+Bishop Dee Pederson As I drive across the miles of farmland in our synod, familiar Thanksgiving hymns often come to mind. Maybe you remember them, too: songs about plowing the fields, all good gifts being sent by God, giving thanks for the fruit of creation, rejoicing in an abundant harvest. This time of year, so […]
Where do you see neighbors in need? What can you do? Read More »
By John Potter October 5, 2025 +LivingLutheran When Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Elizabeth Eaton, the former presiding bishop, led the assembly in welcoming Curry. “Yehiel, bishop in the church of God, we have looked forward to your coming with great joy,” she exclaimed to a diverse, colorfully dressed
Answering the call – Yehiel Curry is installed as ELCA presiding bishop Read More »
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing. – Psalm 127:3 (GNT) This week, I am thinking about the children. How can so much happen in such a short time? Two weeks ago I was reflecting on blessing our children in worship and as they excitedly prepared for that first day
Bishop’s Reflections Read More »
Dear Friends – Our hearts are heavy with the news of the horrific act of violence at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. As many of our children return to the places where they learn and socialize with friends in what we conceive of as safe places of growth and development, it
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+Bishop Dee Pederson The offices of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod have operated out of 175 E. Bridge Street in Redwood Falls since 1989 – the location that represented both the geographic center and a theological rooting for synod ministries. During those past 37 years, work patterns, staffing levels, and online meeting opportunities have changed
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+Bishop Dee Pederson Dear Friends in Christ – As I reflect on the 2025 Churchwide Assembly that gathered over 800 Voting Members and hundreds of visitors and hosts, “For the Life of the World,” these are the passages that echo in my heart: Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven,
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Casting a vision for the church by John Potter, Living Lutheran When Yehiel Curry considers his vision for the future of the church, he sees an important distinction. “Part of the work is naming it,” he said, “but that next phase is embodying it. “When we’re talking about casting a vision, I think people want
Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Read More »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2025 The Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, Receives Grant from Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CaSTLE Project to Support Rural and Small Town Congregations Redwood Falls, MN – The Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, is honored to announce that it has been selected as a grant recipient through The CaSTLE Project: The Country and Small
June 17, 2025 Dear Friends in Christ – When tragedy strikes, those affected often lament, “We never thought this could happen here.” Last weekend Minnesota and the nation received the shocking news of the assassination of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark; and the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman and his
A Pastoral Letter from Bp. Dee Pederson Lament and Prayer Read More »
May 30, 2025 +Bishop Dee Pederson Dear Friends in Christ – I am writing in response to an article published May 29 in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel regarding the case of a former ELCA pastor, Alan Buresh, who was charged with sexual abuse and misconduct and is currently incarcerated in Iowa. The article states that
A Pastoral Letter Regarding Mr. Alan Buresh Read More »
