Blogs

Less anxious with quarantine? More? Stir-crazy? Over it? This week Elizabeth Eaton, our Presiding Bishop, sent out a video clip of encouragement. {It is on our web-page Facebook feed if you want to check it out.} Specifically, she reminded us that there remains much ambiguity as to when we will gather together as community in our sanctuaries. Group...

As we stood in front of the house collapsing in upon itself, she asked me, 'What do you see?' My awareness started with the obvious, silently noting where the house had already crumbled and where the next, most likely crash would occur. But after that, my response became emotional. I was looking at a house that had been neglected; in fact, it had b...

​Quarantine Jolt this morning, from my front porch on Coolidge Street, complete with a clerical collar, blanket and elephant slippers.  Eight weeks ago, circumstances moved us from our former {face-to-face} worship habits into Live Stream only possibilities. Because of our amazing tech team, we shifted right in and have spe...

Because tomorrow is Good Shepherd Sunday, I have spent the week thinking of Jesus the Good Shepherd. I have repeated the 23rd Psalm next to the bed of a saint, realizing the power of the promises embedded in that beloved Scripture. But I have also spent ample time with the reality that for the most part we plod though our lives without much thought...

When the phone rang this morning, it was a call from a Lutheran World Relief representative in Baltimore Maryland. David's mission was to thank Immanuel for their continued support of the work with the world's most vulnerable ~ people in places such as Latin America, Nepal, Africa and India. As our conversation unfolded, he reported to me that unde...

Word just in, 'Walking Challenge 2020' begins in May.  As is everything else this season, the details will be different but the goal remains the same ~ to get us all moving or moving a bit more. No entrance fee this year. Keep track of your miles. More details will follow. Walk with me, Pastor Leah 

​Old Oak Oven {Wood Fired Pizza} has a brand new, red and shiny home.  Not only did I see the new cart with my own eyes, I even spoke with owner/operator Gerald Williams who allowed me a peek inside. It is a beauty. Same location and early in May, same amazing pizza. Let's put this one in the happiness column! Pastor Leah

Yesterday was the 3rd Sunday of Easter; the Gospel reading for the day was Jesus' post-resurrection journey along the road to Emmaus and of course, his identity revealed at the table with the breaking of the bread. The morning after, I am still pondering the God who actually finds us and walks a dusty path with us. Beside us. Listening. Caring. Kno...

Thought for the day.....remember to look up. Pastor Leah 

So, which is it? Half full? Half empty? Well, yes. There really is much that has been lost in the midst of isolation/shut-downs/quarantine: Predictability. Income. Jobs. Final seasons. Prom. Closure. Good-byes. Likewise, there is all manner of ambiguity just ahead: Graduations? Babies that will be arriving soon? Wedding dates? Summer plans? What ab...

The chalk-art simply reads, stay healthy. Brief. To the point. But how? How will we stay physically well?Psychologically and emotionally sound?Spiritually robust? Self care, my friends. Only you will know what that means or how to go about it. Listen to your spirit; listen carefully and then take care of 'you-business'. Be sure to sprinkl...

I share questions with you from this afternoon's meeting with my Oregon Synod colleagues: If Immanuel was no more, what would be lost in our community? As you are wondering, I will add another question: What do you treasure or value about the work of Immanuel? And not unrelated to the other inquiries: In this place, what do you&...

Even in quarantine, we need community. These verses were passed onto me today; now I share them with you.  Be encouraged! Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. ~ Joshua 1:9 Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyw...

She is one of mine. I 'found' her in my secret garden, which was clearly no secret to her. From the looks of my ferns and hostas, this must have been her afternoon picnic spot. My surprises and blessings continue to accumulate.  The green grass and brilliant blooms of the season. Sidewalk chalk art. Calls, check ins and encouragement...

Jesus' words to his disciples in the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter and my jump-in point for today's message. Peace be with you … always powerful words, especially powerful when peace is missing or being missed… Oh, the sweet melody of that gift from the Risen Christ. I wonder, how or where is that peace coming to you these days? What balm ...

{Created by Pastor Melissa Reed.} This year we couldn't kneel down and wash one another's feet but parents kneel by the tub and wash their babies before bed and pray for another day and we wash our own hands lovingly, thoroughly for our neighbors and strangers we will never meet. Your Love always finds a way, O God. Alleluia! This year we couldn't ...

I spent a couple of hours this morning on a {Zoom} Growing Hope Globally Board Meeting. Also attending were Board members from Washington State to Baltimore and of course, farmers and implementing organizations from across the heartland of our country.  While there was plenty on the agenda, our Board President allowed ...

All sorts of wisdom in this short list and I commend it to you. All the credit goes to Brooke Anderson. 

In case you have not heard, the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Church are amazing. Amazing! Week after week they have stepped up, figuring out how to continue to be the church during this unprecedented season. They are willing, creative and capable. They are positive and graceful. They are kind and gentle while being mighty beyond words. Over the top, ...

We Lented hard. It feels like we Lented extra long. Holy Week arrived and we did that heavy lifting as well. And then Easter, when the tomb is empty and the Alleluias are set free again. While still a scattered community, there were many ways for folks to delight in the traditions of this faith community:       Ad...