We had hoped … Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayOne of my great joys in life is seeing students whom I once taught surpass me in excellence. For example, these words by Pastor Jessica Cain were the ones I needed to hear today. I suspect them will move you too! Jessica, the blog is yours this week: One of my favorite verses in the […] Read More
Leading God’s Worship Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayWhen we prepare to come to receive communion, I often say, “This is not our table, but the LORD’s, and he invites all who are hungry to come, take, and eat.” What is true of the Table is also true of the whole gathering. God’s hosting and showing up and this makes all the difference […] Read More
Interruptions Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis week as I thought about the Gospel of Mark, I was struck by often Jesus’ ministry happens in the interruptions. His preaching and teaching frequently are interrupted. Also his moments directed at rest and restoration are interrupted by the pressing needs around him. Urgent interruptions disrupt his plans. Yet some of the most holy […] Read More
A part of me I do not yet know. Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayOur book club reads authors who help us understand the distinct experiences of those who are black, indigenous, Latinx, Asian American or other groups that have not gathered at Grace in great numbers. Each month we learn about challenges others have faced that we hadn’t imagined. We also learn that benefits and privileges we have […] Read More
Who are “they”? Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayMy English teachers warned us not to use ambiguous pronouns. A pronoun should always have a clear reference. When pronouns do not do, humor can happen. Nancy did not like to eat with her friends in their homes because they smelled strongly of cat pee. Is it Nancy’s friends or their homes that give off […] Read More
I thought it would be easier … Pastor's ReflectionsComing out of the pandemic–at least a little bit–I thought it would be easier. Not necessarily so. I remember when I moved to Chile for two years and discovered that relocating to that unfamiliar place was much easier than moving home again after the internship was over. When I left for South America, I knew […] Read More
Thankfulness in the Moment Pastor's ReflectionsWe are in an odd in-between place these day, less odd than where we have been for the last year, but nonetheless odd. I am trying to remain attentive to where God is in this precise moment and receive the blessings of this day, or better, of this hour or even minute. This requires discipline […] Read More
Racial Justice Resolution Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis will be the final blog on justice resolutions put forward for the upcoming synod assembly. The resolution is below; the video about these issues is here. Resolution in support of Racial Justice Training Background Information1 : ● According to 2017 demographic data [www.census.gov], ~94% of Wisconsin residents are European descent [or white], and ~6% […] Read More
Reconciling in Christ Resolution Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis week we look at the proposal that our synod have widespread conversations across our congregations about the welcome of people from a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities. Grace was engaged in this conversation when the pandemic interrupted it. The resolution reads as follows: Resolution on Education and Resources for the NW Synod […] Read More
Gender Equity Resolution Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayWe continue our Lenten discipline by looking at our synod’s resolutions to make the world a place that better reflects the will of God. A video about this resolution is available here. Resolution on Gender Equality in the NW Synod of Wisconsin WHEREAS, scripture declares, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; […] Read More