Office Administrator
Coronavirus Holy Communion Guidance
Both Bishop Eaton and Bishop Briner have suggested congregations not have remote or virtual Holy Communion services. I suggest First...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 22, 2020
- 1 min
Why Did Pastor Paul not Wear a Chasuble for the March 22 Sermon Taping?
The poncho-like vestment worn at most worship services is to be worn by the presiding minister at Holy Communion. Since there was no...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 19, 2020
- 1 min
Church Signs with Messages
Church signs with message boards like the one at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg can create some interesting situations. Sometimes the...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 18, 2020
- 1 min
Synod Statistics
* 8 pastoral leaders have resigned calls/contracts at or before Lent - leading to 12 new vacancies - most are still awaiting a (new)...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 18, 2020
- 1 min
Major Change in Three Days
I came back from the transitional pastors meeting in Robstown March 14 with the understanding the synod staff would be spending more time...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 18, 2020
- 1 min
No April 1 Service
No fooling! The pastors of the Rio Grande Conference decided today to stop the round robin because of coronavirus. The next scheduled...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 18, 2020
- 1 min
What Is a Samaritan?
When the people of Israel went into exile, many of them married native people from the Fertile Crescent. The children of these unions...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 9, 2020
- 1 min
A Sign of the Times
Yesterday Bishop Elizabeth sent out an email seeking contributions on a Sunday for International Women's Day. I did not grow up with...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 9, 2020
- 1 min
Christmas Music in Lent
The congregation I will be preaching in this Wednesday told me they want to sing Christmas music in Lent. I told them they can sing...
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Office Administrator
- Mar 9, 2020
- 1 min
Thank You to Work Day Workers
Many thanks to those who came last Saturday to spruce up the buildings and grounds at church. Much work was accomplished and I heard...
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Office Administrator
- Feb 17, 2020
- 1 min
Grandchildren Doing Well
We now have five granddaughters with a sixth due after Easter. So far, we have been blessed with one grandson. All are doing well.
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Office Administrator
- Feb 17, 2020
- 1 min
National Prayer Breakfast
This year's event was controversial. Generally, the ELCA does not participate in the annual event because it has become so politically...
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Office Administrator
- Feb 17, 2020
- 1 min
Mid-Week Lenten Preaching Round Robin
The pastors of the Rio Grande Conference will meet this week to finalize plans for Lenten preaching. We will have a different preacher...
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Office Administrator
- Feb 1, 2020
- 1 min
Lower Suicide Rate in Hidalgo County
I looked at a map of suicides in the United States and noted the suicide rate in this county is below the national average. The areas...
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Office Administrator
- Jan 26, 2020
- 1 min
Meeting with Rev. Dr. Edward Kern
Judging from comments I have heard, the meeting this week went well. If there are other people you would like to invite to First to...
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Office Administrator
- Jan 26, 2020
- 1 min
I am...
"I am the way, the truth, and the life." The chaplain of the United States Senate started today's session of the impeachment trial with...
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Office Administrator
- Jan 21, 2020
- 1 min
Recent NOAH Field Trip
I enjoyed our trip to the ranch north of town last week to learn about the genetics of breeding cattle. I encourage more of you to take...
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Office Administrator
- Jan 21, 2020
- 1 min
Use of They, Them, Their
I noted more usage of these pronouns to refer to individuals during my recent trip to Washington, DC. I expect these pronouns to be used...
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Office Administrator
- Jan 21, 2020
- 1 min
Pastor Carl Fredrickson Dies
This former pastor in the valley died recently in his sleep. His funeral (memorial service)will be in San Antonio in May on what would...
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Office Administrator
- Jan 21, 2020
- 1 min
Improved Lighting in Lobby
The new lighting in the lobby (narthex) is a noticeable improvement over what we had before. Thank you to the Waughs and all others who...
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