As we near the end of 2024, I invite you to prayerfully consider joining your generosity to that of many others throughout the Southwestern Minnesota Synod.
Generous giving by individuals and congregations allows us to adapt your synod’s ministries for the needs of leaders and congregations who seek support and equipping as never before. Through the work of the synod:
- congregations connect with rostered ministers and congregations in the call process;
- rostered ministers discern whether they are still called to ministry;
- lay and rostered leaders expand their capacity to guide congregations;
- congregations who have no interim or settled call rostered minister find a way forward;
- lay leaders move forward on their path to authorized ministry; and
- congregations discover the light of new relationships, partner with others, and imagine new ways of doing ministry.
We do all this in many ways, including consultation in times of conflict; providing for Synod Assembly and the Fall Theological Conference; supporting Luther Seminary, The Continuous Growth Pathway, and Region 3 Lay Ministry training.
Why do we do all this? Because God wants the world to know the good news of Jesus as the Light of the world. Because the people of our communities need the ministries of your congregation, and your congregation needs a leader who will proclaim this good news right where God planted you.
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in the One about whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear if no one preaches to them?
And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News!”– Romans 10:14-15
We are eager to do more in this time of change, and your gift can make that happen. An additional $15,000.00 in giving will allow the synod to continue to equip rostered and lay leaders who bring the good news of Jesus across your synod.
Would you provide a financial gift to make that possible? All sizes of gifts, whether $25 or $2500 will have a great impact. Know that we are grateful for your generosity. Thank you!
Give online or make your check payable to SW MN Synod Advent Gift and mail to:
SW MN Synod, PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN 56283.
Advent is the season when God’s people gather to hear Scriptures that point to Jesus, the Light of the world. Here in Minnesota, we need to hear this promise as the hours of daylight shorten and the nights grow longer. We need to hear this promise in a world of wars and rumors of wars, where people struggle, and where the future is uncertain. Each of us needs to hear this promise every day.
May the Light of Christ shine in your heart and in the lives of all who worship with
your congregation this Advent-Christmas.
+ Grace, peace, love, and joy in Christ,
Rev. Dee Pederson, D.Min.
Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
