2025 Synod Assembly
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly was held online and in person on Friday, June 6-7, 2025.
The assembly grounded us in the promises of Jesus in John’s gospel, “…That my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11. Thanks be to God and to you for the joy of being “synod” together!
Summary of Assembly Actions:
The Assembly elected:
Synod Council At-Large: Carly Haines
Synod Council At-Large: Ralph Flitter
Synod Council At-Large: Dolyn Deschepper
Synod Discipline Committee: Carol Kopel
Synod Discipline Committee: Jeff Hanson
Synod Consultation Committee: Rev. Janet Adams
Synod Consultation Committee: Rev. Levi Bollerud
Synod Consultation Committee: Rev. Mary Hovland
Ratified from Conference Assemblies:
Synod Council – Prairie Conference: Rev. Megan Eide
Synod Council – Prairie Conference: Seth Boerboom
Synod Council – Shetek Conference: Rev. Chad Duffy
Synod Council – Watonwan River Conference: Calvin Hanson
Synod Council – Watonwan River Conference: Rev. Amanda France
Assembly Action: Motion to approve the Budget for FY2027. Motion approved.
Assembly Action: Motion to approve 2026 SW MN Synod Compensation Guidelines. Motion approved.
Assembly Action: Resolution 25.01 Regarding Approval of the SW MN SYNOD securing a loan for up to $240,000,00 for the purpose of Synod Office Building Renovation. Motion approved.
Summary Videos:
2024 Synod Assembly
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly was held June 7-8. The assembly gathered both online and onsite at Gustavus Adolphus College, St Peter. The theme of the Assembly was, “one body in Christ,” which was present throughout the weekend.
Romans 12:5 -“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” NRSV.
Thank you for gathering in the room and online, united by the Assembly theme, “One Body in Christ” (Romans 12:5). This Assembly once again represented a “first.” In 2020, an Assembly was cancelled for the first time due to COVID. The 2021 Assembly, which included the bishop election, was conducted entirely online. Assembly 2022 was cancelled due to lack of quorum and still-confusing masking guidelines. Last year, the Assembly finally met fully in person. And 2024 marked the first hybrid Assembly – ever! Thank you for being part of yet another “first.” As we walk together in life and in the church, “firsts” are our new normal. Thanks be to God and to you for the joy of being “synod” together.
Synod Assembly Coordinator
Tamara Schacher
Admin. Assistant to Bishop Dee Pederson
[email protected]
507.627.9041 (Direct Line) 507.430.2367 (Cell)