Seven months into this role as Bishop’s Associate, I’ve sure put on many miles already.  My first congregational visit was way back in September, as I traveled to Beautiful Savior in Amarillo (by way of Lubbock, where I got to meet our youngest Pastors’ Kid in NT-NL — Joel Ullrich.)  Since then, I’ve gone to Avoca, Abilene, and Alvarado — lots of “A” names in Texas!  There have been plenty of other visits along the way too, and yet I’ve hardly made a dent in the list of congregations in our synod.

There have been too many beautiful sanctuaries to post in this blog but some definite unique gems in the congregations that deserve some recognition. One of the most incredible sanctuaries is the historic Rock Church — the original church building of St. Olaf in Cranfils Gap. And just as incredible is the beautiful marble work at First Sagrada Familia in Garland, which is still so new and yet so rich in tradition.

It’s not just the interior of the churches that have been incredible. I’ve also learned so much about the stories of the individual congregations. Bethel’s Christ Chapel in Stamford has the most unbelievable quilting machine I’ve ever seen. They take their quilting seriously there. San Gabriel in Alvarado has story upon story of how God’s hand has been at work in that place from the very beginning as they built their church.

So many hidden gems all around Texas! So many stories to learn! I’ll do my best to share as much as I can.