Messenger (Page 28)

PJ’s Page – There is a greeting common to southern Germany and Austria which I first learned on a visit to Garmish, Germany in 2013.  The saying is “Gruss Gott” and it means, “May God greet you.”  It is spoken most often as a greeting, although in former centuries was also a word spoken at parting. As Bruce and I wandered in and around this lovely town in southern…

PJ’s Page- I am writing this newsletter article on the literal eve of Lent.  Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the day we make and mark our dusty beginning into this penitential season. Many folks observe this season by giving something up as a spiritual discipline.  They give up chocolate or soda or caffeine as a model of sacrifice.  You have heard me say before that giving up…

PJ’s Page –       Last month I attended the Byberg Preaching Conference in Cannon Beach, OR.  This annual conference for ELCA pastors in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon is always a treat – bringing in fine preaching instructors, thoughtful Bible Study leaders, and creative, faithful worship planners and leaders.  It is funded largely from a grant from the…