Blessed Christmas! This sermon is provided for congregational use for the Sunday after Christmas, December 29, 2024. It may be shown as a video, or the text provided may be proclaimed. However you find it useful, know that our prayers are with you, that you might know the promises of God as we celebrate this […]
Sermon for the Sunday after Christmas Read More »
As we near the end of 2024, I invite you to prayerfully consider joining your generosity to that of many others throughout the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. Generous giving by individuals and congregations allows us to adapt your synod’s ministries for the needs of leaders and congregations who seek support and equipping as never before. Through
+Bishop Dee Pederson Many of us are trying to absorb the results of this election. Some are grieving. Some are rejoicing. In this synod, we recognize that “God has placed us in cities, farms, and towns together under one prairie sky.” That, in itself, names the reality that there are going to be different opinions
Bishop’s Post-Election Message Read More »
Bishop’s Message for All Saints Sunday, 2024 (also The Sunday Before the Election) On the Sunday before what is to be one of the most divisive and consequential elections in the history of this nation, the church gathers to hear and proclaim the scripture readings for All Saints Sunday. Isaiah provides the vision of God’s
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Your voice can help set the direction of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. It all started with the survey. Remember that survey? Yeah, the synod survey launched at Synod Assembly! It’s been about 3 years since we’ve undertaken an effort like this, so it’s high time we created this opportunity to listen to you. Why? Because
Listening Session Gatherings Read More »
“How can we get more people back in worship again?” Most of us are asking this question. Why? Not only because we miss seeing one another; that’s important! We also believe that worship is the primary gathering of God’s people around word and sacrament. Worship gathers us in – all of us, no matter who
2024 Equipping Congregations Day Read More »
Rev. Dr. Jan Schnell writes and speaks about “Agapic Anger.” If anger is defined as a response to the violation of a value, then “agapic anger” occurs when one feels their values or the things they love have been violated. A person can shape their response through love into something that does good for one’s
Agapic Anger – Zoom Gathering Read More »
Updated 9/20/2024 Bp. Dee Pederson Dear Friends in Christ- We’re in the thick of it now: An election season that finds the country, communities, congregations and families divided, anxious, and emotional. So how do we dial down the emotion? How do we live together as the church in these times? Remember that: What we say
Living Together in this Election Season Read More »
Cultural Humility by Rev. Dr. Aaron Suomala Folkerds We are living in a divisive world where it can sometimes be challenging to get along with those around you. Cultural humility is a tool that can cut through the division and works to create genuine connection with others. Cultural humility is about having a deep reverence
Cultural Humility Zoom Gathering Read More »
God’s Work. Our Hands. In Flooded Communities For weeks now, communities and congregations in our area have been working together locally to bring help to each another following summer flooding. Many outside of those communities have been wondering how they can assist. Lutheran Social Service of MN Disaster Services have been monitoring the disaster response
Volunteer Opportunity in Flooded Communities Read More »
