Pastor Phil Misner

Baptism of Our Lord Sunday – January 11, 2026

In the waters of Baptism, God’s word to us is the same as it was to Jesus in his baptism: “You are my child, my beloved, with you I am well pleased.” And with that promise we are claimed as one of God’s own. I visited the good folks of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Colville, WA on Sunday, January 11 when we celebrated the baptism of Jesus and remembered our own baptisms…lighting a candle so that our light may shine before others so that they may see our good work and give praise to God. St. Paul’s is faithfully shepherded by Pastor Patty Heath. It was good to meet with their council following worship, and have conversation regarding the ongoing ministry God is working in and through them.

3 days. 11 judicatory leaders. 5 denominations. Hours of robust conversations as we learned more about each other's polity, worship, and theology. There are already so many ways communities of faith across the Northwest Intermountain Synod are working ecumenically...and it is encouraging to dream about all the ways the Spirit is continuing to blow. All for the sake that more and more people might experience God's love for them in and through Jesus.