+Bishop Jon V. Anderson This is a great time of year to engage in the faith practice of inviting. In fact, every time of year is a great time to invite people to bring their questions, life experiences, and explore more deeply a relationship with the community of Jesus. Jeff invited me. When I was […]
2018: Your Year of Gratitude
I really appreciated colleague, Rob Blezard, who shared this article on “Gratitude” As he says below, “Gratitude holds the key to thankfulness, happiness and contentment.” As you finish 2017 and look ahead to 2018 I hope you know how I appreciate Rob, but also you, as someone who lives “gratitude.” Rev. Larry Strenge, Director for […]
MAX Your Gift!
The synod invites you to think about, pray about, and consider contributing financially the the Embrace God’s Mission + Equip God’s People Funding Initiative in a way that fits your capacity and passion. MAX = Give directly to the SW MN Synod’s Funding Initiative for minimal processing fees. GIVE NOW! Two of our synod deans gave […]
ELCA Congregational Vitality Survey Results from 2015
In 2015’s statistical report, congregations in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod were invited to complete a survey about congregational vitality. The surveys were sometimes given to congregations, councils, committees or sometimes staff alone completed them. Recently the results of these surveys became available. Here are the results. Thanks to everyone who joined in the process. […]
Congregational Vitality Report for our Synod 2015
I just found this Congregational Vitality Report from 2015. It is interesting to ponder how we make these numbers even stronger.
Video Message from Bp. Jon Anderson
“Your synod is healthy, lively and vibrant, and it’s been amazing to watch what God has been up to across our synod, as we live in a changing mission field that God is guiding us to be a changing church and a living church following Jesus Christ our Lord who’s calling us to follow him…” […]
ECD Thank You
BIG thank you for all the people who helped make our 2017 Equipping Congregations Day so successful. We are so grateful for the planning team which included: Pastors Janine Olson, Maggie Cummings, Elan Hacker and Linda Pedersen, Minister Michelle Kleene, Jenni Thorpe, Jayme Winter, Caitlin Kodet and John Jahr. The host churches of Bethel and […]
Conflict Transformation
Greetings! This is a workshop and PowerPoint presentation on Conflict Transformation and creating dialog, offered to all interested for use in their own context. It might be used at retreats as a way to get to know your council members and staff, or it may be offered in your community as a way to enrich […]
Bp. Jon’s ECD Presentation
Blog post by Bishop Jon Anderson- Click here to download my presentation to the large group. My notes for my conversation about young adults: Young Adult Round table: We’re Glad You’re Here! Bishop Jon Anderson and Young Adults from Your Synod– Equipping Day – February 24, 2017 Young Adult Roundtable: We’re Glad You’re Here! […]
Recognizing Generosity
ELCA StewardCast2017! Livestream Presentation, March 4th @10:30-12:00 CST. Where are the “bright spots” for stewardship ministry in your congregation? Recognizing the bright spots reminds us where god’s abundance is present. Join us for a livestream presentation to thank, inform, teach, inspire and connect with stewardship leaders. You will learn fresh perspectives, practices and skills that […]
