Synod Assembly Offering
This year, the Synod Assembly offering goal is $35,000 to support our shared commitment to ensuring every congregation is led by authorized Word and Sacrament ministry.
In the synod-wide Listening Survey launched at the 2024 Synod Assembly, congregations identified worship as a top priority. Word and Sacrament ministry remains central to the faith formation of our communities. In response, synod staff continue to devote substantial time, energy, and prayer to equipping every congregation with consistent and meaningful access to this authorized ministry.
At the same time, longstanding trends present challenges. Many seminary graduates raised up within our synod feel called to serve beyond our region, while fewer candidates and rostered leaders return to rural synods across Region 3. Combined with increasing pastoral retirements and a declining number of seminary graduates, this has prompted a necessary shift.
Congregations are now being asked to identify individuals with the faith, gifts, and temperament for theological study and potential lay ministry, whether part-time or full-time. This effort is already bearing fruit. Individuals are coming forward with a sense of call, and as they complete their theological studies, they are supported by mentors who accompany them through lay ministry.
This initiative is partially funded through a grant from Wartburg Seminary and sustained by the synod budget, including the dedicated work of the bishop and synod staff. The purpose is clear: to ensure that the good news of the life and love of Jesus Christ continues to be proclaimed through your congregation.
These investments strengthen congregations of all sizes and contexts, rural and urban areas alike. To sustain this work, the synod has set a $35,000 goal. Congregations are invited to participate in ways that fit their context: contributing $1 per baptized member, drawing from endowment funds, incorporating the offering into outreach ministries, or organizing special collections. Individual gifts are also encouraged.
Offerings may be given at the Synod Assembly worship on Friday afternoon, June 5; Saturday morning, June 6;
mailed to the synod office (Payable to SW MN Synod, PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN, 56283
and indicate Synod Assembly Offering in the memo line);
or given right from home or church online.
Synod Assembly World Hunger Offering:
ELCA World Hunger is consistently one of the most effective organizations supporting those with food insecurity. Each year at the synod assembly we honor congregation a for the highest per-person giving to ELCA World Hunger of any congregation in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. We do this to recognize their good work. But we also do it to encourage others to increase their support. As we give this award at the synod assembly, we will have a special offering that is designated for ELCA World Hunger. We encourage you to prepare your response to this invitation.
If you have questions about ELCA World Hunger visit the Synod's Hunger Team display. If you are interested in being a part of the team that raises awareness and provides information about hunger please let us know.
Pr. Troy Pflibsen
[email protected]
320-221-1614
