Office AdministratorMar 23, 20201 minCoronavirus Holy Communion GuidanceBoth Bishop Eaton and Bishop Briner have suggested congregations not have remote or virtual Holy Communion services. I suggest First...
Office AdministratorMar 22, 20201 minWhy 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...
Office AdministratorMar 19, 20201 minChurch Signs with MessagesChurch signs with message boards like the one at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg can create some interesting situations. Sometimes the...
Office AdministratorMar 18, 20201 minSynod Statistics* 8 pastoral leaders have resigned calls/contracts at or before Lent - leading to 12 new vacancies - most are still awaiting a (new)...
Office AdministratorMar 18, 20201 minMajor Change in Three DaysI came back from the transitional pastors meeting in Robstown March 14 with the understanding the synod staff would be spending more time...
Office AdministratorMar 18, 20201 minNo April 1 ServiceNo fooling! The pastors of the Rio Grande Conference decided today to stop the round robin because of coronavirus. The next scheduled...
Office AdministratorMar 18, 20201 minWhat 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...
Office AdministratorMar 9, 20201 minA Sign of the TimesYesterday Bishop Elizabeth sent out an email seeking contributions on a Sunday for International Women's Day. I did not grow up with...
Office AdministratorMar 9, 20201 minChristmas Music in LentThe congregation I will be preaching in this Wednesday told me they want to sing Christmas music in Lent. I told them they can sing...
Office AdministratorMar 9, 20201 minThank You to Work Day WorkersMany thanks to those who came last Saturday to spruce up the buildings and grounds at church. Much work was accomplished and I heard...
Office AdministratorFeb 17, 20201 minGrandchildren Doing WellWe now have five granddaughters with a sixth due after Easter. So far, we have been blessed with one grandson. All are doing well.
Office AdministratorFeb 17, 20201 minNational Prayer BreakfastThis year's event was controversial. Generally, the ELCA does not participate in the annual event because it has become so politically...
Office AdministratorFeb 17, 20201 minMid-Week Lenten Preaching Round RobinThe pastors of the Rio Grande Conference will meet this week to finalize plans for Lenten preaching. We will have a different preacher...
Office AdministratorFeb 1, 20201 minLower Suicide Rate in Hidalgo CountyI 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...
Office AdministratorJan 26, 20201 minMeeting with Rev. Dr. Edward KernJudging from comments I have heard, the meeting this week went well. If there are other people you would like to invite to First to...
Office AdministratorJan 26, 20201 minI 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...
Office AdministratorJan 21, 20201 minRecent NOAH Field TripI 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...
Office AdministratorJan 21, 20201 minUse of They, Them, TheirI noted more usage of these pronouns to refer to individuals during my recent trip to Washington, DC. I expect these pronouns to be used...
Office AdministratorJan 21, 20201 minPastor Carl Fredrickson DiesThis former pastor in the valley died recently in his sleep. His funeral (memorial service)will be in San Antonio in May on what would...
Office AdministratorJan 21, 20201 minImproved Lighting in LobbyThe new lighting in the lobby (narthex) is a noticeable improvement over what we had before. Thank you to the Waughs and all others who...