Welcome to the 2024 Synod Assembly! I know – we’re not there yet! But I’m looking forward to introducing the focus for the assembly over the next 6 weeks. When the Assembly Planning Team started thinking and dreaming and praying about the next Assembly, we recognized how much the past few years have taken a […]
Synod Assembly Theme Series – Reflection #1 Read More »
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ……. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. – 1 Cor. 12. Click here to download and print PDF One of the great
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Message for Annual Meetings Read More »
Advent has been a time of watching and waiting as we move slowly toward Christmas. During this season many wait for comfort. Our communities look for hope. Our world longs for peace. We look for the appearance of light, for the presence and glory of God. At a time and in a place that the
Christmas Message from Bishop Dee Pederson Read More »
Many of us grew up praying “Come, Lord Jesus” as our table prayer, or grace, at mealtimes. Recently I learned this little prayer has a second verse that lifts our eyes from our table to the tables of others. I am so grateful that serving in this ministry takes me out on the highways and
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Thanksgiving Message Read More »
Synod Minister, Pr. Naomi Mahler, 56, of Willmar, died in faith, October 21st at her home in Willmar with the steadfast love and support of her husband, Todd, and daughters, Grace and Sofia by her side. Her funeral was held on Friday, November 3rd at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Please continue to hold Todd,
In Memoriam – Rev. Naomi Mahler Read More »
Our hearts continue to break as the suffering of the Israel-Hamas War escalates, and the humanitarian crisis becomes more dire. What can we do? Pray. Listen. Learn more. Advocate for humanitarian aid. Share gifts for Lutheran Disaster Response. Consider holding a local gathering for people to come together for prayer, scripture, silence, and care. Please feel
October 23, 2023 Dear friends, A message from Pr. Naomi Mahler’s family- It is with great sadness, hope, gratitude, and many other emotions that Grace, Sofia, and Todd share with you that our loving and wonderful mother and wife, Pastor Naomi Mahler, died in faith Saturday evening, October 21st 2023. With the steadfast support and guidance
A Message from Bp. Dee Pederson & Synod Minister, Pr. Naomi Mahler Read More »
We are church together! What a joy it was to gather for the Synod Assembly as people from small congregations on the prairie to large congregations in urban centers (and everything in between) came together as the Southwestern Minnesota Synod – in-person! My heart was lifted as over 400 people raised our voices to praise
Joy, Generosity, Gratefulness Read More »
Easter 2023 Easter 2023As Matthew tells the resurrection story, Matthew 28:1-10, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had just stepped into a new reality. Jesus had been crucified. The earth itself was shaking. They had no idea what life would be like in the future. If the grave could be empty, there was no telling
“Do not be afraid; go and tell.” Read More »
+Bishop Dee PedersonWhat you do matters, friends. Every day, God is doing life-giving things through you. Whether in cities, open-country, or towns, you are being the church in a changing era as God continues to re-form us today. As I think about each of you and your congregations as you lean into Holy Week, I
What You Do Matters Read More »
