April 9, 2026
In this time of rapid change, your synod remains “Rooted in Redwood, Flowing into the Future, Bringing Healing and Hope” while we, too, adapt to change. Since August, the synod office space has been in transition. We welcomed Anfinson Thompson Accounting as tenants in the east half of the building - both to be good stewards of the space we have been blessed with and to have an additional source of synod income. The renovation of the west side of the building to create offices and enlarge the restrooms has begun. The visible progress is exciting to see.
This renovation is possible because of your generosity and the faithful financial stewardship, allowing us to borrow from ourselves and pay ourselves back, with modest interest. In order to do so, a Capital Appeal of $298,000 has already reached nearly $70,000. Thank you!
Thank you to all those who have generously shared gifts already from Endowment Funds, legacy estate gifts, Conference Assemblies, individuals, and congregations. Thank you!
Others have asked for creative ideas to help support the project. Here are a few:
- Have a noisy offering at worship, collecting change to support the Capital Appeal.
- Host a pancake breakfast after worship.
- Hold a chili cook-off.
- Organize a quilt raffle for one of the amazing quilts that our women’s groups create, with the proceeds being given to the synod building appeal.
- Have a bake sale after worship.
- Organize a friendly challenge between neighboring churches to see which can raise more funds for the project – and build community in a fun way while you do.
Many have read the children’s book, Stone Soup, a folktale that encourages sharing and contributions from a whole community to make a tasty soup that feeds an entire town. A visitor comes into the town with his stone, bragging that it makes tremendous and tasty food. Soon, the people who live in the town each bring out their own vegetables, meats, and spices to make a soup so much better than anyone could have made on their own. Contributions of all sizes and all kinds make the soup the delicious and unique creation that feeds the entire town.
These are just some ideas that can build community and help contribute to the building project that the SW MN Synod is undergoing. We appreciate your support and prayers during this time as well as your generosity!
There are many ideas and ways to share, build community, and help contribute to the building project. “Thank you” for your generosity and your prayers!