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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T063000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T203000
DTSTAMP:20260305T153428Z
CREATED:20260305T153428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T153428Z
UID:23346-1775716200-1775766600@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Call Process Summit
DESCRIPTION:Join the Zoom Conversation! \nThe call process is the transition of a rostered minister into service with a congregation(s). Join the conversation as synod staff walk through each step of the process and share how every transition is unique. \nThis summit is open to anyone interested in learning more. Whether your congregation is currently in the call process or you have a settled pastor and simply want to better understand how congregations and synod staff partner during times of transition\, this conversation is for you. \nPlease RSVP to receive the Zoom link by email. You’re also invited to submit a question you hope the conversation will address. Click here to RSVP. \n 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/call-process-summit/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260410
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260412
DTSTAMP:20260205T172341Z
CREATED:20260115T220023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T172341Z
UID:23163-1775779200-1775951999@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Senior High Youth Gathering
DESCRIPTION:All 9th-12th students are invited to the Synod’s annual Senior High Youth Gathering on April 10th – 11th\, 2026 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Lodging will be at Redwood Lodge. This event is coordinated & planned by the SW MN Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO).  \nOur theme this year is “Refuge in The Chaos” based on Psalm 46:1-2.  \nWe have an outstanding gathering planned for you! Including: \n\nSpeaker: Tera Elness\nBand: SW MN Synod Youth Band\nNightlife: Variety of activities including games\, snacks\, dance\, large group games\, relaxing space for prayer\, etc.\nSmall Groups: Sessions led by youth to help dig deeper into the theme\nLively worship\, dancing\, singing\, fun\, faith and relationship-building \nService Project: Meaningful service learning and opportunities to grow\nLYO Board Elections\n\nRegistration:\nClick here to register!\nRegistration opens January 28th @ 6:00pm and closes March 5th @ 6:00pm.\n$65 per person (Jan. 28-Feb. 28)\n$80 per person (March 1-March 5)\nPlease view and download the gathering packet for more information. \nLinks: \n– Gathering Packet\n– LYO Board Online Application\n– Small Group Leaders Application\n– Gathering Covenant\n– Gathering Release Form\n-Gathering Hotel Form
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/shyg2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260418
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260419
DTSTAMP:20260414T182848Z
CREATED:20260414T182848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T182848Z
UID:23574-1776470400-1776556799@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:2026 EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest
DESCRIPTION:From Fear to Fire: Igniting Community for a Planet in Peril\nApril 18\, 2026\nAt First Lutheran Church\,\nDuluth\, MN and Livestreamed via Zoom \nClick here to register for Livestream Summit Experience via Zoom Webinar. 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/2026-ecofaith/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T200000
DTSTAMP:20260319T200852Z
CREATED:20260319T200852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T200852Z
UID:23504-1776796200-1776801600@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:CYF Healthy Boundaries Training
DESCRIPTION:For all staff and volunteers working with children\, youth\, and family ministry – especially as congregations move into their summer programming.  \nThis 90-minute workshop\, led by Rev. Emily Carson\, Assistant to the Bishop & Director for Evangelical Mission in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod\, is designed for volunteers and professionals engaged in faith formation and ministry with children\, youth\, and families. \nIn addition\, we will be joined by Joy McElroy\, Executive Director of Cherish All Children with Lutheran Social Services – MN. Cherish All Children partners with churches and communities to prevent child exploitation and trafficking. \nParticipants will explore their own relationship to power\, boundaries\, and authority\, gaining insights into how these dynamics shape their leadership. Beyond personal reflection\, the workshop will also equip leaders to actively foster wise boundary-setting skills in the young people they serve. Through discussion and practical strategies\, attendees will be empowered to nurture healthy\, trust-filled ministry spaces. \nDate: Tuesday\, April 21st\nTime: 6:30-8:00pm\nWhere: Zoom (link will be sent to you)\nCost: $10 donation to the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund through the NEMN Synod. This fund has been set up specifically for distribution among Minnesota and Region 3 synods and partners\, working in response to federal law enforcement activity in their communities.\nClick here to register.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/cyf-healthy-boundaries/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T073000
DTSTAMP:20260416T201043Z
CREATED:20260416T200941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T201043Z
UID:23601-1777707000-1777707000@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Lutheran Men in Mission Spring Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Date: May 2\, 2026\nSite: Calvary Lutheran Church\, Willmar \nLiving with All: Be a peacemaker in a time of division\n“If it is possible\, as far as it depends on you\, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18\nSpeaker: Rev. Dr. Darrell Jodock \n  \nSchedule\n7:30am – Loading Lutheran World Relief Quilts\n8:00 – Registration / Rolls and Coffee / Visit Display Tables\n9:00 – Welcome and Joint Worship with the Women of the ELCA (WELCA)\n10:00 – LMM Program\, Speaker: Rev. Dr. Darrell Jodock\nDarrell Jodock is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and is Professor Emeritus at Gustavus Adolphus College where he served as the Drell and Adeline Bernhardson Distinguished Professor of Religion.\nNoon – Joint Lunch with WELCA\n1:00pm – Business Meeting\n1:45 – Break\n2:00 – Break Out Session / Bible Study / Fellowship\n3:15 – Evaluation / Final Remarks / Closing Prayer\n3:30 – Departure \nTo register please fill out the registration form and mail to: LMM Treasurer\, Reynold Dittbenner at 24533 State Hwy 4\, Sleepy Eye\, MN 56085.\nCell: 507-220-0185.\nCost: $25 per person\nOfferings and donations to LMM will be used for promoting LMM men’s ministries in the SW MN Synod. Even if you are not able to participate in the Spring Gathering donations are appreciated. Please mail your gift to Reynold Dittbenner at the address above. \n 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/lutheran-men-in-mission-spring-retreat/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T160000
DTSTAMP:20260312T151201Z
CREATED:20260312T150823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T151201Z
UID:23374-1777707000-1777737600@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:2026 SW MN Synodical Women's Organization Convention
DESCRIPTION:Location: Calvary Lutheran Church\, Willmar\nTime: 7:30 – 4:00 p.m.\nClick here to view and print the registration form. \n \n 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/2026-welca/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T150000
DTSTAMP:20260305T170128Z
CREATED:20251204T162430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T170128Z
UID:23052-1777971600-1777993200@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Ethics and Boundaries for Ministers Training
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, May 5th – 9:00am-3:00pm\nIn person at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church\, New Ulm\nPresenters: Rev. Emily Carson\nCost: $75 per person\nRegistration Deadline: April 28th \nClick here to register! \nSexual misconduct by rostered and other religious leaders is one of the most serious challenges faced by the church today. Violation of the sacred trust between church members and their leaders brings deep pain to all who are affected: victims\, offenders\, family members\, friends\, and the congregation itself. \nIn response to this challenge\, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod bylaws include the following provisions (S14.25.01. and S14.47.01.): \n“Within twelve months of assuming office all rostered ministers of under call shall demonstrate completion of at least six contact hours of continuing education in the prevention of sexual boundary violations.” \nThe SW MN Synod synod council created a continuing resolution encouraging all of our rostered leaders to have continued work on appropriate boundaries of all kinds\, but especially sexual boundaries\, every three years. \nNOTE: You must be present at all 6 hours of the training to receive credit for completing the program. \nIf this date doesn’t work for you\, you may comply by attending another training event that includes at least six contact hours of instruction in the same content covered by the synod’s workshop and provide proof of attendance to the synod office.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/ethics-and-boundaries/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T193000
DTSTAMP:20260312T142542Z
CREATED:20260312T142542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T142542Z
UID:23364-1778610600-1778614200@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Resolution Hearing
DESCRIPTION:In accordance with †S18.13. of the Synod Constitution\, notice was hereby given that the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council had approved forwarding proposed amendments to the Synod Constitution\, Bylaws\, and Continuing Resolutions to the congregations of this synod. This Zoom meeting will cover these changes. Required changes approved by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly do not need approval. However\, all other changes will be brought before the synod assembly for discussion and approval. Click here for more information. \nIt is strongly recommended that voting members of the Synod Assembly participate in the pre-assembly Zoom events so you are fully informed. You will also receive separate email invitations for each hearing\, which will include the Zoom links and any necessary documents. \nZoom Link:\nTime: Tuesday\, May 12\, 2026 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88088743838 \nMeeting ID: 880 8874 3838
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/resolution-hearing-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T140000
DTSTAMP:20260416T195245Z
CREATED:20260416T194236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T195245Z
UID:23593-1778747400-1778767200@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:"The Church in a Secular Age" with Dr. Andy Root
DESCRIPTION:The Church in a Secular Age: Why things feel so hard and our best intentions may hurt more than help\nThursday\, May 14\, 2026; 8:30am-2:00pm\nLocation: Bethlehem Lutheran Church\, St. Cloud MN \nWe as a church find ourselves at a crossroads of secularization and the polarization of Christianity\, with a decline in mainline congregations in the middle. The Great River Conference invites congregational leaders (both rostered leaders and lay leaders) to a presentation on “The Church in a Secular Age” with Dr. Andy Root at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud MN on Thursday\, May 14. Dr. Root is a prolific author and professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul\, teaching theology of ministry\, youth ministry\, and culture\, often focusing on the intersection of faith and the secular age. The schedule for the day is: Check-in & Refreshments 8:30-9:30\, Dr. Andy Root 9:30-12:00\, Lunch 12-1\, Small Groups 1:00-2:00. Thanks to a grant from the SW MN Synod Lunch is included free of charge with your registration. \nRSVP is required for anyone wanting Lunch (Boxed Lunches from Panera Bread)\, no later than May 10.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/the-church-in-a-secular-age-with-dr-andy-root/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260518T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260518T193000
DTSTAMP:20260312T142919Z
CREATED:20260312T142919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T142919Z
UID:23366-1779129000-1779132600@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Synod Assembly Orientation
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, May 18\, 2026 via Zoom from 6:30pm to 7:30pm \n\nI’m attending online\, where are the links?\nI’m attending on site\, where do I park?\nWhere do I find the assembly reports?\nWhat time does the assembly begin?\nWhere is the agenda?\nHow do I download Guidebook?\nHow do we vote?\nI’m staying on campus\, where is my dorm?\nAll of these questions will be answered and yours will too!!\n\nZoom Link: \nTime: May 18\, 2026 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85130637121 \nMeeting ID: 851 3063 7121
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/assembly-orientation/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T193000
DTSTAMP:20260312T143604Z
CREATED:20260312T143604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T143604Z
UID:23370-1779215400-1779219000@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:2027 Compensation Guidelines Zoom Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Receive an overview of the proposed 2027 Compensation Guidelines prior to their presentation to the Assembly for discussion and approval. The committee will report on its work\, outline the recommended changes\, and explain the rationale supporting those recommendations. \nIt is strongly recommended that Synod Assembly voting members participate in the pre-assembly Zoom events so you are fully informed. You will also receive separate email invitations for each hearing\, which will include the Zoom links and any necessary documents. \nZoom Link: \nTime: May 19\, 2026 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82798070794 \nMeeting ID: 827 9807 0794
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/2027-compensation-guidelines-zoom-gathering/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T193000
DTSTAMP:20260312T144458Z
CREATED:20260312T144458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T144458Z
UID:23372-1779388200-1779391800@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Synod Budget Forum
DESCRIPTION:Receive an overview of the proposed FY2028 Budget from Synod Treasurer\, Bob Haines\, prior to his presentation to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Mr. Haines will discuss the work of the Management and Mission Support Committee\, outline the recommended budget changes\, and explain the rationale supporting those recommendations. \nIt is strongly recommended that Synod Assembly voting members participate in the pre-assembly Zoom events so you are fully informed. You will also receive separate email invitations for each hearing\, which will include the Zoom links and any necessary documents. \nZoom Link:\nTime: Thursday\, May 21\, 2026 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81139147676 \nMeeting ID: 811 3914 7676
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/synod-budget-forum/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260605
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTSTAMP:20260217T173148Z
CREATED:20251204T162953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T173148Z
UID:23056-1780617600-1780790399@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:2026 Synod Assembly
DESCRIPTION:Date: June 5 – 6\, 2026\nTime: registration opens 11:30 am – Friday\, June 5th (on-site)\nPlace: Gustavus Adolphus College & online via Zoom\nTheme: Grounded in Hope.\nPlease visit the Synod Assembly Webpage for more information and registration. \n \nwww.swmnelca.org/synod-assembly
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/2026-assembly/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T200000
DTSTAMP:20260611T170446Z
CREATED:20260611T170446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T170446Z
UID:23871-1781548200-1781553600@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Zoom Gathering: Rewriting the Rural Narrative
DESCRIPTION:It seems the rural story has already been told. Small towns keep getting smaller. Churches\, schools\, clinics\, businesses\, and now post offices\, have closed their doors as the lucky few migrate out to the big cities. This deficit framework dominates how we discuss and envision our rural communities. However\, the story of rural America since 1970 is rich and diverse\, with positive trends occurring under the radar. Learn how positive changes around migration\, community involvement\, economic development\, and regional living have diversified this landscape that require us to rewrite the narrative of rural community change. \nPresenter: Benjamin Winchester\, Rural Sociologist\, University of Minnesota Extension\, Department of Community Development \nBen has been working both in and for small towns across the Midwest for around 30 years. He lives in St. Cloud\, Minnesota with his wife and two children. Ben is trained as a Rural Sociologist and works in the Extension Department of Community Development at the University of Minnesota. He conducts applied research on economic\, social\, and demographic topics surrounding a theme of “rewriting the rural narrative” and received the Rural Renewal Research Prize in 2021 for this work. \nPlease click here to RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email. \n 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/zoom-gathering-rewriting-the-rural-narrative/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260724
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260725
DTSTAMP:20260625T214521Z
CREATED:20260625T214211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T214521Z
UID:23938-1784851200-1784937599@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Lutheran Men in Mission Golf Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Help Grow Leaders in Rural Ministry!\n31st Annual LMM Golf Tournament\nFriday\, July 24th\, 2024\nRedwood Falls Golf Club\, Redwood Falls\, MN \nRegistration: 2:30 pm\nShotgun Start: 3:00 pm\nPrice: $85.00 per golfer. Includes GOLF CART\, green fees\, meal\, prizes and a donation to LMM\nRegistration Deadline: Monday\, July 20th\nClick here to download and print the flyer and registration form. \nFund for Leaders Endowment\nThe SW MN Synod Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) provides for seminary tuition scholarships. Recipients will have an openness and commitment to future service in rural settings.\nThe profit from the LMM golf tournament goes into the LMM’s Fund for Leaders Endowment to help grow leaders. Donations to the LMM Scholarship Endowment Fund are appreciated even if you are not able to participate in the Golf Tournament.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/2026-golf-tournament/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T150000
DTSTAMP:20260709T212201Z
CREATED:20260709T211507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T212201Z
UID:23989-1786626000-1786633200@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Study Session 1: Conscience and Conversation
DESCRIPTION:+Bishop Dee Pederson  \n\n\nDear friends in Christ –  \nRecently\, many of you received the ELCA study titled\, “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.”   \nOn Thursday\, August 13 – 1:00-3:00 p.m. and Thursday\, August 20—1:00-3:00 p.m.\, Bishop Dee Pederson will host two opportunities to walk through the study\, which prepares individuals to respond to the survey. The study sessions will be held in person at the synod office\, 175 E Bridge St.\, Redwood Falls. Participants should attend both sessions; they will not be identical. Please RSVP to help the synod staff plan for each session. Click here for more information.  \n\n\nClick here to RSVP: Study sessions at the synod office\n\n\n\nEach session will follow the flow of the study: Welcome and Introductions\, Hymn\, Bible reading\, Prayer\, Group Expectations\, Activities and Discussion\, Prayer. \nDownload the study and learn more about the reconsideration process at ELCA.org/reconsiderations.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/study-session-1/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T150000
DTSTAMP:20260709T212400Z
CREATED:20260709T212400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T212400Z
UID:23994-1787230800-1787238000@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Study Session 2: Conscience and Conversation
DESCRIPTION:+Bishop Dee Pederson  \n\nDear friends in Christ –  \nRecently\, many of you received the ELCA study titled\, “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.”   \nOn Thursday\, August 13 – 1:00-3:00 p.m. and Thursday\, August 20—1:00-3:00 p.m.\, Bishop Dee Pederson will host two opportunities to walk through the study\, which prepares individuals to respond to the survey. The study sessions will be held in person at the synod office\, 175 E Bridge St.\, Redwood Falls. Participants should attend both sessions; they will not be identical. Please RSVP to help the synod staff plan for each session. Click here for more information.  \n\n\nClick here to RSVP: Study sessions at the synod office\n\n\n\nEach session will follow the flow of the study: Welcome and Introductions\, Hymn\, Bible reading\, Prayer\, Group Expectations\, Activities and Discussion\, Prayer. \nDownload the study and learn more about the reconsideration process at ELCA.org/reconsiderations.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/study-session-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260927
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260930
DTSTAMP:20260708T210654Z
CREATED:20260708T185202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T210654Z
UID:23954-1790467200-1790726399@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:2026 Fall Theological Conference
DESCRIPTION:2026 Fall Theological Conference\nLocation: Little Crow Resort & Conference\, Spicer MN\nDates: Sept. 27\, Sunday Evening – Sept. 29\, Tuesday Afternoon \n\nWho are the People in Our Neighborhood?\nHow loving our neighbor and a prophetic witness both begin with knowing the people in our community.  \nIn this continuing season of unease\, the 2026 Fall Theological Conference will help us consider how the places and people to which God calls us shape our ministry and our witness.   \n\nHow do we come to know the unique context and the neighbors God has given us?  \nHow much do place and context shape us?  \nHow do we navigate a growing tension among people who seek to follow Jesus in our context? \nHow can we be faithful to God’s prophetic witness among the people entrusted to us?   \n\nWe will learn from:  \nBen Durheim\, assistant professor of theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University\, Collegeville. Teaching courses in liturgical and sacramental theology\, ethics\, and systematics\, Ben’s publishing has centered on the intersection between liturgy and ethics\, ecumenism\, liturgical and sacramental practice\, and social ethics. His recent book\, “Each in Our Own Language: Symbolization and Social Ethics in Rural America” (Fortress Press)\, explores the deep layers of meaning that contribute to an increasingly deep “rural-urban divide.” Through story\, theological reflection\, rural sociology\, and his fresh teaching style\, Durheim will help us consider how ministry might lean toward the social conditions where love flourishes for the sake of all.   \nJUSTmove—Joe Davis and David Scherer—will bring their music\, poetry\, and storytelling to help us imagine how to bridge the many kinds of cultural differences we experience today and to facilitate movement and healing.   \nJoe Davis is a spoken word artist and educator\, facilitating intercultural and racial justice training to help people stay connected with each other.   \nDavid Scherer\, also known as AGAPE\, engages people through music and teaching to bridge cultural anxiety and practice racial accompaniment.  \nTogether\, they will team up to equip us to move from discomfort and avoidance to leadership with courageous conversation and belonging. \nThe 2026 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. By action of the 1988 Synod Assembly\, this conference has been designated as an “official synodical event.” This means that all pastors and deacons under call or appointment are expected to attend. If you need to be absent\, please email Bishop Dee Pederson at dee.pederson@swmnelca.org and CC Kristin Bakeberg\, kristin.bakeberg@swmnelca.org in your email. \n\nRegistration Information\nThe registration fee is per person:\n$150 regular registration\n$100 per person reduced registration (only for grads awaiting first call\, interns\, on-leave-from-call\, and retired pastors not serving in an interim position) The registration fee includes the conference fee\, Monday lunch\, snacks\, and refreshments. \nFull conference schedule will be posted in mid-august.  \nClick here to register.\nRegistration Deadline: September 11th \nHousing arrangements and cost are separate from the FTC registration fee.\nAll attendees are responsible for their own housing arrangements. The synod office has reserved a block of rooms at the Little Crow Hotel & Conference\, Trademark by Wyndham where the conference will be held. The block of rooms is under the name: SWMNELCA Fall Conference (092726SWELCA). This block of rooms will be available until Friday\, Aug. 28\, 2026. Please call 320-347-1450 to make your room reservations. \nWater’s Edge Ministries (Green Lake Bible Camp and Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp) also have housing options. Please call 320-796-2181 to check lodging availability.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/2026-ftc/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261120
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261122
DTSTAMP:20260721T210342Z
CREATED:20260721T210342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T210342Z
UID:23998-1795132800-1795305599@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Junior High Youth Gathering
DESCRIPTION:More information coming soon!
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/jhyg-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270628
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270703
DTSTAMP:20260722T183106Z
CREATED:20260722T182743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T183106Z
UID:24005-1814140800-1814572799@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:ELCA Youth Gathering
DESCRIPTION:The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering will take place June 28–July 2\, 2027\, in Minneapolis\, Minn. MYLE (Multicultural Youth Leadership Event) and the tAble will take place June 26-28\, 2027\, also in Minneapolis. The Young Adult Gathering will take place concurrent with the Gathering\, June 28–July 2\, 2027. \n\nConnect and plan for the gathering!\n\nwww.elca.org/gathering \nEmail: gathering@elca.org \nSign up for the gNews. Stay in the loop for all things Gathering. The gNews is your go-to source for the latest updates\, tips and reminders\, straight from the Gathering team. Click here. \nELCA Regional Representative\, Shane Marcus is part of a refreshed leadership structure designed to strengthen collaboration and support across the church throughout the Gathering cycle. \n“This marks a shift from the Gathering Synod Champion (or Gathering Synod Coordinator) model of previous cycles. Moving to regional representation allows us to offer more consistent support\, deeper collaboration\, and a broader network of leaders across the church. As your Regional Rep\, I am here to walk with you and your synod through every phase of Gathering preparation—answering questions\, sharing timely updates\, connecting leaders\, and offering contextual guidance based on what’s happening in our region—while also ensuring that your synod retains full freedom to lead and organize your own Gathering related efforts. If your synod plans to host retreats\, lock-ins\, trainings\, or other Gathering focused events\, please continue those valuable efforts.” – Shane \nRegional Reps serve as partners alongside our synod’s work—not replacements. If you have any questions\, please connect with Synod Minister Pr. Seyward Ask or Shane Marcus. \nEmail: shane.michael.marcus@gmail.com\nPhone: 612.723.7899 \n\nVolunteers\n\nWould you like to volunteer at the Gathering and help our young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment. \nThere are several ways to volunteer. Responsibilities and commitments vary by category\, but every volunteer must agree to a volunteer code of conduct and submit to a background check run by the ELCA. \nServing as a volunteer requires no application fee\, but applicants who are offered a volunteer role will be asked to pay a $50 processing fee to ensure their attendance and cover the cost of a background check. If this fee prohibits you from serving\, reach out to the Gathering office. \nKey Dates\nJune 17\, 2026 Volunteer applications open (Gathering Volunteer Corps and local)\nAug. 19\, 2026 Gathering Volunteer Corps applications close\nOct. 30\, 2026 Gathering Volunteer Corps applicants notified\nDec. 1\, 2026 Servant Companion applications open\nJan. 15\, 2027 Servant Companion applications close \n\n\n\n\nClick here for more information and application
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/elca-youth-gathering-2027/
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