Together - with Pastor Jane

01/10/2026

Hi friends — Sorry, kind of a long post, but I wanted to share a quick update about why I’ve been quieter here lately, and why I won’t be starting the daily Bible readings in 2026 as I had planned.
As many of you know, I officially retired as pastor on December 31. As part of my “leaving well” commitment as a rostered ELCA leader, I am ethically called to step back from communication that could continue to place me in a pastoral role for former parishioners — and in today’s world, that includes social media. As hard as this has been (I truly love keeping up with your lives, your humor, and all those wonderful pet and grandbaby photos!), 🥰 I understand the wisdom behind this practice. For now, I’ll be staying mostly quiet on both of my pages, trusting that in time you’ll know me simply as “Jane,” and not “my pastor.”
At the same time, my retirement is already full. I’m in the process of packing up and relocating closer to my daughter and her family, and I’m joyfully stepping into the role of Nana. I’m also beginning to explore what this next chapter might look like — including some new and exciting possibilities in ministry. (Pastors don’t really retire, do they?) In fact, my very first week of retirement found me back in school!🤓
And finally, I’ll be honest: I’ve been feeling the weight of the world, especially the division and cruelty that often show up on social media. Too much scrolling has left me anxious and discouraged, and I’m choosing to step back so I can be more present — with family and friends, in nature, and in the kind of love Jesus calls us to live out: caring for those in need, welcoming the stranger, and loving God with heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Thank you for your grace, your understanding, and your love. I carry you with me, even in this quieter season.
Christ, be our light. 💛

12/11/2025

"In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word,
and without the Word
nothing came into being.
What came into being
through the Word was life,
and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light."
John 1:1-5 (CEB)

12/09/2025

This has been around awhile but it describes my life right now accurately! As much as I've wanted to spend time on devotions and other various postings for "Together - with Pastor Jane," time has instead been focused on my last month of parish ministry with my beloved "two-churches-but-one-congregation" family. ❤️🙏 Retirement is just around the corner - and on any given day I am a bag of mixed emotions about it! But, the very essence of Advent is just that - waiting, wondering, and slowing down just long enough for us to dare to ask God, "What's coming? What's next?" And then sitting quietly until we hear that beautiful and blessed assurance: "Trust in me with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek my will in all you do, and I will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

11/01/2025

Excerpt from "The Veil is Thin" by Rev. Cameron Trimble

It’s tempting, in times like these, to believe we are alone. But we are not. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses: people who carried the flame before us, and people whose names we’ll never know who dreamed of a more loving, just world. The veil is thin, not just between life and death, but between despair and courage, between what is and what could be.

So tonight, light a candle. Whisper the names of those you carry in your heart. Let the memory of their courage rekindle your own.

Spirit of Love,
Giver of Breath and Time,
Today, we remember those who came before.

We remember the dreamers and the doubters,
The healers and the heretics,
The quiet faithful and the brave troublemakers.

We call their names, aloud or in silence—
May their memory be a blessing.

May we carry their courage like flame in our bones.
May we listen when the veil grows thin.
May we walk with wisdom,
Rooted in love,
Ready to build what they could only imagine.

Amen.

10/31/2025

Friday, October 31st

When we focus on our worries, we miss the signs of God's guidance. Look for the simple things, the "almost too obvious things," through people, through music...

10/30/2025

Lord, make me a lover of all.

10/23/2025

Martin Luther once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” It’s one of my favorite quotes of his. Prayer doesn’t take us away from life’s demands; it prepares us to meet them. Prayer centers our hearts and reminds us that our strength comes from God. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.” (Matthew 7:7) In prayer, we find both the peace and the purpose we need. Keep asking, seeking and knocking my friends, God is listening!!

10/22/2025

Wednesday, October 22nd

Our devotion today is based on Luke 22:39-46. Jesus is about to be arrested, beaten and crucified. He prays - passionately! But sometimes, we struggle with h...

10/20/2025

Monday, October 20th

Today's devotion is from "The Word in Season" and the writer for today is Paul E Hoffman. It is based on Psalm 57. "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is...

10/19/2025

A little over 20 years ago, I preached my first sermon. Surprisingly, I kind of enjoyed it - and I really liked the research and study required in preparing a sermon. So, I decided to go to Seminary. Then I sort of chickened out (I just can't be a pastor!!) and decided to study to become a counselor instead. But then... God! Back to Seminary I went. Ten years ago today (October 18th) I was ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.) I've had my ups and downs, but it has always felt right. I humbly thank God for this opportunity to share the love and hope of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

10/11/2025

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer." Romans 12:12

10/08/2025

Wednesday, October 8th

Today's devotion is from the book "Prayers to Start Your Day." The title of the devotion for today is "Keep Praying for Miracles!" Sometimes we think miracle...