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The 2021 Northwest Intermountain Synod Assembly was held Saturday and Sunday the 24th-25th. The assembly was conducted via Zoom with Bishop Kristen Kuempel presiding. Pastor Dave Deckard, Carol Liese-Rodriguez, and Andy Giacomazzi attended from Shepherd of the Valley.
The Assembly was fairly placid compared to many. The assembled members voted for clergy and lay representatives to fill various synod committees, council positions, and representatives to the national convention. Those positions can be found here: https://nwimsynod.org/2021assembly-elections The only resolution debated was a memorial to the member churches of our synod to discuss and show concern for climate change, using resources available in the wider church, particularly one called “Carbon Pricing Basics”. Some debate arose over the appropriateness and efficacy of the resolution, but a slightly-amended version passed by a 70-30 margin. The text of the resolution can be found here: https://nwimsynod.org/2021assembly-resolutions The amendment included language about faithfully discussing these matters in the context of congregational education. The assembly also heard from representatives of the national church, plus advocates for various regional and national ministries, including seminaries, service organizations, and campus ministries. Of particular interest to Shepherd of the Valley may be a regional coalition helping folks in Oregon and Washington whose towns have been devastated by wildfires. Watch for continuing news about that opportunity as the summer progresses, as well as educational opportunities to learn about and discuss climate change and other important issues in the fall.
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We tend to think of unity as other people becoming like us. What if love binds us together no matter who we are and how we think? Ep. 115 - Jesus appears to his disciples and has to convince them that he's not a ghost. Justin and Dave suggest that sometimes our fears cause us to believe in things that are familiar, but unreal, instead of seeing the beauty-filled life right before our eyes. The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com! We talk about the resurrection, but how much change does it REALLY make in our lives? Likely not as much as it should. What happens when "Seeing is Believing" isn't adequate? God responds to fill the gap. We're often sad when we lack what we want, but we're also afraid when we get it. We look at this himan foible through the Easter stories in the Gospels of Mark and John. Ep. 114 - Easter is here! Justin and Dave look at this transformational story through the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John, two Easter readings for the price of one! These very different gospels give a stunningly simple picture that echoes through our lives to this moment. Come explore! The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com! Ep. 113 - Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in John, Chapter 13, sending a powerful message to his followers along with a beautiful command. What does it all mean? Justin and Dave stir up the batter and see what comes out. The Geek and Greek podcast is a show where two reverends talk honestly and clearly about faith, Christianity, scripture, and life. Follow us at GeekAndGreek.com!  Foot washing is one of the go to images for diaconal ministry, the image of being servant. Following Jesus example from his last supper with the disciples, kneeling to take the humble position of service. Foot washing is also something we are not always the most comfortable with. Bearing our feet for washing is a vulnerable act. In a normal year not everyone likes to show their feet, let alone have them touched and washed by another person. This year where we have refrained for almost all kinds of physical contact foot washing can feel even more like a foreign activity. Yet, there have been many ways we have been living out foot washing in our daily lives throughout the past year. This year has taught us a lot about meeting people where they are at. About meeting people in their isolation and in their need. We have all responded in different ways, from those who make phone calls to friends or family who they know are alone or isolated. Those who have gone shopping for neighbors who have health risks. Those who have started feeding ministries of varying types to help those finding it hard to make ends meet. All of these, and many other things in-between and beyond these, are forms of foot washing in our daily lives. This year has also taught us how a basic everyday activity can become a sacred activity. We wash our hands to help prevent the spread of germs, and to protect ourselves and others. Washing our hands has become a sacred act of loving service to each other. As we continue on I hope that we can continue in the sacred acts of foot washing in the world. To see those who are isolated or alone and reach out a hand of connection. To see those who are suffering or abused and reach out a hand of compassion. To those who are overwhelmed and reach out a hand of presence. To see the dirt caked feet of our weary world and bring water to cleanse and nourish. To see each other and reach out in humble service and love.
May we be made aware of the places we are called to wash the feet of a weary and broken world. And may we love the way Jesus loved. John 13 (selected verses): 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you…. 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Blessings, Sara Palm Sunday shows us that both man-made and natural things have a common purpose. |