Global Companions:
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA
and
The South Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa
Thank you, Pr. Rebecca Sullivan and Peg Hatlestad
As the church celebrated the Sunday of the Reign of Christ, we prayed as we do every week when the church gathers for worship, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The book of Revelation provides a glimpse of what God’s reign looks like: A great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…. saying “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen!” The partnership of the SW MN Synod ELCA and the Southeastern Diocese of ELCSA provides a precious glimpse of this vision. For many years, Rev. Rebecca Sullivan and Peg Hatlestad have been visionaries and true companions in this partnership, Co-Chairing the Companion Synod Committee, and those of us here in SW MN and in the SED are most grateful for their ministries.
This fall, Rev. Rebecca and Peg discerned that it is time for them to conclude their role of leadership, and we give sincere thanks and gratitude to God for them and their leadership over so many years. Life here is marked by years pre-and post-pandemic. After we all emerged from being shut away from others for so long, it was hard to return to some of the activities and commitments we had known before. Peg and Rev. Rebecca reactivated our companion our relationships here and in South Africa. Their faith, dedication, knowledge, and joy in this ministry got us going again! Hallelujah! Over the past few years we have been able to travel to be with each other here and there once again, generate excitement, make plans for new visits, and once again, experience God’s vision of unity in Jesus Christ across oceans, continents, languages, and even time zones. They have given this ministry their all and have given in love. They will continue to have deep love for our friends in SED, stay in touch, be involved in the committee work, and share the deep knowledge they have gained accompanying one another in Christ. Thank you, Pr. Rebecca and Peg!
The Next Journey: Dec. 7-22, 2025
This coming Sunday, Dec. 7, the next group from the SW MN Synod will head to South Africa. Traveling together will be Rev. Janel Kuester, Rev. Hollie Holt-Woehl, Randall Woehl, and Bp. Dee Pederson. Invited to join this visit are 6 ELCA synods who have global companions in Southern Africa. The visit will include a Partnership Consultation with a focus on Theological Education Dec. 10-12, visits in our Companion Dioceses (like a synod) Dec. 13-17, and ELCSA Anniversary Celebrations Dec. 18-21. Pr. Hollie and Randall were part of the SW MN Synod group that traveled to the SED in the fall of 2023. Pr. Hollie is also known as the professor who currently teaches pastoral care via zoom for the Lutheran Seminary at Umphumulo, South Africa. Rev. Kuester will be stepping into committee leadership.
Please pray for safe travels for all and joyful celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of ELCSA – a time of thanksgiving and praising God. This gathering will be a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed vision for our shared mission in Christ as we continue to walk in accompaniment by listening, learning, sharing, and growing side by side in God’s abundant grace.
Psalm 121 verse 8 says: "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Let us join our hearts. We invite you to use this prayer during worship for Bp. Dee and the group traveling.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts for the calling you have placed on Rev. Janel Kuester, Rev. Hollie Holt-Woehl, Randall Woehl, and Bp. Dee Pederson, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod group traveling to our companions in Southern Africa and for their willingness to step forward with a heart to serve alongside the people in South Africa. Fill them with your Holy Spirit and empower them for the work ahead. Grant them wisdom and discernment in every interaction and situation they encounter. Open doors for ministry and give them divine opportunities to share your love and truth with the people of South Africa. Finally, we pray that you would watch over this group coming and going, now and forevermore bringing them back to us safely, filled with stories of your faithfulness and glory. And all God’s People said, “Amen.”
