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X-WR-CALNAME:Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
CREATED:20250709T185608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T204104Z
UID:22538-1771768800-1771790400@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Cancelled: Discerning Your Call: Exploring the Next Faithful Step
DESCRIPTION:A discernment retreat hosted by the ELCA synods of Region 3 in the states of Minnesota\, North Dakota\, and South Dakota \nWondering what’s next?\nWondering if God is calling you to something different?\nWondering if there’s “something more”? \nExplore these and other questions in the context of our faith\, with other wonderers through storytelling\, introspection\, and studying of Scripture. We strongly encourage you to bring a conversation partner (your pastor\, a colleague\, family member\, friend\, etc who will continue this conversation with you). The event costs $10 per person\, which includes an evening meal. \nChoose the date and location that works best for you. Each retreat is 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.\nClick here to register! \nSunday\, August 17\nOur Savior’s Lutheran\, Faribault\nRegister by August 10 \nSunday\, November 2\nFaith Lutheran\, Forest Lake\nRegister by October 26 \nThursday\, February 22 – CANCELLED\nOak Knoll Lutheran\, Minnetonka\nRegister by February 15
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/discerning-your-call-exploring-the-next-faithful-step/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
CREATED:20260114T152656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T135155Z
UID:23128-1772737200-1772742600@swmnelca.org
SUMMARY:Zoom Training: Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church\, with Michael Adam Beck
DESCRIPTION:Rural churches have always been more than buildings\, they have been the spiritual\, social\, and relational heart of their communities. Yet today\, many rural congregations find themselves asking hard questions about sustainability\, relevance\, and mission in changing contexts. \nThis recording was an interactive training\, based on Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church\, inviting pastors and lay leaders to rediscover the extraordinary potential already present in rural places and to learn practical ways to cultivate new Christian communities alongside existing congregations. \n \n\nClick here to download the training flyer.\nClick here to learn more about Michael Beck.  \nTogether we will explore: \n\nA fresh theology of place rooted in the gifts\, rhythms\, and relationships of rural life\nHow to move beyond a survival mindset toward missional imagination and local renewal\nPractical models for starting Fresh Expressions that fit farming communities\, small towns\,\nand rural networks\nHow inherited churches and new faith communities can thrive together in a blended\necology\nReal stories from rural contexts across the U.S. where new Christian communities are\nalready bearing fruit\n\nThis training is not about importing urban or suburban models into rural contexts. It is about listening deeply to the land and the people\, recognizing the assets already present\, and cultivating\nnew forms of church that grow organically out of rural life. \nParticipants will leave with: \n\nA clear framework for contextual mission in rural settings\nPractical next steps for their own congregation or ministry context\nTools for discerning\, experimenting\, and nurturing new forms of Christian community\nRenewed hope for the future of rural churches and the communities they serve\n\nRural places are not forgotten spaces. They are seedbeds of possibility. This training helps leaders\nlearn to tend that soil with faith\, creativity\, and courage.
URL:https://swmnelca.org/event/zoom-training-fresh-expressions/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T063000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260410
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260412
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260502T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260518T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260518T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163507
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:20260403T163507
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/
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