Some days are just so full of joy that I can’t even believe I am blessed to do this work. It really is a gift to my spirit to witness the ministry I see happening around this synod. Today was another one of those days, as I joined the members at Covenant Lutheran in Temple…
Pastor Totzke’s Blog
No longer “new”
No longer “new”
As of Sept. 1, I can no longer use being new as an excuse. It has been a full year for me in this position ...
Read MoreOne of my favorite things
One of my favorite things
Back in the day, I was a youth pastor. That’s the reason I went into ministry in the first place – to do youth ministry. ...
Read MoreSmall but Mighty!
Small but Mighty!
Contrary to popular opinion, size does NOT matter. And as much as we like to think of numbers as an indicator of the health of ...
Read MoreThe Gift of Leaving
The Gift of Leaving
It may seem strange to think of a pastor’s departure as a gift, but there is a definite blessing around the time. This weekend, I ...
Read MoreJoy Abounds!
Joy Abounds!
This weekend, I was blessed to be part of the installation service for Pr. Wendi Gordon and Pr. Steve Brauner, new co-pastors at Beautiful Savior ...
Read MoreWelcoming the stranger
Welcoming the stranger
Today I had the privilege of preaching and presiding at the 35th Anniversary celebration of Hope Lutheran Church in Springtown. This congregation exemplifies what it ...
Read MoreGood Samaritan: a well-kept secret
Good Samaritan: a well-kept secret
I learn something new almost every day in this job. I’ve been here in North Texas for almost four years now and never knew we ...
Read MoreAssembly Reflections from a Newbie
Assembly Reflections from a Newbie
Now that I’ve recovered from the long weekend of Synod Council meeting and Assembly, it’s time to reflect on the events of the weekend. While I’m ...
Read More