Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 As ELCA bishops in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota we serve in contexts that stretch from the badlands to the […]
+ELCA News Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has released a pastoral message on recent executive orders which reads, in part, “As a church, we are called to speak up when the government distorts or denies the image of God in each person by endangering access to protection, peace and daily bread. Where harm or inequity occur,
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Executive Orders Read More »
THANK YOU for the privilege of walking with you in ministry this year. It is an honor to be entrusted with the stories of your greatest joys and hopes for the church, as well as your burdens and concerns. I “keep watch” with you as we look for what God is doing among us today
Bishop’s Message for Annual Meetings Read More »
The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[b] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Christmas Message Read More »
+Bishop Dee Pederson It is a gift to live in this beautiful part of God’s creation in Southwestern Minnesota. Throughout the year we get to see the changing of the seasons unfolding around us. From the time of the bright green early growth of crops in spring, to the lush fields of summer, and finally
Bishop’s Message for Thanksgiving Read More »
+Bishop Dee Pederson Many of us are trying to absorb the results of this election. Some are grieving. Some are rejoicing. In this synod, we recognize that “God has placed us in cities, farms, and towns together under one prairie sky.” That, in itself, names the reality that there are going to be different opinions
Bishop’s Post-Election Message Read More »
Bishop’s Message for All Saints Sunday, 2024 (also The Sunday Before the Election) On the Sunday before what is to be one of the most divisive and consequential elections in the history of this nation, the church gathers to hear and proclaim the scripture readings for All Saints Sunday. Isaiah provides the vision of God’s
Bishop’s Message for All Saints Sunday, 2024 Read More »
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
Listening Session Gatherings Read More »
Updated 9/20/2024 Bp. Dee Pederson Dear Friends in Christ- We’re in the thick of it now: An election season that finds the country, communities, congregations and families divided, anxious, and emotional. So how do we dial down the emotion? How do we live together as the church in these times? Remember that: What we say
Living Together in this Election Season Read More »
Christ. One body in Christ. Christ: How do we say or hear this name for Jesus? How do we use God’s name? Like the Small Catechism says, do we use it “to curse, swear, practice magic, lie, or deceive”? Or “to call on, pray to, praise, and give thanks to God?” 1 In the language
Synod Assembly Theme Series – Reflection #5 Read More »
