You can help us see into the many communities and lives in your Southwestern Minnesota Synod. We want to invite you to share your input and invite the input of your congregation. ELCA Research has created a survey for distribution among our congregations as we prepare for a bishop election and plan for the future. […]
Former SW MN Synod Bishop Reflections
On February 9th, synod rostered ministers had the opportunity to gather via Zoom to hear the reflections from former SW MN Synod Bishops Rev. Charles Anderson and Rev. Stan Olson. They have brought their helpful insights and wisdom as we, in Southwestern Minnesota, look toward the election of a new bishop at our Synod Assembly […]
Former Bishop Reflections
On January 25th, lay leaders and interested clergy had the opportunity to gather via Zoom to hear the reflections of four people who have served in the office of Synod Bishop in other synods of the ELCA, including Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, Larry Wohlrabe, Peter Strommen and Peter Rogness. These panelists have brought their helpful insights and […]
Online Congregation Report Forms A & C are now open!
Forms A and C are annual forms that are to be filled out by each congregation. This information is submitted to the ELCA to help provide crucial data that assist in assessing the success of existing programs and in preparation of new resources. This data is also shared on your congregation’s full trend report on […]
Reflection – Luther’s Small Catechism
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson I invite you to find your copy of Luther’s Small Catechism or download one from the app store – Luther’s Small Catechism Augsburg Fortress version. I am going to do some brief videos for this complicated time in the coming days. I invite you to reflect on the phrase in the […]
Rev. Dr. Darold Beekmann Death Notice, Former Synod Bishop
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson We are sad to share with you that the first bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, Rev. Dr. Darold Beekmann, died on Wednesday, Jan. 13th, 2021. We invite you to join us in giving thanks to God for his life, ministry, and witness. When we have his obituary, we will share […]
Our Nation’s Pain
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 13 +Bishop Jon V. Anderson I am shocked, upset and saddened at the events […]
“What will serve the Gospel now?”
Bishop Jon V. Anderson’s 2020-2021 Annual Report In the Old Testament, Ezra’s third chapter tells the story of God’s people beginning to rebuild after the deep losses of a time of exile in Babylon. We have been living through a much less damaging pandemic but it has made this text one of my favorites for […]
“The Weary World Rejoices” An Online Chapel Service
While Advent is a season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, we know all too well that not everyone feels hopeful or like celebrating right now. The pandemic, grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment, and loss are magnified. Those who are not struggling with losses may feel the stress of changed preparations and expectations […]
Every birth is a stunning miracle.
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth” – John 1 Every birth is a stunning miracle. +A Christmas Message from Bishop Jon V. Anderson The birth of a child transforms their parents’ life. You […]
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