Living out baptism in daily vocations. In Mid-October, 8 of our Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) and 10 mentors gathered at St. John’s Guesthouse in Collegeville, MN to grow in fellowship and understanding of lay ministry together. Synod-Authorized Ministers serve in congregations without a rostered leader and are authorized by the Bishop to preach and preside for the sacraments in a […]
Lay Ministry Retreat Read More »
As Advent 2025 begins, worship readings turn to Matthew’s Gospel. We will hear about Joseph’s experience of the birth of Jesus Emmanuel but not so much about Mary’s story. I’d like to share one of the particularly lovely hymn interpretations that gives voice to Mary’s Magnificat. My Soul Magnifies the Lord My soul now magnifies
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Gifts of Grace program. The grants to rostered ministers for educational loan reduction, retirement readiness, and medical expenses you have supported through your gifts have made a tremendous impact on the lives of rostered ministers in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. As this recipient of an educational loan
Gifts of Grace Impact Story Read More »
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund Committee will once again award grants to support the mission and ministries of congregations in their local communities in 2025-2026. The Endowment Fund Committee is looking for projects proposals in the following areas: Community Outreach Youth Activities Special Mission Projects Addressing Community Food Insecurity These grants are intended
Accepting Applications for Congregational Mission Grants! Read More »
As we near the end of 2024, I invite you to prayerfully consider joining your generosity to that of many others throughout the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. Generous giving by individuals and congregations allows us to adapt your synod’s ministries for the needs of leaders and congregations who seek support and equipping as never before. Through
Grant Support Unexpected or ongoing medical expenses can be costly. Challenging to tackle. Overwhelming. Unlike other bills—mortgages, car payments, utilities, etc.—they are profoundly personal. They are reminders of the vulnerabilities and limitations of our corporal selves and those we love. Some pastors and deacons and their households face unforeseen or ongoing medical expenses that may
Gifts of Grace: Medical Expense Grant Read More »
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund wants to partner with you in supporting the mission of the Church in your local community in 2024-2025. The Endowment Fund Committee is looking for project proposals in the following areas: Community Outreach Youth Activities Special Mission Projects Addressing Community Food Insecurity These grants are intended for new initiatives
Now Accepting Applications for Congregational Mission Grants! Read More »
Generosity: Honest realities and exciting possibilities The onset of the pandemic led to a surge in generosity in the United States. That surge has now abated a bit. When coupled with inflation, many congregations feel the pinch. It can be easy to assume that these declines in giving will define the future. Yet congregations have
Congregational Generosity: Honest Realities, Exciting Possibilities Read More »
Your partner for increased funding through legacy giving and endowments. Would an unexpected gift of $200,000 make an impact on your ministry? How about a gift of over $1 million? Would it help if you had an inexhaustible source of ministry funding that simply injected thousands or tens of thousands of dollars into your
ELCA Foundation Partnership Read More »
+Rev. Pete Reuss, GSB Consultant Thank you. Two simple words have amazing power. How does your congregation thank people? At the heart, congregations are voluntary organizations. Every week people take time to come and join in worship. They step forward in a wide range of volunteer roles, from mowing the lawn to reading lessons to
How does your congregation thank people? Read More »
