Easy as Pie

by Liv Larson Andrews, DEM

Kate Lebo is a Spokane author and pie-baker. In the introduction to her book, Pie School, she addresses the commonly used phrase, “easy as pie.” Unsure where that saying started, she clarifies that making a good pie is actually quite difficult. Getting the right fruit at the right time, adding just the right amount of thickener so that you don’t end up with ooze or the dreaded “soggy bottom,” and of course every baker’s tightly held secrets about creating the perfect crust. (I can’t claim perfection, but I invite you to read to the end of this article to learn my tip for consistently tasty and flaky crust.)

Pie is on my mind because at DEM training this week, we were asked to name a life skill that we could teach. “Making pie crust!” I said. That was about the one moment all week when I was sure of myself or confident about something. Amid the shower of information and news that various structures are poised to change (here’s what’s real right now but it may be completely different in a month…), I began to feel overwhelmed. At least, I thought, there’s pie. 

We might say that following Jesus is “easy as pie.” Meaning, of course, it’s not easy at all. But just as a whole pie isn’t meant to be eaten alone, the life of faith is meant to be communal, shared. As my training week continued, I looked around to find others on the journey with me. Together, we were overwhelmed. (I lost count of how many references people made to drinking from a firehose.) Together, we found we still had hopes about the church. And together, we began sharing stories.

In this autumn season we are dwelling in many stories and parables of fruit-bearing. Some easier to swallow than others. Here in the NWIM synod, we have celebrated our synod’s fruits. We have installed a new Bishop. We have gathered as synod council with many new faces. Even as the world is filled to the brim with violence, loss, grief, and threats of more violence, we look around to find that we are on this journey together. We are not alone.

This life of faith is not easy. But there are always things to learn when we notice one another, pray for each other, feed each other. “Recipes” to share. Stories that remind us who we are. Resources that help the right fruit get to the right table, where its needed. That is my job as your DEM, Director for Evangelical Mission. Fostering relationships, sharing resources, telling stories, giving support. I hope very soon to come to visit you and your ministries to cultivate these things.

May the God of goodness meet us in our daily lives, grant nourishing meals and shared stories, and grow in us a hunger for justice and the dream of a world where all are fed and none are lonely.

My Tip: put the butter in the freezer for at least an hour before you plan to make your crust. When it’s time to combine it with flour, use a box grater to grate the frozen butter into the flour. Then add your ice water, salt, etc. When you have dough, pop it in the fridge for a while before you roll it out to allow the butter time to chill again and create those delicious laminations. Happy baking! 

Liv Larson Andrews, DEM

In Memory

On behalf of the family of the Rev Michael Lee Meier, we would like to inform you of his death and entrance into the Church Triumphant.

Below is the link to the obituary.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for November 19, at 2:00 PM

at Grace Lutheran Church in Corvallis.

If there are condolences to be sent, this is where to direct them:

Toni Meier (wife)

4650 SW Hollyhock Cir Apt 132

Corvallis OR 97333-1599

Link to obituary

https://www.mchenryfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Michael-Meier-5/#!/Obituary

Here’s the link for the livestream of the Michael Meier Memorial Service.  https://youtube.com/live/wFNVTtOW97s?feature=share

Please continue to pray for the family and loved ones. May the peace of Christ that passes all understanding surround them in their grief.

Bishops Convocation is Underway

October 16-18

Pray for Presenter Vance Blackfox and rostered leaders that are attending

2024 Northwest Intermountain Synod

Regional Gatherings

In 2024 we will not have a Synod Assembly, but instead we will have 3 regional gatherings. The gatherings are intended to provide congregations more opportunity to connect with each other. 

Northwest Intermountain Synodical

Women's Organization

The end of the year is coming soon and it will be time to send our Tumaini Girl’s Scholarship money to the girls that wait every year for the opportunity to continue their education.

If you or your group would like to help make a young girl’s future look better please contact me for information. 

NWIM SWO Treasurer

Carole Dinning

cdinning@frontier.com

or call me at 208-610-4885