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 »
At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, voting members adopted a memorial concerning restructuring the ELCA’s governance. The assembly adopted the following action: To direct the Church Council to establish a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church comprised of leaders of diverse representation from all three expressions that, working in consultation with the Conference of Bishops and
Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Read More »
Listen, God is calling! Throughout the Bible, God calls God’s people to faithful adventures and to leadership and service to God’s people. Think about Moses, called to lead God’s people from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Remember Miriam, who was called by God to lead her people in victorious song! Consider the prophet
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+Bishop Dee Pederson’s Message for Christmas In a Far-Off Place, Jesus Comes 1 In a far-off place, Jesus comes to earth. Sheep and cattle grace the site. As the angel songs begin, like the whisper of the wind, nature’s hope awakes again; Jesus comes.
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“One of the beautiful parts of synod ministry involves driving across this large territory and seeing the changing colors from one season to the next: bright yellow-greens of springtime, rich deep greens of summer, the golden crops in late summer, the brilliant colors of leaves in the fall, and then the rich dark soil of
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Annual Message Read More »
For the Fruit of All Creation 1 For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God. For these gifts to ev’ry nation, thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God. 2 In the just reward of labor, God’s
A Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Dee Pederson Read More »
Here is Bishop Dee Pederson’s message as we live into Holy Week and respond to God’s call as an Easter church. Everyone is eager to tell the story again and join in the proclamation: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! The story of Good Friday is the part of the Jesus story that
Holy Week – Easter Message from Bishop Dee Pederson Read More »
When a seed is planted and tender shoots start to emerge from the soil, it’s hard to imagine the plant that will grow there. Corn or beans, daffodils or iris bulbs, tomotoes or pumpkins, these small beginnings grow into plants that can be tall and beautiful and capable of sustaining life. When one begins to
Mission Support Letter to Congregations Read More »
