January 15, 2026 To the congregations, members, and friends of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Minnesota: We, the six ELCA bishops in the state of Minnesota, are writing today with a word we hope will anchor and sustain all of us in the days to come. In recent weeks, several thousand ICE and […]
A Pastoral Letter from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bishops in Minnesota Read More »
January 9, 2026 Learn to do good; seek justice; rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan; plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:17). Alongside our siblings in Christ in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota and all who have been impacted by aggressive immigration enforcement and violence by federal law enforcement agents, I mourn the shocking shooting death of Renee
Bishop Curry Issues Statement on ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Read More »
Bishop’s Message for Annual Meetings Rooted in Redwood – Flowing into the Future – Bringing Healing and Hope Perhaps you recognize this as the focus for our Capital Appeal, and that’s just fine! Although this report is not an “ask” this focus describes so well who we are, what we do, and why we do
Annual Report for 2025 Read More »
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Christmas Message Dear Friends in Christ – The message of the angel to Joseph is one of promise and hope today! “Jesus,” a name that means, “God saves.” Christmas may not be a season when we want to think much about the need to be saved from sin. Yet beneath the Advent
Bishop’s Message for Christmas Read More »
Thanksgiving 2025: That All Might be Fed +Bishop Dee Pederson Praise and Thanksgiving Praise and thanksgiving, God, we would offer for all things living, you have made good: harvest of sown fields, fruits of the orchard, hay from the mown fields, blossom and wood. God, bless the labor we bring to serve you, that with
Bishop’s Message for Thanksgiving Read More »
+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
In a time of tragedy and violence Read More »
+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
Synod Office Building Read More »
