Barsness Lutheran Church in rural Glenwood found a great recipe. Mix together:
- People who care deeply about feeding hungry people
- ELCA World Hunger
- A congregation that looks to make a difference outside their walls
- An amazing act of generosity
The result? The Breadbasket Award for the highest per-person giving to ELCA World Hunger of any congregation in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod.
It began when Dorothy Wilson traveled to Barsness for a family funeral. Dorothy had many ancestors buried at Barsness, but life had taken her and her family to Michigan. At that funeral her grandma commented, “I don’t know what will happen to this church when we are gone.” That lit a spark in Dorothy.
Dorothy gave a financial gift to support Barsness’ ministry. People from the congregation reached out to thank her and a beautiful relationship flourished over the miles. When Dorothy passed away the congregation received word that she had left monies for the church in her estate. It ended up being much more than they anticipated. Marian Pladson, a long-term member of Barsness shared, “The estate gift has meant everything to us.”
God’s people at Barsness Lutheran Church received that gift and continue to ensure that it has the greatest impact. While it supports a portion of their daily ministry, the congregation intentionally invests in the world outside their doors.
Which brings us to world hunger. Marian shared, “We realize that hunger is a need, not only locally here, but statewide and worldwide. Everyone should be able to get a good nutritious meal. It's how God wants us to live, to share with others.”
Borgund Lutheran Church in Madison MN has also made a big impact over the years being the perennial recipient of the synod’s Breadbasket Award, until this year! They were pleased to pass along the basket to Barsness Lutheran. Click here to watch the livestream celebration from the 2025 Synod Assembly. Video Marker 1:00:36
Generous congregations. A generous gift. Hungry people receiving food. God works in amazing ways.
