Bishop's Reflections - Central/Southern Illinois Synod

29 Nov 2022

As I was surveying the lectionary readings for Advent, in anticipation of preaching I will be doing, Romans 15:5-6 jumped out at me: “May the…READ MORE

Announcement on the Upcoming Election of Bishop

22 Sep 2022

Dear beloved of God in the Central/Southern Illinois Synod, In 2011, synod Vice President Jeanne Rapp tried to warn me that I might be elected…READ MORE

Pastoral Message Following the Overturning of Roe v. Wade

5 Jul 2022

Beloved people of God, Christ’s rich grace be yours as we strive, as God’s church, to be witnesses to that grace, particularly in turbulent times…READ MORE

A Word to Good Friday and Easter

2 Mar 2022

Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Cross and Resurrection, the bad news that Jesus died and the good news that Jesus rose from the dead, right?…READ MORE

A Word to Ash Wednesday

2 Mar 2022

Joel 2:12-13 — Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your…READ MORE

A Word to Advent and Christmas

13 Dec 2021

A year ago, I would not have imagined that this year we would be in our second COVID Advent and Christmas. As Advent now begins…READ MORE

End of Year Letter – December 1, 2021

1 Dec 2021

Dear Beloved Saints in the Central / Southern Illinois Synod, God’s rich grace be yours in this Advent season! As we approach the end of…READ MORE

For your prayers on September 11, 2021

11 Sep 2021

Beloved in Christ, today is the 20th anniversary of that horrific terrorist attack on our country that killed 2,977 people, of whom 412 were first…READ MORE

Pastoral Letter – April 2021

27 Apr 2021

April 26, 2021 Beloved in Christ, We have had several days to digest that Derek Chauvin has been convicted of the murder of George Floyd. …READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

18 Jan 2021

January 18, 2021 Beloved of Christ, The need to lift up anti-racism continues to be acute. Racist symbols were prominently displayed by rioters at the…READ MORE