Living out baptism in daily vocations. In Mid-October, 8 of our Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) and 10 mentors gathered at St. John’s Guesthouse in Collegeville, MN to grow in fellowship and understanding of lay ministry together. Synod-Authorized Ministers serve in congregations without a rostered leader and are authorized by the Bishop to preach and preside for the sacraments in a […]
Lay Ministry Retreat Read More »
Global Companions: The Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA and The South Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa Thank you, Pr. Rebecca Sullivan and Peg Hatlestad As the church celebrated the Sunday of the Reign of Christ, we prayed as we do every week when the church gathers for worship, “Thy kingdom come,
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Thanksgiving 2025: That All Might be Fed +Bishop Dee Pederson Praise and Thanksgiving Praise and thanksgiving, God, we would offer for all things living, you have made good: harvest of sown fields, fruits of the orchard, hay from the mown fields, blossom and wood. God, bless the labor we bring to serve you, that with
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As Advent 2025 begins, worship readings turn to Matthew’s Gospel. We will hear about Joseph’s experience of the birth of Jesus Emmanuel but not so much about Mary’s story. I’d like to share one of the particularly lovely hymn interpretations that gives voice to Mary’s Magnificat. My Soul Magnifies the Lord My soul now magnifies
Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota will launch its statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which provides eligible employees with paid time off for medical and family-related needs. As a reminder to congregation leaders and staff, and to assist in preparing for this transition, I am sharing important dates and resources. There are several aspects
Grace Abounds: Celebrating $1 Million in Grants Awarded to SW MN Synod Rostered Ministers for Education Loan Reduction, Retirement Readiness, and Medical Expense Grants This fall the SW MN Synod reached a milestone. Since 2016, the synod has awarded over $1 million in grants through its Gifts of Grace program to its rostered ministers to
Celebrating $1 Million Read More »
+Bishop Dee Pederson As I drive across the miles of farmland in our synod, familiar Thanksgiving hymns often come to mind. Maybe you remember them, too: songs about plowing the fields, all good gifts being sent by God, giving thanks for the fruit of creation, rejoicing in an abundant harvest. This time of year, so
Where do you see neighbors in need? What can you do? Read More »
It’s a story that has played out countless times over the years. God calls people to ministry. They receive training. The church ordains them. They serve. Sometimes that process plays out for young people just discerning their careers. For Kari Shumaker, the newly ordained pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island, the inkling
Get that call set first, then live into it. Read More »
+Troy Pflibsen, Director for Evangelical Mission Since 2016, the ELCA has worked intentionally to listen to the stories of Indigenous people and understand our own role and complicity in the oppression of Indigenous people and suppression of our history. Living on the homelands of Indigenous people and cultures, with our office located between the Upper
Building Connections Read More »
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Gifts of Grace program. The grants to rostered ministers for educational loan reduction, retirement readiness, and medical expenses you have supported through your gifts have made a tremendous impact on the lives of rostered ministers in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. As this recipient of an educational loan
Gifts of Grace Impact Story Read More »
