Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota will launch its statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which provides eligible employees with paid time off for medical and family-related needs. As a reminder to congregation leaders and staff, and to assist in preparing for this transition, Tammy Schacher lead a Zoom gathering. This Zoom gathering was recorded […]
Location: Willmar Conference Center & Best Western Plus/Holiday Inn Express, Willmar MN Dates: This year, we are again only offering ONE date option for the JH Gathering: Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 22, 2025 2025 theme: “Strengthened by Faith,” based on Isaiah 41:10. Gathering Info: Registration is open! Click here to register. Click the […]
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow the service. Church of St. Mary, 713 12th St. SW, Willmar, MN 56201. All are invited to attend. Join Bishop Zielinski and other church leaders, individuals and congregations representing several Christian denominations in south and west-central Minnesota for […]
Join In! The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) with a free evening program on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m. Central time: “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA” Online and in person at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church's Celebration Campus […]
Thursday, Jan. 29 – 9:00am-3:00pm In person at Calvary Lutheran Church, Willmar Presenters: Rev. Emily Carson Cost: $75 per person Registration Deadline: Jan. 22nd 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 trust between church […]
An invitation from the Bishops of Minnesota In this challenging time across our state, we see you navigating the many responsibilities and concerns. The Bishops of Minnesota invite Rostered Ministers and SAMs to gather together online for an hour of prayer and connection led by Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. We will gather on Zoom on Tuesday, […]
A discernment retreat hosted by the ELCA synods of Region 3 in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota Wondering what’s next? Wondering if God is calling you to something different? Wondering if there’s “something more”? Explore these and other questions in the context of our faith, with other wonderers through storytelling, introspection, […]
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. This recording was an interactive training, based on Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church, inviting pastors and […]
Join the Zoom Conversation! The 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. This summit is open to anyone interested in learning more. Whether your congregation is currently in […]
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). Our theme this year is “Refuge in […]
For all staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and family ministry – especially as congregations move into their summer programming. This 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 […]
Location: Calvary Lutheran Church, Willmar Time: 7:30 - 4:00 p.m. Click here to view and print the registration form.
