Lac Qui Parle Conference Assembly
2024-02-18
Conference: Lac Qui Parle
Date: Feb. 18th @ 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Our Savior’s Lutheran, Montevideo

Watonwan River Conference Assembly
2024-02-25
Conference: Watonwan River
Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia

Crow River Conference Assembly
2024-02-25
Conference: Crow River
Date: Feb. 25th @ 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield

Glacial Ridge Conference Assembly
2024-03-03
Conference: Glacial Ridge
Date: March 3 @ 3:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Alberta

Senior High Youth Gathering
2024-03-08 16:30 - 2024-03-09 17:00 (America/Chicago)
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 LYO has an outstanding gathering planned for you:

Band: Hans Peterson and the Synod Youth Band
Nightlife: Variety of activities including games, snacks, dance, large group games, etc.
The Spirit Garage (a relaxing place for peace and prayer)
Small group sessions led by trained youth to help dig deeper into the theme
Service learning opportunities with meaningful service project and growth
LYO board elections (more info below!)
Lively worship, dancing, singing, fun, faith and relationship-building

Gathering Information:
-Click here to download the Registration Guide for more detailed information.
Registration opens January 25th @ 5:00 pm – Closes February 16th @ 4:30 pm.
Cost: $115 per person ($125 after February 16th) The registration cost includes programming and a Gathering t-shirt, also includes Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast & lunch. Hotel accommodations are separate from the gathering registration fee.
Click here to register!

Gathering Links:
-Make an online payment
-LYO Board Online Application
-Small Group Leader Online Application

Room at the Table for Everyone Zoom Gathering
2024-03-14
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 Lay Leaders

Please RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email. This Zoom Session will be recorded and shared for future use.
Click here to RSVP

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Zoom Gatherings
2024-04-09
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 specific suggestions of how the structure and governance of the ELCA in its three expressions can be more helpful and efficient are greatly welcome!
Tuesday, April 9th

2:00 p.m. – Session for Rostered Ministers
7:00 p.m. – Session for Lay Leaders

Please RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email. This Zoom Session will be recorded and shared for future use.
Click here to RSVP
More information about the commission can be found here:
Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)

Lutheran Men in Mission Spring Retreat
2024-04-13 08:00 - 15:00
Love Your Neighbor, Even When We Disagree
For All Men
SW MN Synod Spring Gathering Flyer
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Gloria Dei Church in Redwood Falls
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. Registration / Rolls, Coffee, and Juice
9:00 Welcome and Bible Study
Business Meeting
-Fill vacancies on board: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Conference Reps.
-Scholarship for Seminary and Endowment Fund Contribution
-LMM Golf Tournament-Purpose and Details (July 19, 2024, at Redwood Falls Golf Course)
Ted Mathews, “How Do We Manage Conflict”
Lunch / Meet and Greet
LMM Ambassadors, Pr. Tim Schoeder and Jan Nelson—LMM Tools for Ministering with Men
Closing Worship with Offering led by Pr. Bryant Kaden and Pr. Lowell Krogstad
-Installation of Officers
3:00 p.m. Depart for Home. Drive Safely.
Registration:
To register please fill out the registration form and mail to LMM Treasurer, Reynold Dittbenner at 24533 State Hwy 4, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085. Cell: 507-220-0185. Click here to view and download the registration form.
Cost: $10 per person
Donations:
Donations to the LMM Scholarship Endowment Fund are appreciated even if you are not able to participate in the Spring Gathering.

Ethics and Boundaries for Ministers Training
2024-04-23 09:00 - 15:00
In person at First Lutheran Church, 1114 Traverse Road, St. Peter, MN.
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 – 9:00am-3:00pm
Presenter: Rev. Emily Carson
Registration Deadline: April 16th
$40 per person.
Sexual 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.
In response to this challenge, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod bylaws include the following provisions (S14.25.01. and S14.47.01.):
“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.”
A few years ago our 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.
NOTE: You must be present at all 6 hours of the training to receive credit for completing the program.
If these dates don’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 for your file.
Click here to register.

2024 Synod Assembly
2024-06-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-06-08
When: June 7-8, 2024.
Time: 6:00 pm. Friday to 5:00 pm. Saturday.
Where: Gustavus Adolphus College, St Peter & Zoom Webinar.
Click here to visit the Synod Assembly webpage for more information.

ELCA Youth Gathering
2024-07-16 - 2024-07-20 | New Orleans, LA, New Orleans, LA, United States
Created to Be: 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering including MYLE the Table
Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering!
Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, recorded an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA.

Greetings from Pr. Jon Wendt!
My name is Pastor Jon Wendt, and I am the SWMN Synod Champion for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. I have attended every tri-annual gathering since the early 90’s, and have watched people grow in their faith as they come together with thousands of other Christians during the week of the Gatherings. This life-changing event has been canceled the last couple of times, but I am excited that we are able to participate again.
As the Gathering Synod Champion (GSC), it is my role to walk with each of the congregations as they begin to register, fundraise, and prepare. I am here to answer any questions you may have. As we each begin this journey to New Orleans in the summer of 2024, I want to be a “help line” for you. You can always reach me through the gathering website www.elca.org/gathering, or my personal email stmatthewwabassopastor@gmail.com.

Lutheran Men in Mission Golf Tournament
2024-07-19
Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Redwood Falls Golf Club, Redwood Falls, MN
Registration: 2:30 pm
Shotgun Start: 3:00 pm
Price: $75.00 per golfer Includes GOLF CART, green fees, meal, prizes and a donation to LMM
Help Grow Leaders in Rural Ministry!
Fund for Leaders Endowment: The 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. The 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.
Registrations, payments and donations should be mailed to: John Woodford at 30442 350th St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283.
Click here to view and download the registration form.

Women in Ministry Gathering
2024-08-06 - 2024-08-08
Empower. Empowered. Empowering.
August 6-8, 2024
Hilton Garden Inn, Sioux Falls, SD
Click here to register!
Women have been ordained for over 50 years, yet still experience challenges as we seek to live out our calls in this church. The ELCA is committed to improving the quality of calls for women in ministry. Seven synods in the Midwest are collaborating to host a gathering for women in ministry where there will be a time for conversation, support, education, and for rest and renewal.
Special Speaker: Rozella Haydee White
There is NO REGISTRATION COST thanks to a generous grant from the Quality of Call initiative of the ELCA.
Following the event, a limited number of $200 scholarships to help reimburse the cost of hotel rooms and travel will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit Women in Ministry | Central States Synod (css-elca.org) website for more information.
Empower Women in Ministry Flyer

Compensation Guidelines Zoom Gathering
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:00
Thursday, October 3rd @ 7:00 pm
This Zoom gathering is especially for Congregation Councils, Personnel Committees, and Rostered Ministers.
Please RSVP to receive the Zoom Link in your email.
Come hear an overview of the 2025 Synod Compensation Guidelines and how Portico Benefits figure into the definition of compensation for Rostered Ministers.
Presenters: Pr. Janel Kuester and Tammy Schacher

2024 Fall Theological Conference
2024-10-06 - 2024-10-08
Location: Little Crow Resort & Conference Center: 15980 Hwy 23 NE, Spicer MN, 56288
Sunday Evening, October 6th – Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
Keynote Speaker: Professor Emeritus Timothy J. Wengert

The 2024 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.

Registration Information
The registration fee is per person:
$135 regular registration
$90 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.
Click here to register.
Registration Deadline: September 20th
Housing arrangements and cost is separate from the FTC registration fee.
All attendees are responsible for their own housing arrangements. The synod office has reserved a block rooms at the Grandstay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow Resort where the conference will be held. The block of rooms is under the name: SW MN ELCA. This block of rooms will be released on September 6, 2024. Please call 320-347-1450 to make your room reservations.
Click here to view and download the conference schedule.

Augsburg Confession and Ministry: Finding You (Lutheran) Roots:
We are living in a time of enormous change. Everyone knows that. As a result, Christian, parish ministry can get lost in the weeds. Everyone in the Church’s ministry experiences that, too. Our anchor, of course, is Jesus Christ, “The same yesterday, today, and forever,” as one clever first-century writer put it. With Christ as our anchor, we Lutherans have an amazing rudder to help us steer through the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” (Hamlet): the Augsburg Confession
In just a few years, in 2030, that confession will marks its 500th anniversary. To be sure, there are different ways to read that confession:

As a historical record of princes and cities caught confessing their faith before the most powerful European ruler between Charlemagne and Napoleon, namely, Charles V;
As a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ;
As a set of doctrines to be learned and subscribed to by congregations and church leaders.

But another approach to that document may help us “take arms against a sea of troubles” (more Hamlet), and that is to view this document as a helpful guide for ministry and parish life. This year’s fall theological conference will give us all an opportunity to do just that.
Our guide for this endeavor is Professor emeritus Timothy J. Wengert, who not only served as a parish pastor and is now married to one, but who also, as a scholar, has studied and written about many aspects of the Reformation, including Luther’s Small Catechism and the Augsburg Confession. Most recently, at the invitation of the ELCA he and Robert Kolb of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis have developed a study edition of the Augsburg Confession in anticipation of the 500th anniversary. Here is what we will study and discuss together:

Session I: “The Heart of Parish Ministry.”
Session II: “Church Is Ministry, and Ministry Is Church
Session III: “Separating Essentials from Non-Essentials.”

NW/SW MN Clergy Spouse Retreat
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-27
“Care for Creation and Ourselves”
Friday, October 25 – Sunday, 27, 2024.
Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria, MN
Join us for some time together learning about caring for our Earth’s resources, but also caring for ourselves and each other in a caring environment. Our speaker will be Pastor Krehl Stringer from Fergus Falls, who serves on the NW Synod Care for Creation Committee. We will have many meaningful opportunities for worshiping and having devotions together throughout the weekend, led by Pastor Laurie Natwick. We have two woodworking sessions planned which will be led by Erik Preston. We will be repurposing wood into items that we can enjoy at home and by doing so, will be saving the wood and the environment from the burn pile! We hope that you will join us in community with each other, caring for creation and ourselves at the beautiful Luther Crest Bible Camp! Click here for more information.
Click here to register.
For more information contact:
Mary Moen
218.639.5044
marydyemoen@gmail.com

Synod Listening Session
2024-10-28 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-29 19:00 - 20:30
Your voice can help set the direction of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod.
It all started with the survey. Remember that survey? Yeah, the synod survey launched at Synod Assembly! It’s been about 3 years since we’ve undertaken an effort like this, so it’s high time we created this opportunity to listen to you. Why? Because you matter. Your voice matters. And we are excited for you to discover what others are saying about ministry today!
A team of synod leaders planned a listening process that builds on what we learned from the survey to:
• live out the Synod Council and staff commitment to listen intentionally to our people;
• grow in direct connection with congregations and rostered ministers;
• expand the synod’s ability to equip congregations;
• build awareness of synod ministry; and,
• expand solidarity among congregations.
These listening gatherings will be going on the road to locations that we hope are near you!
• Tuesday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Our Savior’s Lutheran, New Ulm
• Thursday, October 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m. – St. Stephen, Marshall
• Monday, October 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Zoom (see link below)
• Tuesday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Our Savior’s, Albany
During the evening, participants will be able to view summaries from the survey, especially focusing on what others say has changed for people in their families, congregations, community, and world. We will discover both the uniqueness of every context, and also the similarities we all share these days. And we will consider best practices and wisdom for next steps in ministry, wherever God planted us.
Zoom Link:
Synod Listening Gathering
Time: Oct 28, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=86344224883
Meeting ID: 507 637 3904

2024 Equipping Congregations Day
2024-11-02 08:30 - 15:00
Saturday, Nov. 2nd
Location: Peace Lutheran Church
100 4th Ave SW, New London, MN 56273
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Schedule and workshop descriptions coming soon.
Keynote Speaker: Angie Larson
Executive Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria MN.

Lunch catered by Azteca Mexican Restaurant!

“How can we get more people back in worship again?” Most of us are asking this question. Why? Not only because we miss seeing one another; that’s important! We also believe that worship is the primary gathering of God’s people around word and sacrament. Worship gathers us in – all of us, no matter who we are, where we come from, what we think, whatever the burdens we carry. We come, just as we are. But we don’t stay in worship. The word and sacraments send us out to love God and our neighbors every day. And so we get to live in a beautiful rhythm of God gathering us in and then sending us back out into God’s mission.
This Equipping Day will focus on many aspects of worship, from specific how-to ideas, to creative imaginations, to ways to welcome all people and extend the kind of hospitality that leads people to want to come back again and again and be part of this loving community.
All are welcome:
-Congregation Members
-Council
-Christian Educators
-Worship & Youth Leaders
-Pastors & Deacons
-Friends… Everyone!
The ECD registration fee is $30 per person.
Congregations are encouraged to register their congregation members together.
Registration is closed. Please call the synod office if you need to register.
The registration deadline is next Tuesday, Oct. 29th.
Please register sooner rather than later to help us with final details, printing, food count, and room set-ups. Can’t wait to see you there!
Click here to view and download a bulletin insert for the ECD.
Workshops:
No Stage Fright Here: Integrating Drama into Worship
Pr. Todd Mattson
This workshop will explore easy ways to breathe new life into liturgy and the Word using drama. From sermon set ups to scripture readings, from children’s sermons to prayers of the people, we’ll talk about and demonstrate ways to make a dramatic difference in your weekly worship.
How Do You Talk about Generosity in Worship?
Pr. Peter Reuss
It’s often said, “We don’t talk about money in our church.” What if we could talk about money in ways that not only overcome guilt and shame, but inspire people to generosity? Yes, it’s possible!
Worship 2.0: Simple Ways to Connect Today
Pr. Justin Ask
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to revitalize traditional worship formats with simple, impactful changes. Discover creative and accessible ways to deepen your congregation’s sense of connection and inspiration during worship—without the need for large budgets or advanced technology. Together, we’ll explore innovative ideas that resonate with the current lives of our communities, making worship more relevant and meaningful.
Let the Children Come…
Pr. Sherri Larson and Deacon Brenda Handel-Johnson
Involving children in worship can go beyond the children’s message. Come explore a variety of creative and do able ideas that will engage children and empower them to become worship leaders. From leading a procession
with ribbons and chopsticks to creating the sound of the windy Holy Spirit on Pentecost, former teachers Sherri Larson and Brenda Handel-Johnson will share fun and accessible ideas that take minimal preparation.
Hospitality
Pr. Heather Culuris
Hospitality is a part of our Christian lives and a significant part of our worship experience. Come learn about the Biblical foundations of hospitality. Then we will consider how to show intentional hospitality in our congregations and worship.
Assisting Minister Training
Bishop Dee Pederson
Worship is the responsibility of all those who are part of the body of Christ. Every congregation can welcome the ministries of trained and practiced worship leadership by all ages. We’ll focus on many roles, including readers, acolytes, prayer leaders, ushers, and liturgists.

Dean's Meeting
2024-11-05 12:00 - 14:00
Location: SW MN Synod office, Redwood Falls

Zoom Prayer
2024-11-05 13:30 - 14:00
As the people of our nation vote for leaders at the national, state, and local levels, join online from across this synod for a brief, 20-minute time of prayer – Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m. The zoom link is below. Readings and prayers will be led by the Synod Staff and Conference Deans, from the Synod Office. Wherever you are, whoever you are, however you are doing that day, come as beloved children of God. Come to hear God’s word, unite our hearts in prayer, and lean on the promise that Jesus Christ is with us always to the end of the age.
+Bishop Dee Pederson

Zoom Link:
Time: Nov 5, 2024 01:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5076373904?omn=88612853917
Meeting ID: 507 637 3904

Ethics and Boundaries for Ministers Training
2024-11-07 09:00 - 15:00
In person at Synod Office, 175 E. Bridge St., Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Thursday, November 7, 2024 – 9:00am-3:00pm
Presenter: Rev. Emily Carson
Registration Deadline: Oct. 28th
$50 per person.
Sexual 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.
In response to this challenge, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod bylaws include the following provisions (S14.25.01. and S14.47.01.):
“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.”
A few years ago our 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.
NOTE: You must be present at all 6 hours of the training to receive credit for completing the program.
If 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.
Click here to register.

Synod Council Meeting
2024-11-09

Junior High Youth Gathering
2024-11-22 - 2024-11-23
Gathering will be held Friday, Nov. 22 – Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at the Willmar Conference Center & Best Western Plus/Holiday Inn Express
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.
Click here to view and download the gathering packet!
Gathering Dates:
Oct. 1st – Oct. 15th Early Bird Registration, $90 per person.
Oct. 15th – Oct. 21st Registration continues, $95 per person.
Oct. 21st – Hotel Block of Rooms Released
Congregations will need to secure housing on their own.
Gathering Features:

Speaker: Rachel Kurtz
Musicians: SWMN Synod Youth Band
YOUTH LED Mass Gatherings including worship, singing, growing in faith, student faith talks, building relationships and hanging out with other youth from our very own synod.
Nightlife featuring swimming, games, food, dancing, service project and SO MUCH MORE!

Interim Collaborative Zoom Gathering
2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-02 10:00 - 23:30
Please email Maggie Berggren at maggie.berggren@swmnelca.org for more information.

Congregational Resource Team Zoom Gathering
2024-12-05 13:30 - 14:30

Companion Synod Zoom Gathering
2024-12-06 09:00 - 17:00

Synod Dean's Meeting
2025-01-07 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Synod Office, Redwood Falls, MN
