Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

09/12/2026

“Today, we remember. We grieve. But we also recommit ourselves to being builders of peace, repairers of breaches, and bearers of light.”

On this 25th commemoration of the September 11 attacks and the thousands of lives lost in New York City, Washington, D.C., and the fields of Pennsylvania, it is important that we pause and remember all that was lost that day. The loss was, in many ways, incalculable.

But beyond the staggering human loss, something else was wounded that day: a piece of our collective humanity. In the fear and grief that followed the attacks, suspicion and hatred were too often allowed to flourish where tolerance, curiosity, and acceptance of difference might have grown. Islamophobia took deeper root. “Othering” became easier to justify.

We are called to embody the Gospel mandate to be and to offer light in a world too often darkened by mistrust, division, unresolved grievances, and unforgiveness. We are called to welcome the stranger, bind up the brokenhearted, seek justice, make peace, and help people move beyond fear and isolation toward belonging.

Every person bears the image of God and therefore possesses dignity that must not be diminished by race, religion, nationality, politics, or difference.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” because we are “caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” Twenty-five years after September 11, those words still call us to something higher than fear of one another.

So today, we remember. We grieve. But we also recommit ourselves to being builders of peace, repairers of breaches, and bearers of light.

And in that same spirit of reverence, reflection, and renewal, we extend to our Jewish neighbors and friends our prayers for peace and blessing as they prepare to enter the sacred season of Rosh Hashanah and, in the days ahead, Yom Kippur.

Shalom u’vracha — peace and blessing.

May all of us, across our many traditions, choose again the work of healing over hatred, belonging over othering, and light over darkness.

09/08/2026

On Sunday at the Minnesota State Fair, Bishop Hassanally joined Prayer at the Fair, where she led the community prayer. Hosted by the Minnesota Council of Churches, this worship service takes place each Sunday during the fair and includes music, community, and prayer. Thanks be to God for this chance to be part of worship at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

09/07/2026

A prayer for Labor Day…

09/04/2026

The Southeastern Minnesota Synod conferences have started meeting for the 2026-27 season! The Blue Earth River Conference kicked it off yesterday, Sep. 3, at First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, Minnesota. Rostered ministers and key leaders (including three staff from Good Earth Village) gathered for fellowship, worship, and learning. Rev. Sarah Deutsch, Synod Youth Ministry Event Coordinator, shared information about the new regional synod youth events happening this fall. Assistant to the Bishop Kathy Chatelaine represented the Office of the Bishop at this fun and informative conference meeting. Thanks be to God!

09/03/2026

Marshall Lutheran Church celebrated 150 years of ministry on Sunday, August 30! Rev. Emmanuel Kaghondi serves as the Interim Pastor of Little Cedar & Marshall Lutheran Churches, a two-point parish in Adams. Bishop Hassanally joined both congregations for worship and fellowship on this beautiful day.

08/27/2026

On the final day of the Steele County Free Fair (Sunday, August 23), Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Barb Streed had the joy of preaching at the Village of Yesteryear. The worship theme was "Celebrating Our Heritage."

*Cheese curds and cookie dough on a stick were optional!

08/20/2026

Happy anniversary to Trondhjem Lutheran Church! Rev. Sue Leibnitz serves as pastor at Trondhjem in Lonsdale, and this past weekend, past and present members gathered as a community to celebrate the congregation’s 150th anniversary with worship, food, and fun activities.

Assistant to the Bishop Kathy Chatelaine joined the celebration and presented a certificate of anniversary to Council President Autumn Brekke. Rev. Carrie Chatelaine, whose ancestors were founding members of the church, preached on Luke 8:4-15 (The Parable of the Sower), encouraging folks to remain faithful to the Gospel by sowing seeds of faith in word and action.

Thanks be to God!

08/19/2026

On Sunday, August 16, Bishop Hassanally worshipped with the people of Central Lutheran Church ELCA Winona, MN. The congregation celebrated Pastor Michael Short's 25th ordination anniversary! Bishop Hassanally preached, and everyone enjoyed quiche and cake after the service. Congrats on this milestone, Pastor Short!

08/13/2026

Rev. Dwaine Sutherland was installed on Sunday (Aug. 9) at Dennison Lutheran in Dennison. Pastor Barb Streed was there to preach the Word of God and install Pastor Dwaine, who also serves as the called pastor at Grace Lutheran in Nerstrand. Thanks be to God!

08/13/2026

Presiding Bishop John Rojas of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (Iglesia Evangelica Luterana de Colombia) raises a voice of hope and supplication regarding the earthquake—measuring 7.4 in magnitude (a figure provided by the Colombian Geological Survey)—that has affected Colombia:

"God is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ and to the entire Colombian population: We woke up today with heavy hearts and moved by the pain caused by the powerful earthquake that has shaken our nation. As the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO), we unite in a shared sentiment of grief and solidarity with every person and family currently suffering the consequences of this unfortunate emergency. Our hearts ache for the suffering of those who have had their safety or that of their loved ones affected, material losses, rampant fear in homes and especially the vulnerability of our human condition, which becomes evident in moments like these.

However, it is precisely there that the grace of God sustains us. We offer our prayers to God, our Lord, for His comfort, strength and peace for those who have lost everything. We cry out for the rescue teams, medical personnel and authorities: may the Lord grant them wisdom, renewed courage and strength in their support and assistance efforts. We make an urgent appeal for national unity and Christian solidarity at this time to set aside any differences and act as a single body. We ask our congregations and all citizens to join in collective efforts to provide shelter and support for those left in conditions of greater vulnerability. Thank you.

May our hands be the instrument of God’s love during this time. May the hope and peace of Christ be with you. Amen. God bless you."

As ministry partners on the ground share more information, the synod office will provide updates and opportunities to accompany the people of Colombia. To financially support the ministry efforts of IELCO, visit semnsynod.org/givenow