Synod Assembly

Synod Assembly 2026 Logo Tree

2026 Synod Assembly

Date: June 5 - 6, 2026
Time:  Registration opens 11:30 am - Friday, June 5th (on-site)
Place:  Gustavus Adolphus College & online via Zoom
Theme:  Grounded in Hope.

The SWMN Synod Assembly provides the opportunity for both rostered and lay people to prayerfully use voice and vote at the highest legislative authority in our synod. Together members deliberate carefully and faithfully, learn from God’s Word, listen deeply to one another, and worship together.

Registration Closes May 27, 2026
Please read the registration information posted below.

Click here to register

Assembly Information:

Agenda:

Click here to view and download the agenda in a PDF.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5th

11:30 – 5:00 PM

 JACKSON CAMPUS CTR

ONSITE REGISTRATION OPEN

Voting members attending onsite must check-in upon arriving on campus to receive nametag & other important Assembly information

12 – 5:00 PM

JACKSON CAMPUS CTR

DISPLAY FAIR

Visit with our shared ministry and mission partners. This is the time to get to know them and spend quality time at each display table!

1:30 – 2:30 PM

JACKSON CAMPUS CTR

WORKSHOPS

Rev Joseph Yoo, Jill Beverlin, Rev Dr Phyllis Blair Milton, Bishop Dee Pederson

2:30 – 3:15 PM

JACKSON CAMPUS CTR

Q & A

Visit with members from the compensation guidelines committee, synod treasurer and synod council regarding constitution changes to receive answers to those last few questions on items we’ll vote on at assembly

3:30 – 4:30 PM

CHRIST CHAPEL

WORSHIP with Holy Communion

Livestreamed for voting members registered online

5:00 – 6:00 PM

MARKET PLACE

DINNER

Dinner is complimentary for registered voting members & invited guests upon presentation of nametag and lanyard. *Meals are available for purchase for anyone else

6:30 – 8:00 PM

CHRIST CHAPEL

CELEBRATION OF FAITH & COMMUNITY

Ordination celebrations, congregation anniversaries,  We Remember memoriam, LSS Servant of Christ award, Breadbasket award, World Hunger offering, closing prayer service

Livestreamed for voting members registered online

SATURDAY, JUNE 6th

 7:00 - 8:30 AM

JACKSON CAMPUS CTR

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is complimentary for voting members who paid for campus housing & synod guests upon presentation of your nametag & lanyard. Breakfast is available, for a fee, for voting members arriving Saturday morning

8:00 – 10: 15 AM

JACKSON CAMPUS CTR

ONLINE & ONSITE CHECK-IN OPEN

Onsite voting members who did not check-in Friday MUST check-in PRIOR to attending worship. Check-in will close promptly at 10:30 am

9:00 AM

CHRIST CHAPEL

WORSHIP

Special Commissioning for SAMs serving a congregation.

Livestreamed for voting members registered online

10:00 AM

BREAK/TRANSITION TO ALUMNI HALL

Visit displays, grab some coffee, water, and a snack

10:15 AM

ALUMNI HALL

As you’re entering the assembly hall…

10:15 – join in on voting practice fun!

10:20 – hear from a member of the assembly planning team

10:25 – SING!

10:30 AM

ALUMNI HALL

PLENARY SESSION 1

Adoption of Agenda & Rules of Procedure, GAC President, John C. Volin, Proposed FYE 2028 Budget, Proposed 2027 Comp Guidelines, Resolution 26.01, Bible Study – Rev Joseph Yoo

12:00 – 12:50 PM

MARKET PLACE

LUNCH

Lunch is complimentary for registered voting members & invited guests upon presentation of nametag and lanyard. *Meals are available for purchase for others.*

12:55 PM

ALUMNI HALL

SINGING INTO ASSEMBLY: GWEN ARNESON

1:00 – 2:15 PM

ALUMNI HALL

PLENARY SESSION 2

Bishop Phyllis Milton, Credentials Report, Nominating Report, Rev Joseph Yoo, Approve FYE 2028 Budget, Approve 2027 Comp Guidelines, Ministry Moment
Assembly Offering:

WorshipLeaders

Synod Assembly Offering

This year, the Synod Assembly offering goal is $35,000 to support our shared commitment to ensuring every congregation is led by authorized Word and Sacrament ministry. 

In the synod-wide Listening Survey launched at the 2024 Synod Assembly, congregations identified worship as a top priority. Word and Sacrament ministry remains central to the faith formation of our communities. In response, synod staff continue to devote substantial time, energy, and prayer to equipping every congregation with consistent and meaningful access to this authorized ministry. 

At the same time, longstanding trends present challenges. Many seminary graduates raised up within our synod feel called to serve beyond our region, while fewer candidates and rostered leaders return to rural synods across Region 3. Combined with increasing pastoral retirements and a declining number of seminary graduates, this has prompted a necessary shift. 

Congregations are now being asked to identify individuals with the faith, gifts, and temperament for theological study and potential lay ministry, whether part-time or full-time. This effort is already bearing fruit. Individuals are coming forward with a sense of call, and as they complete their theological studies, they are supported by mentors who accompany them through lay ministry. 

This initiative is partially funded through a grant from Wartburg Seminary and sustained by the synod budget, including the dedicated work of the bishop and synod staff. The purpose is clear: to ensure that the good news of the life and love of Jesus Christ continues to be proclaimed through your congregation. 

These investments strengthen congregations of all sizes and contexts, rural and urban areas alike. To sustain this work, the synod has set a $35,000 goal. Congregations are invited to participate in ways that fit their context: contributing $1 per baptized member, drawing from endowment funds, incorporating the offering into outreach ministries, or organizing special collections. Individual gifts are also encouraged. 

Now is the time to join in the shared mission.
Click here to give online now.

Offerings may be given at the Synod Assembly worship on Friday afternoon, June 5; Saturday morning, June 6; mailed to the synod office (Payable to SW MN Synod, PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN, 56283 and indicate Synod Assembly Offering in the memo line); or given right from home or church online.

Synod Assembly World Hunger Offering:

ELCA World Hunger is consistently one of the most effective organizations supporting those with food insecurity. Each year at the synod assembly we honor congregation a for the highest per-person giving to ELCA World Hunger of any congregation in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. We do this to recognize their good work. But we also do it to encourage others to increase their support. As we give this award at the synod assembly, we will have a special offering that is designated for ELCA World Hunger. We encourage you to prepare your response to this invitation. Click here to give online. 

If you have questions about ELCA World Hunger visit the Synod's Hunger Team display. If you are interested in being a part of the team that raises awareness and provides information about hunger please let us know.

Pr. Troy Pflibsen
[email protected]
320-221-1614

Important Dates:

IMPORTANT DATES:
April 7, 2026 - Resolution Deadline
April 10, 2026 - Early Registration Closes
April 24, 2026 - Shared Ministries Video and Display Request Deadline
May 27, 2026 - Assembly Registration Closes
May 27, 2026 - Assembly Refund Deadline

Assembly Pre-Events:
May 12, 2026 - Resolutions Hearing - Zoom @ 6:30pm
May 18, 2026 - Assembly Orientation - Zoom @ 6:30pm
May 19, 2026 - 2027 Compensation Guidelines Hearing - Zoom @ 6:30pm
May 21, 2026 - FY2028 Budget Hearing - Zoom @ 6:30pm

Registration Info:

Click here to register online.

ELIGIBLE SWMN VOTING MEMBERS:

  • Rostered ministers under call in SWMN Synod.
  • Retired and On Leave rostered ministers who are members of a congregation in this synod.
  • Lay members elected by congregations of this synod.
  • Lay members of the Synod Council who are not primarily elected by their congregation to serve as voting members.
  • Lay conference chairpersons not primarily elected by their congregation to serve as voting members.
  • Retired rostered ministers serving a congregation of this during this synod during Assembly.
  • Persons serving a Synod Authorized Ministry Site of this synod during Assembly. (SAMs are in addition to the lay numbers below.)

*The number of lay voting members to which each congregation is allotted shall be determined according to the guidelines set forth below. Congregations shall use the numerical data reported on their 2024 Congregational Report for this purpose. Congregations shall attempt to ensure equitable representation between male and female voting members, to the best of their ability.

  • A youth voting member is defined as an individual who will be under 18 years of age on May 31, 2026.
  • A young adult voting member is defined as an individual who will be between 18 and 30 years of age on May 31, 2026.
BAPTIZED MBRS. LAY VOTING MBRS. YOUTH OR YOUNG ADULT.
0 - 150 1 or 2 plus one additional youth or young adult
151 - 400 2 plus one additional youth or young adult
401 - 800 3 plus one additional youth or young adult
901 - 1300 4 plus one additional youth or young adult
1301 - 1700 5 plus one additional youth or young adult
1701 - 2100 6 plus two additional youth or young adult
2101 - 2500 7 plus two additional youth or young adult
2501 - 2900 8 plus two additional youth or young adult
2901 - 3300 9 plus two additional youth or young adult


IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

  • Voting members will have the option to register to attend on-site (in person) or online via Zoom.
  • On-site attendance is limited. Register early to secure your spot.
  • Voting members registering to attend ONLINE will also need to register in ZOOM.
  • VOTING: It’s NEW! It’s EASY! Practice on MAY 18 at 6:30 pm – Assembly Orientation (Zoom).

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO REGISTER:

  • Full name: first and last.
  • Home address.
  • Email address of each voting member. (if possible)
  • Cell phone number of each voting member.
  • Assembly attendance: online or on-site.
  • Optional campus selection.
  • NEW* - register to attend the pre-assembly hearings.
  • Payment is required to finalize registration.
  • Visitors registering to attend on-site will be placed in a “watch” room separate from the Plenary Floor.
EARLY RATE: (Prior to 4/10/26) REGULAR RATE: (After 4/10/2026)
Voting member: $175 Voting member: $225
Retired/OL – not serving. $150 Retired/OL – not serving.  $175
Visitor: $175 Visitor: $225

OPTIONAL CAMPUS HOUSING:
Campus housing may be reserved for Friday night, which also then includes Saturday breakfast.
*All dorm rooms have a/c:
-Single room (twin bed) $60
-Double room (two twin beds) $45 (must include roommate’s name).

A NOTE ABOUT DORM LIVING:
Dorms offer communal-style accommodations that are different from hotel stays. Rooms are simple, furnished with a TWIN bed, and bathrooms ARE SHARED, either by floor or within a suite. However, they are more affordable than a hotel, making them a budget-friendly option for the assembly while keeping you close to meals and events.

All rooms are also equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. Remember LINENS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, and personal toiletries. (do NOT bring sheets unless you have TWIN XL). For older adults who may be unfamiliar with dorm life, the experience can feel simple, communal, and close to the heart of campus activities. Bringing a few comforts from home can help make the stay more enjoyable.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE?

  • Friday: supper, snacks, beverages.
  • Saturday: lunch, breakfast pastries, coffee, water, snacks.
  • Speakers: honorariums, travel (flights, car rental), housing, meals.
  • GAC: AV – mics, speakers, amps, screens, control systems, etc.
  • GAC Rental: rooms, linens, tables, staff time, etc.
  • Synod Tech: Webinar, Guidebook, VPoll, etc.
  • All assembly materials.

THE MARKET PLACE:
Hours: Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm. and Saturday 7:00 am – 1:30 pm.

For your convenience, the Market Place will be open throughout the Assembly! Select from over twenty daily entrees and side dishes. Or select from items in the Country Garden, Market Deli, Grab & Go, or Convenience areas.

HANDICAP ASSESSIBLE:
Please alert the team in advance if you need additional assistance.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Hotels in St Peter:

  • AmericInn by Wyndham, St Peter (507) 931-6554.
  • Best Western Plus, St Peter (507) 519-1234.
  • Konsbruck Hotel (507) 381-1089.

Click here to download and print the registration information. 

Assembly Pre-Events:

There are three (3) hearings for this assembly; resolution, budget, and compensation guidelines.

It is strongly recommended that voting members participate in the pre-assembly Zoom events so you are fully informed. You will also receive separate email invitations for each hearing, which will include the Zoom links and any necessary documents.

Resolution Hearing
Recording from Tuesday, May 12, 2026 via Zoom
In accordance with †S18.13. of the Synod Constitution, notice was hereby given that the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council had approved forwarding proposed amendments to the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions to the congregations of this synod. This Zoom meeting covers these changes. Required changes approved by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly do not need approval. However, all other changes will be brought before the synod assembly for discussion and approval. Click here for more information.

2027 Compensation Guidelines

Recording from Tuesday, May 19, 2026 via Zoom
Receive an overview of the proposed 2027 Compensation Guidelines prior to their presentation to the Assembly for discussion and approval. The committee will report on its work, outline the recommended changes, and explain the rationale supporting those recommendations.

FY2028 Budget Hearing

Recording from May 21, 2026 via Zoom
An overview of the proposed FY2028 Budget from Synod Treasurer, Bob Haines, prior to his presentation to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Mr. Haines discuss the work of the Management and Mission Support Committee, outlines the recommended budget changes, and explains the rationale supporting those recommendations.

Display & Report Invitation

You and your organization are invited to showcase your ministry at the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly, June 5 -6, at Gustavus Adolphus College, St Peter, MN. We have reserved space for display exbibits on the second floor of Jackson Campus Center (the same space as last year). This high-traffic area is just outside the Market Place and is easily accessible to voting members.

CHECK-IN AND OUT TIMES:
Friday: 11:00 am – Display open 12:00 - 5:00 pm.
Saturday: 8:30 am – Display open 8:30 - 1:00 pm.

*Display personnel should check-in on-site with Kristin Bakeberg prior to setting up display table.

Click here to register for a display. You may also register for campus housing if you wish to stay on-site. Payment is required to complete the registration.

DISPLAY RATES: (Prior to April 10)

DISPLAY RATES: (April 11 – May 11th)

Synod Committees: $0

$25

Shared Ministries / within the synod budget: $50

$75

Mission Partners / ELCA affiliated:  $75  

$100

For-profit Vendors: $100

$125

 WHAT IS INCLUDED:

  • 8-foot table
  • 2 chairs
  • Linens – indicate on registration
  • Outlet access – limited, first-come basis.
  • Display placement – in order of registration.

MEALS:
Meals are not included. The Market Place is open for your convenience.

MISC:
Display tables still vacant at 2:00 pm on Friday will be taken down. No refunds will be distributed.

ANNUAL REPORTS: 
Annual reports may be emailed to the address listed below. Please note that I may not receive reports sent to other staff members. To ensure maximum visibility for the Assembly, please submit reports as early as possible.

Click here to download and print the assembly display information. 

Assembly Speakers:

Joseph Yoo

Rev Joseph Yoo

Jill Beverlin

Jill Beverlin

BP Phyllis Milton

Rev Dr Phyllis Blair Milton

guidebook logo full color

Download the app for SW MN Synod Assembly 2026

We are excited to announce the app for SW MN Synod Assembly 2026, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information as well as networking tools.

Get started here: https://builder.guidebook.com/g/2026swmnsynod/

Tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device.

Synod Assembly Coordinator

Tamara Schacher
Executive Assistant to Bishop Dee Pederson
[email protected]
507.627.9041 (Direct Line) 507.430.2367 (Cell)

Archived Synod Assembly Page

Scroll to Top