2026 Synod Assembly
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly was held online and in person on June 5-6th, 2026.
The Assembly provides the opportunity for both rostered and lay people to prayerfully use voice and vote at the highest legislative authority in our synod.
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers. – Romans 12:9-13
Assembly Photos are posted on the Synod's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/swmnsynod
You do not need a FB account to view the synod's FB page.
Summary of Assembly Actions:
The Assembly elected:
Synod Consultation Committee: Kris Goracke
Synod Consultation Committee: Rev. Levi Bollerud
Synod Discipline Committee: Julie Hanson
Synod Discipline Committee: Rev. Grady St Dennis
Ratified from Conference Assemblies:
Synod Council – Crow River Conference: Rev. Erika Durheim
Synod Council – Glacial Ridge Conference: Anita Stoker
Synod Council – Great River Conference: Rev. Courtney Young
Synod Council – Lac Qui Parle Conference: Erica Martin
Assembly Action: Motion to approve the Budget for FY2028. Motion approved.
Assembly Action: Motion to approve 2027 SW MN Synod Compensation Guidelines. Motion approved.
Assembly Action: Resolution 26.01 regarding changes updates to the constitution of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. Motion approved.
Recorded Sessions:
Partner Synod Report by Rev Dr Phyllis Blair Milton
Bible Study 1 Rev Joseph Yoo
Bible Study 2 Rev Joseph Yoo
Churchwide Report by
Jill Beverlin
Report of SWMN Synod Bishop Dee Pederson
Worship with Holy Communion
A Celebration of Faith & Community with
recognition and remembrances.
Worship with a special commissioning for Synodically Authorized Ministers serving in a congregation.
Assembly Information:
+Bishop Dee Pederson
6/11/2026
Gathering for last weekend’s Synod Assembly, you lived out these powerful words from St. Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Rome. From prayerful worship to lively table conversations, joyful singing and generous sharing, serving one another and extending hospitality, all these fruits of the Spirit were present among Southwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly Voting Members.
Because we can’t say “thank you” enough, here are the names of so many wonderful people who made this Assembly possible. Thank you to:
Gustavus Adolphus College for welcoming us, and especially Margi Willmert for her hospitality.
Worship and Celebration Leaders and Assistants:
Organist: Chad Winterfeldt
Pianist: Dcn. Brenda Handel-Johnson, Guitarist/percussion – Steve Kidder
Chaplains and Deans of Christ Chapel: Rev. Ben Hilding and Rev. Alicia Hilding
Processional: Rev. Tom Evenson, Rev. Levi Bollerud, Intern Kit MacKenzie, Rev. Joseph Yoo
Readers: Rev. Joseph Yoo, Synod-Authorized Minister Tim Velde, Rev. Andrew Hermodson-Olson
Reading & poetry: Synod-Authorized Minister Gwen Arneson
Artist: Rev. Kayla Monson and her family
Preacher: Bishop Phyllis Blair Milton
Communion Servers: Rev. Stephanie Christoffels, SAM Ralph Flitter, Synod Council member Calvin Hanson, Rev. David Nissen, Synod Council President Maria Lokensgard, Jill Beverlin, Bishop Phyllis, Rev. Kendall Stelter and Intern Ann Emilie Aardla from Dawson, Synod Council member Austin Peters-Smith, SAM Tim Velde, Rev. Sarah Zender, Rev. Mandy France, treasurer Bob Haines, Rev. Kay Rohloff, Rev. Austin Krohnke, Rev. Troy Pflibsen
Ushers: Pastors and lay leaders from St. Peter churches
Assembly Technology: Chris Kiewel, Matt Dobosenki, Gavin Dobosenski
Assembly staging: Theme design by staff Kristin Bakeberg; Ethiopian cross – Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Cloud
Speakers: Jill Beverlin – ELCA, Rev. Joseph Yoo, Bishop Phyllis Blair Milton
Synod Officers: Vice President—Maria Lokensgard, Treasurer—Bob Haines, Secretary—Ann Zastrow
Out-going Synod Council Members: Rev. Don McKee, Our Saviors, Montevideo; Rev. Tom Evenson, First, Litchfield
Committees of the Synod Council or Assembly: Management & Mission Support Committee, Policies & Procedures Committee, Servant Leadership Committee, Compensation Guidelines Committee, Nominating Committee, Credentials Committee
Synod Assembly Planning Team: SAM Gwen Arneson, Rev. Paul Bravinder, Rev. Sarah Jones, Kris Kelly, Dcn. Erin Kuehl, Rev. Autin Krohnke, Shane Hagstrom, Rev. Janine Olson, Dcn. Amanda Randall, Rev. Courtney Young
Assembly Manager: Tammy Schacher
Synod Staff: Rev. Seyward Ask, Kristin Bakeberg, Maggie Berggren, Rev. Heather Culuris, D.E.M. Rev. Troy Pflibsen, Tammy Schacher
Each and every one of these leaders gave the best of their ideas, gifts, time, and energy, and we all say: “We thank our God in every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of ours, making our prayer with joy.” (adapted - Phil. 1:3-4). THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANKS BE TO GOD FOR YOU!
*Voting Item
Assembly Information
Agenda
FAQs
Gustavus Adolphus College Maps
Prayer Room
Workshop Descriptions
Bible Study Leader - Rev. Joseph Yoo
ELCA Representative - Jill Beverlin
Guest - Rev. Dr. Phyllis Blair Milton
Rules of Procedure
Table of Parliamentary Terms
*Proposed 2027 Compensation Guidelines
Narrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2028
*Resolution 26.01
Synod Constitution Change Recommendations
*Report of the Synod Nominating Committee
2026 Bio Election Fillable Form
Anniversary of Ordinations
Celebrations
Report of the Roster
Report of The Presiding Bishop
Synod Staff Reports
We Remembers
Synod Budget Documents:
1 - Mission Support from Congregations 8 Yrs Results
2 - Budget Deficit Trends FYE 2024 to 2028
3 - FYE 2028 Operating Fund Budget Guiding Principles
4 - Budget Comparison
5 - FYE 2028 Budget with FY 2026 Actuals
Ministry Reports to the Assembly:
AMMPARO
Augustana University
ELCA Church Property Resource Hub
ELCA Federal Credit Union
ELCA Foundation
ELCA Region 3 Archives
Gifts of Grace
Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Luther College
Luther Crest Bible Camp
Luther Seminary
Mission Investment Fund
Portico Benefit Services
Seafarers International House
Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA Accompaniment with the Southeastern Diocese of ELCSA
St. Olaf College
Click here to view and download the agenda in a PDF.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5th
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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 |
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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! |
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1:30 – 2:30 PM JACKSON CAMPUS CTR |
WORKSHOPS Rev Joseph Yoo, Jill Beverlin, Rev Dr Phyllis Blair Milton, Bishop Dee Pederson |
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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 |
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3:30 – 4:30 PM CHRIST CHAPEL |
WORSHIP with Holy Communion Livestreamed for voting members registered online |
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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 |
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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
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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 |
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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 |
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9:00 AM CHRIST CHAPEL |
WORSHIP Special Commissioning for SAMs serving a congregation. Livestreamed for voting members registered online |
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10:00 AM |
BREAK/TRANSITION TO ALUMNI HALL Visit displays, grab some coffee, water, and a snack |
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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! |
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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 |
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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.* |
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12:55 PM ALUMNI HALL |
SINGING INTO ASSEMBLY: GWEN ARNESON |
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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 |
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.
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
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.
Assembly Speakers:
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)