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 »
At the Senior High Gathering (April 2025), students from across the synod elected 13 high schoolers to serve as members of the LYO Board. The LYO Board is now tasked with appointing two more students to serve on the board with a particular focus on expanding the diversity of the students represented on the board.
LYO Board Appointments 2025-2026 Application is Open! Read More »
Calling all youth musicians! The SW MN Synod youth band is accepting auditions for new members (voice and/or instruments). This is a great opportunity for youth to tap into their musical gifts while developing leadership skills and growing in faith. The youth band leads music at various events around the Synod. Auditions are open until
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Created to be…. Bold, Authentic, Free, Disruptive, Disciples! +Bishop Dee Pederson These were the daily themes that united 16,000 youth, young adults, and ministry leaders for the ELCA Youth Gathering July 16-20 in New Orleans, LA. There has not been an ELCA Youth Gathering since 2018 – which means that more than a whole “high
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At the Senior High Gathering (March 2024), students from across the synod elected 13 high schoolers to serve as members of the LYO Board. The LYO Board is now tasked with appointing two more students to serve on the board with a particular focus on expanding the diversity of the students represented on the board.
LYO Board Appointments 2024-2025 Application is Open! Read More »
Welcome Rev. Seyward Ask Synod Minister for Equipping Congregation Leaders, Rostered Ministers, Youth, & Families. Pastor Seyward Ask On Saturday, April 13, the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council voted to extend a Letter of Call for the new Synod Minister position to Rev. Seyward Ask. Pastor Seyward was ordained in 2010 at her home congregation, First Lutheran
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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 »
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
November 17-18 -OR- November 18-19, 2023 Willmar Conference Center – 2100 Hwy 12 E. Willmar, MN All students in 6th-9th grade are welcome to attend! It’s time to register for the Junior High Youth Gathering in November! As a reminder, we’re returning to the two-night schedule, which means that you get to choose between a
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Get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering! Pr. Jon Wendt, the SW MN Synod Gathering Champion, recorded an informational Zoom meeting about the upcoming 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Posted June 2023: Greetings from Pr. Jon Wendt! This past month, I sent a letter to congregations to introduce myself. For those who
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