Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

My 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 […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

This 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% […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

This 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 […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

We 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; […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

This year our synod will be deliberating about resolutions related to the kinds of issues that Grace has traditionally supported. My blog will share these resolutions during the Lenten season. This is the second installment: A video regarding the resolution is available here and will be shown after our next on-line, midweek Lenten service. Resolution […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

This year our synod will be deliberating about resolutions related to the kinds of issues that Grace has traditionally supported. My blog will share these resolutions during the Lenten season. A video on this issue is available here. Resolution in Support of ELCA Hunger Ministry WHEREAS, Jesus told his followers: “For I was hungry, and […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

OK, so that title might be click bait. I confess. During Passion Week at the end of Lent, we wave our palm branches enthusiastically cheering on Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. Days letter the voices move from celebration to condemnation. The crowd of voices that shouted “Hosanna” later shout “Crucify him!” These palms don’t get […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

This coming Sunday we will be hearing the gospel lesson for Transfiguration Sunday. We remember a time when Jesus went up on a mountain with some of his closest followers: Peter, James, and John. Wild and wonderful things happen on that mountain. Jesus’ clothes become bright and suddenly he is talking to two key figures–Moses […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

In May of 2019 we finished a major effort to gain a sense of Grace and the dreams of those associated with Grace. We had an extraordinarily high level of participation. The overall priority for people in terms of where our energy should go was to “Make necessary changes to attract families with children and […]