+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
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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 »
In. People use this little word many different ways each day. “In” can mean that: something is popular. “Orange is the in color right now.” someone is in a position of influence with others. “She’s got an in with another member of the club.” something is moving. “He is going into town.” someone is present
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Welcome Rev. Seyward Ask Synod Minister for Equipping Congregation Leaders, Rostered Ministers, Youth, & Families. Pastor Seyward Ask On Saturday, April 13, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council voted to extend a Letter of Call for the new Synod Minister position to Rev. Seyward Ask. Pastor Seyward was ordained in 2010 at her home congregation, First Lutheran
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Body. Fractured, broken bodies: oh, how they hurt! Maybe you have known the pain of a broken bone, aging joints, threatening disease, or serious surgery. Last month, my husband underwent knee replacement surgery, which is a pretty violent procedure; it requires work to gain strength and move forward! No matter who we are, we have
Synod Assembly Theme Series – Reflection #3 Read More »
Holy Week – Easter Message from Bishop Dee Pederson Bodies. They need a lot of care and attention each day. Nourishing, cleansing, moving, exercising, strengthening, healing, clothing them. At the center of the most important story of the Christian faith is a body: the body of Jesus. Fully human, fully divine Jesus: God in the
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Four years ago this week, our world shut down and life changed overnight. One of the public service announcements every night on WCCO TV said: “When all of this is over, and it will be, don’t forget about the things you’ve noticed.” What did you notice? What do you remember? Many of us remember remote
Synod Assembly Theme Series – Reflection #2 Read More »
