Our final stop in the Northwest was at Trinity in Bend, OR. Trinity is a century old church and school that recently accomplished a major building program, resulting in a massive new space for worship as well as their senior high classes. Pastor Caleb Adams invited us and I was able to share a brief… Continue reading Trinity ~ Bend, OR
Messiah Lutheran, Marysville, WA
Our final Washington State visit was today in the Seattle suburb (somewhat distant suburb) of Marysville, WA. We were blessed to worship at Messiah Lutheran. Pastor Kurt Onken invited me weeks ago as we were making plans, and it was a blessing to share God’s Word with his parish, and enjoy lunch with he and… Continue reading Messiah Lutheran, Marysville, WA
Somebody Else’s Conference
I’ve been to my share of conferences over the years. When I was younger I imagined such events were exciting, and I’ve learned in the growing years since that this is not often the case, and that there are other descriptors besides exciting that might be worthwhile. Today I was invited to sit in on… Continue reading Somebody Else’s Conference
Pastoral Dinner
Our visit to this area of the Northwest coincided – for both better and worse – with the Puget Sound Pastors Conference. On the down side, it meant that a lot of the pastors were preoccupied with preparing to gather together, and wouldn’t be available for us to meet with. On the plus side, one… Continue reading Pastoral Dinner
Borderlines….
After enjoying a time of fellowship and food after worship at Peace, we jumped in the car and started driving. A couple of hours later we found ourselves right on the Canadian border – almost literally – in the quaint little fishing town of Blaine, Washington. There we were invited to join Sunday afternoon/evening worship… Continue reading Borderlines….
Which Side of the World?
This morning we were blessed to worship at Peace Lutheran Church in Monroe, WA. Actually, this church is the reason we’re up here in the GORGEOUS Northwest in the first place. Well, actually, that’s not true. The first reason we’re up here in the GORGEOUS Northwest is the Philippines, and a tiny mountain village called… Continue reading Which Side of the World?
Leaving Behind California Dreamin’….
Yesterday we transitioned from California to the Washington/Oregon area. Our time in California was wonderful, and we greatly enjoyed reminiscing (via food!) in places and with people that are dear to us. But we love the Northwest as well, and are grateful to have received a *very* warm welcome and invitation from multiple congregations to… Continue reading Leaving Behind California Dreamin’….
You Can’t Go Home Again
I’ve not read Thomas Wolfe’s final, posthumous novel with the above title. But I’ve known the truth in that statement in multiple ways over the course of my life. Coming to grips with the inevitability of change and transition – whether you want it or not – is a constant process. The past remains always… Continue reading You Can’t Go Home Again
A Peace-Full Sunday
When we returned to the US two years ago for our first Home Service, there were obviously a lot of places and people we couldn’t spend enough time with. The nature of a short six weeks of time, when most everyone wants to see you on a Sunday morning, necessitates a rotation of sorts. Some… Continue reading A Peace-Full Sunday
Wet Wedding
So it rained this afternoon. And even when it rains, it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous in this corner of God’s creation! Fortunately we could expand the use of the dinner tent to include the wedding itself. The dinner that followed was delicious, and we were excited to be with the happy couple on their big day!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 