Gift Planning Zoom Conversation We, in the church, are no strangers to talking about life and death. But why, then, are we so reluctant to talk with our people about […]
COVID-19 Resources
This webpage has been created to help keep resources posted by the Southwestern Minnesota Synod in one location. The synod staff will keep emailing and posting on social media, but here is where we will host a collection of important communications during this time of COVID-19.
Financial Giving in Such a Time as This
+Pr. Dee Pederson, Director for Evangelical Mission During the past two months, nearly everything about how we function in ministry has changed. At the same time, your congregation’s ministries have […]
That was the easy part: leadership and “reopening” congregations
Compared to closing down in the early days of COVID 19 the next phase of slowing returning to public gatherings is going to be complicated. A “stay at home order” […]
Denial or Kenosis (Emptying Ourselves) in Love
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson The short answer is that we need to go slow moving forward. As we make decisions, personally and communally, we need to do what will protect […]
Synod Assembly Cancellation
Your synod council made a decision to cancel our assembly on June 12-13, 2020, at Gustavus Adolphus College. This came after the recommendation of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee considered […]
Inoculating for the Virus of Fear and Destructive Conflict
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson “How do we stay on the same page – in a time of disorientation and disillusionment as we live deeper into this time of COVID-19?” Pr. […]
Graduation Milestone Moment
Milestones leaders have been observing and listening to our congregations as the “stay-home” mandate is still in place. As a result, they have written a Graduation Milestone Moment with ideas […]
The Offering Plate – Transformed
+Rev. Dee Pederson, Director for Evangelical Mission, ELCA We’re not gathering in person. Nobody is passing the Offering Plate. People are concerned finances. Yet one of the things we’re learning […]
Minnesota Department of Health Guidance
The Minnesota Department of Health has released guidance relevant to faith communities on how to safely perform essential or optional duties during the pandemic. These include: General guidance for faith-based […]
Living into a new normal after Covid-19 shutdowns
Someday soon public health restrictions will be eased. As of this document was created we do not know exactly when it will happen, but it will. We suggest that now is […]
