Synod News

+Bishop Jon V. Anderson I dread the thick fog of Spring on winding roads.  It is not as bad as white outs in a blizzard but driving across the synod you run into fog sometimes this time of year that becomes really challenging.   As we continue to steer through our experience of the COVID-19 people have been touching base wondering about

Part of our ongoing work is to invite people to better understand our synod, its mission field and the role of a synod bishop. Back in February, ELCA Research created a survey “Bishop Election Feedback“ for distribution among our congregations as we prepare for a bishop election and plan for the future. John Hessian, Research

Two grants of the Ministerial Excellence Fund have now been opened to aid in the financial freedom of our rostered ministers. Read on and apply if you qualify. Online application links are posted below. Grant for Educational Loan Reduction Rostered ministers who are paying on educational loans taken out to pursue your call should apply

Endowment Fund Congregational Mission Grants for 2021-2022 The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund will once again make grants to support the mission of Congregations in their local communities in 2021-2022. The Committee is looking for projects proposals in the following areas: Community Outreach Youth Activities Special Mission Projects In addition, the Committee invites proposals in response to mission challenges as we move to a post COVID-19 mission

On February 9th, synod rostered ministers had the opportunity to gather via Zoom to hear the reflections from former SW MN Synod Bishops Rev. Charles Anderson and Rev. Stan Olson. They have brought their helpful insights and wisdom as we, in Southwestern Minnesota, look toward the election of a new bishop at our Synod Assembly

On January 25th, lay leaders and interested clergy had the opportunity to gather via Zoom to hear the reflections of four people who have served in the office of Synod Bishop in other synods of the ELCA, including Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, Larry Wohlrabe, Peter Strommen and Peter Rogness. These panelists have brought their helpful insights and

Forms A and C are annual forms that are to be filled out by each congregation. This information is submitted to the ELCA to help provide crucial data that assist in assessing the success of existing programs and in preparation of new resources. This data is also shared on your congregation’s full trend report on

While Advent is a season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, we know all too well that not everyone feels hopeful or like celebrating right now. The pandemic, grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment, and loss are magnified. Those who are not struggling with losses may feel the stress of changed preparations and expectations

The Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, gratefully announces the award of an ELCA COVID-19 grant for $10,000.00. As part of an ELCA COVID-19 response, the ELCA Church Council authorized a new fund to receive revenue to directly support ministries of the ELCA. This summer our synod received a grant of $7,500.00. These new, additional funds are