hold this...

As Covid numbers continue to climb, adding social restrictions back onto the community, the bleakness of the season presses in. Yet, even as the days are wetter, shorter and greyer, even as the frost saps the life out of the bright annuals that brighten our yards and parks, even now there is beauty and joy. Expect to find it and you will. Pastor Le...

Today I received an email suggesting that one of the most important conversation we can have with each other is: How is it with your spirit? I'm pretty sure my own response to the question would be best likened to a multi-faceted diamond. It seems that it colors, changes, shifts, brightens or darkens throughout the day. On my chilly and hazy w...

Between last Sunday and today a spider has begun a web between the microphone and the pulpit. Which left me wondering… What sort of Lutheran joke could emerge from the sight? Might it be an all-are-welcome opportunity? Or is this the angst of 35 weeks of decentralized church? You tell me. Pastor Leah 

As I go about my day ~ walking, working, moving about ~ I keep an eye out for things that are beautiful or quirky, odd or surprising, overlooked or obvious, observations that I can share with you. This morning it was right out my back door. Interesting isn't it, delight or wonder right under our noses, in our own backyards? Pastor Leah 

On this day, as our nation and the world wait, let us pray.                                     Lord, listen to your children praying,                                   &...

It is the Monday after reading the beatitudes…the poignant reminders of the subversive nature of God's will and God's rule. With that in mind followers of Jesus, what are the Christ-like attributes that you will step toward?  Pastor Leah 

For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia! Alleluia!

And what a glorious song it is! Pastor Leah 

Early morning walks this week have quite crisp. Cold, really. This morning we had another chilly fall morning, with a dense layer of fog just beyond town. We could see fine right where we were but into the distance was totally obscured. Despite the haze, do you see where I am going? What's next? How long? When can we? Are all hiding in the midst. I...

Because grief is deeply carved into our current circumstances, as part of our weekly staff meetings, we are reading devotions from a grief book. Today the author spoke of grief as a disruption. Holy schnowza! Thinking about these last seven months, what HAS NOT been disrupted? Which is to say, there is much potential for oceans and oceans of grief....

In this odd season of Covid-rules, there has been no huggin' going on around Immanuel. And then, yesterday… The hugs were quite different from the old days. Yesterday the hugs included honking horns, waves, smiles, cards, cookies, balloons, you! Yesterday, the church had community gathered ~ albeit, in cars and in the driveway ~ community gathered ...

It seems to me that I usually hear the hummingbird zipping through the air before I actually see him. Once I hear his distinctive sound, I start watching. Where oh where might he be? Let's be honest, I'm not seeing many of you these days but I am catching some snippets: How long until we gather again for worship? When will we be together? Than...

How about a happy story? A tale of a friend's return? In the midst of a season of apartness, how about some togetherness? Dexter is the name we have long called him. His home-of-origin called him by another name but whatever you call this cat, he loves to roam his neighborhood, so much so that his presence seems more prevalent than his absence. Her...

Duckies in a row… As soon as I spotted them, I knew that I NEEDED that photo, if for no other reason than because I love duckies in a row; on this occasion literally but every other day of my life, figuratively. In other words, I appreciate order. A lot. And organization. And planning. And preparation. {For those of you who know me well, who know t...

Our Oregon Synod Bishop regularly uses the language 'wild web of relationships.' As I was on the Synod Council Zoom Meeting, looking at the web out my kitchen window and thinking of her words, 'wild web of relationships', I was struck by how Covid and our 'new-normals' have absolutely altered our relationship webs. Via Zoom, my interactions and rel...

On the roof, over the mailbox, some swarming up, others climbing down, their front porch is quite literally crawling with skeletons; this particular guy has ventured a bit further and seems to be waiting behind the sign, prepared to spring upon some unsuspecting soul. Across the street from my study, I noticed a skeleton sitting at a table, ap...