At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, voting members adopted a memorial concerning restructuring the ELCA’s governance. The assembly adopted the following action: To direct the Church Council to establish a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church comprised of leaders of diverse representation from all three expressions that, working in consultation with the Conference of Bishops and […]
Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Read More »
People of faith are tellers of The Story – The Story of God’s love for this beloved world, given in Jesus Christ. We are also tellers of the stories of God’s love in our own lives and in the lives of our congregations. In many ways, the reports that we write – pastors, councils, staff,
Annual Congregation Report – Now Open Read More »
My name is Nikoli, and I’m the SWMN Synod’s new Youth Ministry Coordinator! One of the things I want to do well is support the many children and young adult ministries operating in our synod. I would really appreciate five minutes of your time to fill out a very basic questionnaire, which will give you
Children/Youth BASICS Questionnaire Read More »
Pr. Nikoli grew up in the Synod, is a graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead and of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He served as pastor at Lutheran Church of Mahomet, IL; Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Peter; and now serves Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Henderson. The search/interview team included Pr. Jon Dahl – Synod Personnel
Welcome to Pr. Nikoli Falenscheck as the Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator! Read More »
The synod staff gathered with Lay Leaders on Nov. 30th to help congregations get ready for Annual Meetings. Please watch and share this Zoom recording with your congregation council.-View the Zoom Recording The next Lay Leaders Zoom Gathering will be February 15th. Be sure to update your congregation leadership data to make sure leaders are
“Annual Meetings: a Time to Give Thanks and Look Ahead” Read More »
And God’s gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ. – Eph. 3:11-12. Christ the King Sunday, Pr. Stephen Cook preached his last sermon as a Synod Minister, 43 years to the
Thank you, Synod Minister Rev. Stephen Cook! Read More »
In the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, we rejoice as we enter the season of Advent, knowing the ways God has been present with us during the past year. We rejoice over the ways God has worked through our ministry together with you. We enter the season of Advent this year with an excitement, renewed energy, and
“How Congregational Budgeting Can Tell God’s Story Through Your Story”A recording from October 27th, 2022. Impressions from the field by Synod Minister Stephen Cook: caring for your rostered minister, including recommended comp. guidelines, mileage, holidays, sabbatical, calculation form; see the website for more details. Building a narrative spending plan, including Mission Support by Bishop Dee
Lay Leaders Zoom Gathering Recording Read More »
Pr. Naomi Mahler brings a strong background and training to this position. She has been serving as an Associate Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Willmar, since 2014, sharing pastoral responsibilities and relating to the Boards of Outreach and Worship. She served as Interim CEO of Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, 2012-2014, overseeing organizational operations, administering the
GSB Fundraising / www.gsbfundraising.com Have you ever wondered how to inspire generosity in your church? If so, you’re not alone! Through a new partnership with the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, we are excited to help you and your congregation do just that. We have a simple philosophy—changing congregational culture from a mindset of scarcity (we can’t
Have you ever wondered how to inspire generosity in your church? Read More »
