Each year, every congregation and synod-authorized worshiping community (SAWC) is asked to provide information about its people, finances, and resources through the Annual Congregation Report (Form A). This provides the churchwide organization and synods with a picture of the congregations and worshiping communities that make up the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This summary
ELCA Congregation Report / Forms A Read More »
2024 Synod Assembly Where: Gustavus Adolphus College When: June 7-8, 2024 This will be a hybrid Assembly. This means voting members will have the opportunity to participate online or onsite. Rev. Dr. Aaron Suomala Folkerds is the keynote speaker; Executive Director for Christian Community and Leadership, Phil Hirsch is the ELCA representative; and Bishop Myaka
2024 Synod Assembly Read More »
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the state. Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Law MN Department of Labor and Industry ESST Toolkit FAQ’s about ESST ESST Poster for Workplaces This new law applies to a congregation’s employment
Earned Sick and Safe Time Read More »
+Rev. Pete Reuss, GSB Consultant Thank you. Two simple words have amazing power. How does your congregation thank people? At the heart, congregations are voluntary organizations. Every week people take time to come and join in worship. They step forward in a wide range of volunteer roles, from mowing the lawn to reading lessons to
How does your congregation thank people? Read More »
Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has pow’r to save us. Make us your living voice. Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today. -ELW 715 As we near the end of
Many of us grew up praying “Come, Lord Jesus” as our table prayer, or grace, at mealtimes. Recently I learned this little prayer has a second verse that lifts our eyes from our table to the tables of others. I am so grateful that serving in this ministry takes me out on the highways and
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Thanksgiving Message Read More »
Life includes comings and goings. A new transition comes as Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator, Pr. Nikoli Falenschek, concludes his ministry in Southwestern Minnesota at the end of November. Pr. Nikoli has been doing awesome ministry with our LYO Board and congregational youth & family leaders. This summer, he moved to Iowa, but continued to work
Thank you and Godspeed, Pr. Nikoli! Read More »
Equipping Congregations Day! Come gather together as we enter the season of Advent with learning opportunities to equip congregations as we live the Word today. Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:30am – 3:00pm Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar ALL ARE WELCOME! -Congregation Members -Council Officers -Christian Educators -Worship & Youth Leaders -Pastors… Everyone! Childcare Available! Register Now
Registration Open – Equipping Congregations Day Read More »
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join congregations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota on Oct. 17 at 12 p.m. Central time for a regional conversation on God’s Love Made Real. The Rev. Craig Schweitzer, bishop of the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod, will
God’s Love Made Real: A Conversation With Bishop Eaton Read More »
LYO is bringing back the youth-led praise band to the SW MN Synod! Band Application Beginning October 1, high school musicians (current 9-12 graders) will be able to apply to be part of this group, mentored by Rev. Hans Peterson of Dakota Road. The application process includes a short written application as well as a
