Positive Pastor and Congregation Relationships: Building a path forward together Tuesday, April 19th @ 7pm via Zoom! This Zoom workshop will give concrete tips and pointers for building positive relationships between pastors and congregations. Presenter: Pr. Heather Culuris, SW MN Synod Minister for Engaging Leaders Aim Audience: Congregational leaders, especially those in the process of […]
"CELEBRATE" To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the forming of the Women of the ELCA Opening Worship with Bishop Dee Pederson Guest Speaker: Synod Minister Heather Culuris Visit the SW MN WELCA website for detailed information. Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church (800 10th St S, Benson, MN 56215)
The Proposed 2023 Compensation Guidelines will be posted soon with more information about the hearing. Other assembly hearing dates: Proposed 2023 Budget Hearing: Thursday, May 19 – 7 pm. Resolution Hearing: Monday, May 23 – 7 pm. Tech Session: Tuesday, May 24 – 7 pm. All hearings will be online hearings using Zoom.
The Proposed 2024 Budget Hearing Zoom link was emailed to all registered Synod Assembly voting members. Other assembly hearing dates and recordings: Proposed 2023 Compensation Guidelines: Click here to view the Zoom recording from Tuesday, May 17 – 7 pm. Resolution Hearing: Monday, May 23 – 7 pm. Tech Session: Tuesday, May 24 – 7 […]
The Resolution 22.01 Hearing Zoom link was emailed to registered Synod Assembly voting members. Other assembly hearing dates and recordings: Proposed 2023 Compensation Guidelines: Click here to view the Zoom recording from Tuesday, May 17th. Proposed 2023 Budget Hearing: Click here to view the Zoom recording from Thursday, May 19th. Tech Session: Canceled All hearings […]
On Saturday, May 21, the Synod Council voted to cancel the 2022 Synod Assembly due to the inability to attain quorum. This was a very difficult decision and a disappointment. The Synod Assembly Planning Committee, your Synod Staff, and many others have done a tremendous amount of work getting us to this point. Reflecting on […]
On Saturday, May 21, the Synod Council voted to cancel the 2022 Synod Assembly due to the inability to attain quorum. This was a very difficult decision and a disappointment. The Synod Assembly Planning Committee, your Synod Staff, and many others have done a tremendous amount of work getting us to this point. Reflecting on […]
Location: Redwood Falls Golf Club, Redwood Falls, MN Registration: 2:30pm Shotgun Start: 3:00pm Registration Deadline: July 18th Registrations, payments and donations should be mailed to LMM Treasurer, Reynold Dittbenner at 24533 State Hwy 4, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085. Price: $70 per golfer - Includes golf cart, green fees, meal, prizes and a donation to LMM.
The EcoFaith Leadership Retreat is coming soon at which area synods will gather and start building a regional Creation Care Network. This will be a leadership retreat sponsored by the NE MN Synod EcoFaith Network and will be held August 14 – 16 at Camp Onamia, Onamia, MN. This year the NE MN Synod has […]
Is your congregation ready to respond to a security threat during the week or in worship? Attend this Ministry Basics Zoom Workshop to learn how one congregation developed and implemented a Safety & Security Plan that can be adapted for use in your congregation. Presenters: LaNae Cobb & Lon Enerson, Safety & Security Team from Bethlehem […]
This Zoom gathering is especially for Congregation Councils, Personnel Committees, and Rostered Ministers. Come hear an overview of the 2023 Synod Compensation Guidelines and how Portico Benefits figure into the definition of compensation for Rostered Ministers. Presenters: Tammy Schacher, Pr. Janel Kuester, Pr. Heather Culuris, and Deacon Terri Endres This gathering will NOT be recorded […]
Calling all Congregation Presidents! We know the past few years have been challenging for all church leaders! We also recognize that Presidents of congregations carry unique responsibilities often not anticipated when you began to serve. Bishop Pederson and Synod Pastoral Staff are here to walk with you and will be holding a Zoom gathering planned […]
@ Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria MN Welcome to this year’s Fall Theological Conference planned especially for Pastors, Deacons, TEEM Students, Interns, Synodically Authorized Lay Ministers, and paid staff youth coordinators. We are looking forward to all being together in person! Check in starts at 4:30 p.m. with the welcome and the conference beginning at […]
2022 SW MN Synod Equipping Congregations Roadshow The equipping workshops are hitting the road! The former Equipping Congregations Day is taking a new format. This Roadshow will offer three different dates and three different locations. Thursday Evening, Nov. 3rd @ Faith Lutheran, Spicer Saturday, Nov. 5th @ First Lutheran, Marshall Monday Evening, Nov. 7th @ […]
2022 SW MN Synod Equipping Congregations Roadshow The equipping workshops are hitting the road! The former Equipping Congregations Day is taking a new format. This Roadshow will offer three different dates and three different locations. Thursday Evening, Nov. 3rd @ Faith Lutheran, Spicer Saturday, Nov. 5th @ First Lutheran, Marshall Monday Evening, Nov. 7th @ […]
2022 SW MN Synod Equipping Congregations Roadshow The equipping workshops are hitting the road! The former Equipping Congregations Day is taking a new format. This Roadshow will offer three different dates and three different locations. Thursday Evening, Nov. 3rd @ Faith Lutheran, Spicer Saturday, Nov. 5th @ First Lutheran, Marshall Monday Evening, Nov. 7th @ […]
Not-Your-Average Boundaries Training by Leaderwise Wednesday and Thursday, November 9 and 10, 2022 Zoom Meeting 9:00 a.m. – Noon (each day) Cost: $50 Presenters: Leaderwise & Bishop Dee Pederson Click here to register Registration Deadline: Nov. 1st It’s our experience that pastors, church staff, and other leaders who transgress boundaries by-and-large are not predators. In […]
The LYO Board is incredibly excited to have the gathering materials ready! This is a YOUTH LED event that is planned by the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board. This year, there is only ONE option for the JH Gathering: Friday Nov 18th-Saturday Nov 19th 2022. Because this is a year of transition […]
Congregation Lay Leaders Zoom Gathering “Annual Meetings: A Time to Give Thanks and Look Ahead” Wednesday, Nov. 30 @ 7:00 p.m. via Zoom This Zoom gathering is especially for Congregation Councils and Rostered Ministers. The agenda will include: -Word and Prayer – Dwelling in Advent -Staffing updates, welcome to and introduction of new Synod Minister […]
Location: Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar Are you looking for a safe and brave space to address racism, but you’re not sure where to start? Are you looking to get away from the church office and talk about hard things that matter to you? Are you looking to avoid blaming or shaming, but work with […]
Save the Date! Registration will be available soon. As youth workers, whether paid or volunteer, you have the opportunity to impact the next generation. This is a sacred and significant role. Having healthy boundaries when working with students is crucial and that responsibility lies squarely on your shoulders. Join us as we discuss ways to […]
Location: SW MN Synod Office, 175 E Bridge St., Redwood Falls, MN 56283 We are here to support you and your ministry with children, youth, and families in a wide variety of ways and are so excited for this new offering… Our gathering is open to all lay and rostered leaders who work with children and […]
The LYO board is overjoyed to be sharing registration materials for the Synod’s annual Senior High Youth Gathering! All 9th-12th grade students are invited to this event, which is coordinated and planned by the SW MN Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). It will be held March 10-11, 2023 at Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN. […]
Money. Stewardship. These topics tend to fall to the bottom of many rostered leaders' to-do lists. Leaders can easily see them as necessary evils. Yet to quote Henri Nouwen, "Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission." […]
Expanding ministry! Just think of the lives your congregation could impact if your members grew their giving by 10%-15% next year! This is exactly the goal of Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS), a two-year, comprehensive process. SAS congregations move embrace an impactful annual appeal and move into other vital realms of a culture of generosity: […]
This gathering is supported by the Gifts of Grace program. The SW MN Synod has a partnership with GSB Fundraising, Pete Reuss and Paul Marsh to help consult rostered ministers and congregations in stewardship. The Zoom link will come to you in an email AFTER you RSVP. Online Form - Congregation Lay Leaders RSVP Powered […]
“Faith and Trust in God in Our Lives” Click here for the event flyer with the schedule. Click here for the registration form.
For many congregations, church-as-we-know-it is struggling and may soon vanish. When LeaderWise, as church consultants, work with congregations we often hear the same FIVE THEMES; however, these FIVE THEMES hinder congregations from stepping into the future. Read a recent article by Rev. Cindy Halvorson, a staff associate with LeaderWise about the FIVE THEMES and Why They […]
For many congregations, church-as-we-know-it is struggling and may soon vanish. When LeaderWise, as church consultants, work with congregations we often hear the same FIVE THEMES; however, these FIVE THEMES hinder congregations from stepping into the future. Read a recent article by Rev. Cindy Halvorson, a staff associate with LeaderWise about the FIVE THEMES and Why They […]
There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]
There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]
There will be three Zoom Meetings prior to the actual Assembly. They will take place the week of May 22-25. All voting members are encouraged to attend all three hearings. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions regarding the 2025 Proposed Budget and 2024 Proposed Compensation Guidelines. The Assembly Orientation will provide directions for […]
SAVE THE DATES. June 9-10, 2023, in person, at Gustavus Adolphus College. View all information about the event.
Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Join Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, for an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Sunday, August 13th @ 3pm Monday, August 14th @ 7pm Both Zoom gatherings will be the same presentation and will be […]
Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Join Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, for an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Sunday, August 13th @ 3pm Monday, August 14th @ 7pm Both Zoom gatherings will be the same presentation and will be […]
A Stewardship Zoom Training for Rostered Ministers led by GSB Fundraising What if your congregation told stories of the way that the people’s lives are impacted by your ministry? What if the people who generously give of their time and resources to your congregation knew that their giving made a difference? Rev. Pete Reuss will […]
A Stewardship Zoom Training for all congregation leaders led by GSB Fundraising Most church communications focus on WHAT the congregation does. We talk about the number of people fed at a dinner, or the number of kids in Sunday School, or the number of homebound visits the congregations makes. This information is nice but doesn’t […]
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Airport, 2040 W. Russell St., Sioux Falls, SD. The 2023 Fall Theological Conference is planned especially for Pastors, Deacons, TEEM Students, Interns, Synod Authorized Lay Ministers currently serving a congregation, and paid staff youth coordinators. In the liturgy of ordination, those called to rostered ministry commit, and ask God’s help, […]
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join congregations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota on Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. Central time for a regional conversation on God’s Love Made Real. The Rev. Craig Schweitzer, bishop of the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod, will host […]
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 American Lutheran Church, Windom 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Click here to register! Are you looking for a safe and brave space to address racism, but you’re not sure where to start? Are you looking to get away and talk about hard things that matter to you? Are you looking to […]
November 17-18 -OR- November 18-19, 2023 Willmar Conference Center – 2100 Hwy 12 E. Willmar, MN Please visit the Junior High Youth Gathering webpage for more information and registration. All students in 6th-9th grade are welcome to attend!
Save the Date Tuesday, November 21, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. In Person at the SW MN Synod Office in Redwood Falls, MN $40 per person Click here to register! Sexual misconduct by rostered and other religious leaders is one of the most serious challenges faced by the church today. Violation of the sacred […]
“Annual Meetings and Annual Budgets: A Time to Give Thanks and Look Ahead” Thursday, Nov. 30 - Zoom Gatherings: 2:00 p.m. for Rostered Ministers, 7:00 p.m. for Congregation Council Members. The agenda will include: -Word and Prayer -Brief synod news updates -Annual budgets and annual meetings do not need to be boring, dreaded, or confusing. […]
Come gather together as we enter the season of Advent with learning opportunities to equip congregations as we live the Word today!! Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:30am - 3:00pm Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar Click here to visit the Equipping Congregations Day webpage for the registration, schedule, and workshop description!! Are you registered? Please double check […]
Sunday, January 21, 2024 3:00pm at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. All are invited to attend. Individuals and congregations representing several different Christian denominations in southwest and west-central Minnesota, will gather together for an Ecumenical celebration of the Word of God. The service is held as part of the annual Week […]
This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]
Thursday, January 25th 2:00 p.m. - Session for Rostered Ministers 7:00 p.m. - Session for Lay Leaders Click here to RSVP. We've all been in situations where people have different expectations of each other; unclear and crossed-up expectations can lead to frustration. This is especially true in the church where relationships and expectations can take […]
This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]
This workshop can help bolster your skills in interviewing and negotiating compensation for a call in Ministry. Open to all women: Interested in adding these skills to their professional toolbox First call candidates preparing for interviews with congregations Female rostered leaders in mobility The same Zoom workshop is offered three separate times: Tuesday, January 23rd […]
Conference: Great River Date: Feb. 4th @ 2:30 p.m. Meeting Location: Zoom Conference Dean: Pr. John Gabrielson
Conference: Minnesota Valley Date: Feb. 4th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Peace Lutheran Church, Winthrop
Conference: Lakeland Date: Feb. 4th @ 4:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer
No matter where congregations are located, no matter the size, congregation leaders are aware that we need to plan for the safety and security of the people who come through our doors, staff and worshipers. Retired Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander provides training to help you make plans to develop your own safety & security […]
Conference: Prairie Date: Feb. 18th @2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: First Lutheran Church, Marshall
Conference: Scenic Valley Date: Feb. 18th @2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls
Conference: Shetek Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Christ Lutheran Church, Slayton
Conference: Lac Qui Parle Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Our Savior’s Lutheran, Montevideo
Conference: Watonwan River Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia
Conference: Crow River Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield
Conference: Glacial Ridge Date: March 3 @ 3:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Alberta
All 9th-12th students are invited to the Synod’s annual Senior High Youth Gathering! It will be held March 8-9, 2024 at Best Western Convention Center in New Ulm, MN. This event is coordinated and planned by the SW MN Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). The theme this year is “Forever Unbroken,” based on Romans 8:37-39. The […]
Hospitality is part of our Christian call to discipleship. Come listen and consider what the Bible says about hospitality as well as how we live out Christian hospitality in the real-life situations we encounter in our congregations and personal lives. Thursday, March 14th 2:00 p.m. - Session for Rostered Ministers 7:00 p.m. - Session for […]
The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church invites the SW MN Synod to a one hour listening session. Leaders from the commission will offer a short presentation on the Commission's charge and current work followed by a period of question and answer and then open listening. Personal information and identifying details will be redacted, but […]
