BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA - ECPv6.17.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://swmnelca.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20280312T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20281105T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T193000
DTSTAMP:20260811T145412Z
CREATED:20260811T145412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T145412Z
UID:24080-1789408800-1789414200@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Stewardship 101 for Smaller Congregations Zoom Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Addressing stewardship in smaller congregations can be confusing\, especially when things have either been running on “autopilot” for so long that the topic seems out of place\, or because it’s never really been talked about and so the topic is too foreign or controversial. But stewardship is a discipleship practice that goes far beyond the pocketbook\, affecting every facet of our lives as followers of Jesus! \nIn this Zoom gathering we’ll talk about practical ways to address stewardship in smaller congregations that are easy to implement\, incremental\, and bring a wholistic lens to the topic. No need to register\, just come (and you’re welcome to bring a team or council) to learn some best practices!\nPresenter: Pastor Tim Brown\, Director of Stewardship for the ELCA \nTim Brown is a pastor in the ELCA serving parishes in Chicago\, IL and Raleigh\, NC. He currently serves in the Office of the Presiding Bishop as Director for Congregational Stewardship Support where he creates and curates relationships and resources to help Synods and Congregations fuel their ministries. He lives in Raleigh\, North Carolina with his wife and two sons\, and you can usually find him at a coffee shop or brewery reading or writing something he thinks is interesting. \nPlease RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email.  \nZoom Link:\nJoin Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=88671634171 \nMeeting ID: 507 637 3904
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/stewardship-101-for-smaller-congregations-zoom-gathering/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260921T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260921T200000
DTSTAMP:20260917T160858Z
CREATED:20260917T160858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T160858Z
UID:24166-1790017200-1790020800@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Portico Benefits Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Synod means walking together. As Portico has released its updates on benefits for 2027\, we want you to know we are walking with you. The cost of groceries\, daily necessities\, higher prices at the gas pump\, and in agriculture impact all of us as roster ministers\, church members\, SAMs – everyone. And we know this impacts congregational ministries. To better understand the 2027 benefit information\, we invite church leadership to join in on a Portico Benefits Webinar\, Monday\, September 21 | 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Tim Schroeder\, Region 3 Portico Representative. \nThis webinar is intended for Rostered Ministers\, lay staff\, congregation council presidents\, and anyone who uses EmployerLink from the ELCA Region 3. We’ll share important Portico updates for 2027\, highlight what’s new\, provide helpful information about benefits and EmployerLink\, and offer an opportunity to ask questions and prepare for the year ahead. We look forward to having you with us! \nClick here to register for the Zoom link. 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/portico-webinar/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260927
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260930
DTSTAMP:20260910T174827Z
CREATED:20260708T185202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T174827Z
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\nClick here to view and download the conference schedule. \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;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T130000
DTSTAMP:20260806T165445Z
CREATED:20260806T165425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T165445Z
UID:24069-1791460800-1791464400@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Zoom Gathering: When Ministry Meets Menopause
DESCRIPTION:When Ministry Meets Menopause: Leading with Clarity\, Confidence\, and Compassion Through the Menopause Transition \nTwo Zoom dates offered\, same content: \n\nThursday\, October 8 – Noon-1pm\nThursday\, October 22 – Noon-1pm\n\nThis Zoom gathering is especially for women in ministry. \nThe menopause transition can impact memory\, focus\, emotional regulation\, sleep\, and confidence. For ministry leaders\, these changes are often amplified by the demands of public leadership. While preaching\, leading worship\, offering pastoral care\, navigating conflict\, and walking alongside others through life’s joys and sorrows\, many women quietly wonder if they’re burning out\, losing their gifts\, or no longer equipped to lead. In this engaging\, science-informed workshop\, Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson introduces MenoEFT\, an innovative approach that integrates neuroscience\, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)\, and menopause education to help ministry leaders understand what’s happening in their brains and bodies. Participants will leave with practical tools to reduce overwhelm\, regulate emotions\, restore clarity and confidence\, and continue leading with wisdom\, resilience\, and compassion. With the right support\, this season can become one of deeper wisdom\, authentic leadership\, and renewed hope. \nPresenter: Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson \nAbout Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson: Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson is Certified Menopause Doula and an ELCA pastor on the SWMN Synod roster. She has more than 20 years of experience serving as a pastor and chaplain. As the creator of MenoEFT\, she combines her background in ministry\, neuroscience-informed care\, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)\, and menopause education to support ministry leaders navigating the emotional\, cognitive\, and physical challenges of the menopause transition. Her passion is helping women move from merely surviving this season to leading with greater clarity\, confidence\, compassion\, and joy. \nPlease RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email.\n \nZoom Link:\nTime: Oct 8\, 2026 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=84372226884\nMeeting ID: 507 637 3904 \nTime: Oct 22\, 2026 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=89882604054\nMeeting ID: 507 637 3904
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/ministry-meets-menopause/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T130000
DTSTAMP:20260806T165738Z
CREATED:20260806T165738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T165738Z
UID:24072-1792670400-1792674000@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Zoom Gathering: When Ministry Meets Menopause
DESCRIPTION:When Ministry Meets Menopause: Leading with Clarity\, Confidence\, and Compassion Through the Menopause Transition \nTwo Zoom dates offered\, same content: \n\nThursday\, October 8 – Noon-1pm\nThursday\, October 22 – Noon-1pm\n\nThis Zoom gathering is especially for women in ministry. \nThe menopause transition can impact memory\, focus\, emotional regulation\, sleep\, and confidence. For ministry leaders\, these changes are often amplified by the demands of public leadership. While preaching\, leading worship\, offering pastoral care\, navigating conflict\, and walking alongside others through life’s joys and sorrows\, many women quietly wonder if they’re burning out\, losing their gifts\, or no longer equipped to lead. In this engaging\, science-informed workshop\, Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson introduces MenoEFT\, an innovative approach that integrates neuroscience\, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)\, and menopause education to help ministry leaders understand what’s happening in their brains and bodies. Participants will leave with practical tools to reduce overwhelm\, regulate emotions\, restore clarity and confidence\, and continue leading with wisdom\, resilience\, and compassion. With the right support\, this season can become one of deeper wisdom\, authentic leadership\, and renewed hope. \nPresenter: Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson \nAbout Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson: Rev. Dr. Siri Erickson is Certified Menopause Doula and an ELCA pastor on the SWMN Synod roster. She has more than 20 years of experience serving as a pastor and chaplain. As the creator of MenoEFT\, she combines her background in ministry\, neuroscience-informed care\, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)\, and menopause education to support ministry leaders navigating the emotional\, cognitive\, and physical challenges of the menopause transition. Her passion is helping women move from merely surviving this season to leading with greater clarity\, confidence\, compassion\, and joy. \nPlease RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email.\n \nZoom Link:\nTime: Oct 8\, 2026 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=84372226884\nMeeting ID: 507 637 3904 \nTime: Oct 22\, 2026 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=89882604054\nMeeting ID: 507 637 3904
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/zoom-gathering-when-ministry-meets-menopause/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T204500
DTSTAMP:20260917T154520Z
CREATED:20260917T154520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T154520Z
UID:24163-1793125800-1793133900@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Safer Together: Beyond the Gun Control Debate
DESCRIPTION:A Conversation Among the People and Congregations of the ELCA in Minnesota and North Dakota \n“Christian love builds powerful relations of giving and receiving that counter the isolation\, despair\, enmity\, and nihilism that often contribute to lethal harm and criminal homicide.” – ELCA Social Message on Gun Related Violence and Trauma \n\n\nSafer Together: A Regional Conversation on Gun Violence\nTuesday\, October 27\, 2026\n6:30–8:45 p.m. Central Time\n \nIn person at regional gathering sites or online via Zoom\nSW MN Synod In Person Location: Trinity Lutheran Church\, 511 S 5th St.\, St Peter\, MN  \n\n\n\n\nJoin people from across eight ELCA synods for the launch of Safer Together\, a regional initiative creating space for learning\, conversation\, and faithful action around gun violence.\nThe evening will feature Dr. Jillian Peterson\, presenting “Mass Shootings in the United States: Sources and Solutions\,” followed by Q&A and guided conversation grounded in ELCA teaching.\nParticipants are encouraged to gather with others at one of our regional gathering sites\, where there will be opportunities for conversation and discussion. Those unable to attend a gathering site are also welcome to participate individually via Zoom. Click here for more information and to register. 
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/safer-together-beyond-the-gun-control-debate/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261120
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261122
DTSTAMP:20260914T145020Z
CREATED:20260721T210342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T145020Z
UID:23998-1795132800-1795305599@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Junior High Youth Gathering
DESCRIPTION:We are incredibly excited that you are looking at the materials for the 2026 Junior High Youth Gathering. This is a YOUTH LED event that is planned by the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board. \nOur theme this year is “Refuge in the Chaos\,” based on Psalm 46:1-2. \nLocation: Willmar Conference Center & Best Western Plus/Holiday Inn Express\nDates: Friday Evening\, Nov. 20 – Saturday Morning\, Nov. 21 \nThe Junior High Youth Gathering is open to all 6th-9th graders! (We encourage you to decide what makes sense for Middle School or Junior High youth in your congregation.) \nGathering Features: \n\nSpeaker: Michael Chan\nYOUTH-LED Mass Gatherings\, which include worship\, singing\, faith talks by students\, building relationships\, growing in faith\, and hanging out with other youth from our very own synod.\nNightlife featuring swimming\, games\, food\, dancing\, service project and SO MUCH MORE!\n\nClick here to view and download the gathering guide that provides you with plenty of information to pump up the youth in your congregation! \nClick here for the online registration form.  \nRegistration:\nSept. 14 – Oct 11\nEarly Bird Registration\, $95 early bird rate (Opens at NOON on 9/14) \nOct. 12 – Oct. 17\nRegistration continues\, $100 registration rate (Closes at 5 PM on 10/18) \nOct. 17 @ 5 PM\nRegistration Closed – Any late registrations after this time will cost $110.\n(You’ll need to contact the Gathering Registrar\, and late registrations DO NOT include t-shirts or rooms in the hotel block\, so you’ll need to secure housing.) \nIf you have any questions\, you can contact:\nSynod Minister\, Pastor Seyward Ask – (678) 427-7612 -or- seyward.ask@swmnelca.org\nJH Gathering Registrar\, Amy Swanson – (320) 287-1867 -or- lyogatheringregistrar@gmail.com\nJH Gathering Manager\, Janelle Eisenbacher – (320) 295-0312 -or- jeisenbacher@hotmail.com
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/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR