Montana, June 1st

Traveling to Montana was a wonderful way to begin the month of June. Though I learned that June is the wettest month in Montana, it did not interfere with any of my travels; actually it made the landscape all the more beautiful.

My first stop was in Great Falls. Associate to the Bishop of the Montana Synod, Jessica Crist sent out an invitation to area clergy inviting them to join me for lunch. The lunch was sponsored by the Western Mission Cluster of Seminaries (Luther Seminary and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary) in order to bring updates and greetings about each seminary, invite feedback about the seminaries, and encourage the raising up of leaders in the Montana synod. I was pleased to host such an event and truly enjoyed the formal and informal conversations with those who gathered.


Front row (left to right): Rev. Steve Nelson, Tamara Bull (AIM), Rev. Ted Hamann. Back row: Rev. Darius Larsen, Rev. Ken Waag, Rev. Jessica Crist, Bishop Rich Omland, Rev. Laurie Junling

My sincere thanks to Bishop Rich Omland, Jessica Crist, Tamera Bull, and the clergy who met with me that day for taking the time; and especially to Ted, for driving the distance. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks also for the care and thoughtfulness you conveyed about the work of Luther and Pacific seminaries; may our partnership continue to be strengthened. God’s blessings on your continued ministry. Be ardent, be faithful, be courageous in your work for the Lord.