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
Category: Life
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’….
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!
First Santa Barbara Engagements
Our family lived just a few months shy of eleven years in Santa Barbara. It defined our children’s youth, and remains a truly unique and magical place. The climate and the human contributions to the landscape remain breathtaking to us even after years apart. And at the heart of all of this magic is the… Continue reading First Santa Barbara Engagements
Concordia University Irvine ~ Irvine, California
Today was our university day. We joined students, faculty and staff of Concordia University Irvine (CUI) for chapel at 10:30am. It was a special day for chapel. First, it was the last Monday chapel of the school year, as graduation is right around the corner. And as such, it was also the commemoration of the… Continue reading Concordia University Irvine ~ Irvine, California
Christ Lutheran Church ~ Costa Mesa, CA
Our first joint Home Service visit was to Christ Lutheran Church located in Costa Mesa, California. Our visit here was initiated by Gena’s life-long family friend, Mary Scott. We were blessed to be able to talk with several people in between the two worship services led by Rev. Drew Ross. As is often the case,… Continue reading Christ Lutheran Church ~ Costa Mesa, CA
The Nelson Family Indonesia 