Loving-Living-Sharing-Blogging

"For it is in giving that we receive" St. Francis of Assisi Although these few words are written by the Stewardship Committee please do not interpret them as a request for donations. Our congregation has proven time upon time how generous it is, especially when generosity has been needed in the past. We simply want to write about the joy of giving; about how good it feels to take responsibility and to give spontaneously; about the simple satisfaction we all feel when we give of the [...]

As you CLC folks probably know, a couple weeks ago I defended my doctoral dissertation at Seattle University and will graduate with my Doctor of Ministry degree on Sunday, June 16. You all have been incredibly gracious to offer me more continuing education resources to complete this degree. In fact, you are mentioned on one of the first pages of my dissertation:  “I could never have completed this project and program without the generous gifts of continuing education time and monies from the members and friends of Christ Lutheran Church in Ferndale, Washington. They initially [...]

When Pr. Philip Reitz [with Mission Investment Fund] was here [at CLC], I asked him if he was related to Pastor Robert Reitz and Ted Reitz. They were his uncles. Pastor Robert Reitz was pastor at my hometown church, Emmanuel Lutheran in Reardon, WA. He confirmed me when I was a teenager. His brother, Ted, lived with him and was a science teacher in the high school. I had him for chemistry. After Pastor Robert Reitz left, Pastor Ken Daugs came to Emmanuel. By this time I was college age and got [...]

Whenever a building is remodeled, you get to see the building stripped down and unadorned.  The walls are bare, the floors are bare concrete, and the building could be remade into anything:  a home, a school or a storage shelter.  Everything is clean and spotless, but it is empty. Much thought has gone into where we are headed as a church as we have been remodeling.  We strive to fill the new space with grace. We may feel protective of "our" church, the one that we have invested our money and [...]

Several weeks ago our Whatcom Lutheran clergy group began talking about how we could send a message of support for those in our community who have been ostracized and shunned because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We decided to march as a group in the Bellingham Pride Parade on Sunday, July 14. Around the same time, I learned that a beloved member of our church had recently come out. This person is among several LGBTQ+ members and friends of our congregation. I am certain that each of us know, [...]

—Remodeling and construction efforts this year make the space more assailable, versatile, and allow for more room to host outreach programs. Approaching the freshly painted building, with its lofty peaks and vast front entrance, you are welcomed into a side entrance and shown where you and your family will be taking reprieve for the week as part of Family Promise. On Sundays the room you are staying serves as a place for children to play and learn about God, but for the week this is your home. The newly constructed rooms [...]

Last week I attended the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, WI as a voting member from the Northwest Washington Synod. The assembly happens every 3 years and serves as the highest legislative-making body of our denomination. Over 900 voting members made the following decisions (as listed in the ELCA's "summary of actions"): Reelected on the first ballot the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton to a six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop. Elected Deacon Sue Rothmeyer to a six-year term as ELCA secretary. Rothmeyer, currently serving as executive for administration with the Office [...]