ELCA Congregation Reports / Forms A Each year, every congregation, synod-authorized worshiping community (SAWC) and new start is asked to provide information about its people, finances, and resources through the Annual Congregation Report. This provides the churchwide organization and synods with a record of the congregations and worshiping communities that make up the Evangelical Lutheran […]
Annual Congregation Report (Form A) Read More »
Bishop Dee Pederson’s Christmas Message Dear Friends in Christ – The message of the angel to Joseph is one of promise and hope today! “Jesus,” a name that means, “God saves.” Christmas may not be a season when we want to think much about the need to be saved from sin. Yet beneath the Advent
Bishop’s Message for Christmas Read More »
Sermon for December 28, 2025 | Matthew 2:13-23 This sermon by Synod Minister Seyward Ask can be read (Download a PDF format) or shared by video. There are no bulletins or hymn suggestions paired with this sermon. Our prayers are with you as we journey through Christmas and celebrate Christ’s birth.
Sermon for the First Sunday of Christmas Read More »
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,
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
Bishop’s Message for Thanksgiving Read More »
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 »
