Special Messages

“When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receives their sight, the lame walk, […]

Dear friends in ministry – I pray God’s grace and peace are with you as you begin this Advent season, preparing your people to welcome the light of Christ and to reflect it in your communities. For the past several years, your synod has been inviting congregations to participate in a special Advent Appeal as

The synod vice president ballot had three nominees:  Blair Schrader, Kristy Henriksen, and Ferman Woodberry. On the first ballot Ferman Woodberry was elected with 65% of the votes. About 400 voting members were present. Before members voted, Bishop Jon Anderson asked the nominees to share a bit about themselves. The video below captures Ferman speaking

A Holy Week message from Bishop Jon V. Anderson As we enter in the weekend of the great Passion, I am hearing the great, old and life-giving passages of Holy Week and the Holy Weekend in a different way. That is one of the gifts of living in relationship with scripture, as you journey through

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called

Lilly Foundation Economic Challenges Initiative Gives Major Grant to the Southwestern Minnesota Synod and New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) For Immediate Release Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded grants of $250,000 to both the Southwestern Minnesota Synod and the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA to sustain the work they have

 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16.11 Normally when I think about Thanksgiving I find myself looking back. This year I am working on balancing the remembering with hopeful looking forward. God’s presence and actions will lead to times worthy of thanksgiving in the days,

Mission support dollars make ministry happen! Mission Support is the term used to describe that percentage of the tithes, offerings, and estate gifts your congregation shares beyond your local ministry site. The mission support you send is invested here in Southwestern Minnesota and globally through our ELCA because we live out God’s vision and mission

Grace and gratitude belong together like heaven and earth. Grace evokes gratitude like the voice an echo. Gratitude follows grace like thunder lightning. -Karl Barth – Church Dogmatics The Doctrine of Reconciliation, Volume 4, Part 1: p.41 We celebrate and live in the grace of our God.  When people ask me how I am doing,

Click here to Give Online Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.