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 »
Cree Garica found that she did not walk her journey of faith alone. Cree, a member of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia, encountered challenges that many high schoolers face. In a world where it’s easy to curate a perfect social media image, Cree had a hard time loving herself. “I always struggled with
Cree Garica found that she did not walk her journey of faith alone. Read More »
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing. – Psalm 127:3 (GNT) This week, I am thinking about the children. How can so much happen in such a short time? Two weeks ago I was reflecting on blessing our children in worship and as they excitedly prepared for that first day
Bishop’s Reflections Read More »
Barsness Lutheran Church in rural Glenwood found a great recipe. Mix together: People who care deeply about feeding hungry people ELCA World Hunger A congregation that looks to make a difference outside their walls An amazing act of generosity The result? The Breadbasket Award for the highest per-person giving to ELCA World Hunger of any
Generosity makes a difference beyond church walls Read More »
Dear Friends – Our hearts are heavy with the news of the horrific act of violence at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. As many of our children return to the places where they learn and socialize with friends in what we conceive of as safe places of growth and development, it
In a time of tragedy and violence Read More »
