Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

09/04/2026

Virtual Discernment Event 2026
Sunday, September 27, 3:00-5:00 PM CDT
Zoom
Register Here - https://luma.com/v4mwmywy
Do you know someone discerning a call to ministry or theological education? This fall, the seven seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are coming together to help prospective students explore what that journey could look like.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet representatives from each ELCA seminary, learn about a variety of affordable and flexible degree and certificate programs, and ask questions about discernment, seminary life, and next steps.

Whether someone is considering ordained ministry, lay leadership, or simply exploring how theological education might deepen their vocation, this event offers a welcoming space to learn more and connect with admissions staff from across the ELCA.

If you know someone who may be exploring a call, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them. They can also register from the elcaseminaries.org homepage - https://elcaseminaries.org/

09/03/2026

So cool that First Luther Church in St Peter was featured in the ELCA 2026 August Mission Support Memo! Click the link to read from congregation member Annalise about how their journey with the "The Generosity Project" started and exceeded all that was imagined. https://www.livinglutheran.org/sofia/mission-support-memo-aug-2026.php

Mission Support Memos are part of the ELCA Stories of Faith in Action.

09/02/2026

We give thanks to God!
American Lutheran Church in Windom celebrated Pr. Kristie Hackbart's Installation to Associate Pastor on Sunday, August 30th.

08/20/2026

LIVE - HEAR - PROCLAIM - SERVE – STRIVE
"Those five little words summarize the promises of Baptism. They are also at the heart of the grant our synod received to organize and equip Mentors who walk with our Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) as they continue to grow in ministry. We are grateful to Wartburg Theological Seminary and Lilly Endowment, Inc., for the gift of CaSTLE grants for 2025 and 2026." -Bp. Dee Pederson

From August 10-12 synod participants in the CaSTLE project explored what it means to be “Rooted in Baptism. Sent into Everyday Life.” Click the link below to read how the CaSTLE Project is helping synods like ours embrace these promises in a whole new way.

LIVE - HEAR - PROCLAIM - SERVE – STRIVE Those five little words summarize the promises of Baptism. They are also at the heart of the grant our synod received to organize and equip Mentors who walk with our Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) as they continue to grow in ministry. We are grateful...

08/14/2026

Stewardship 101 for Smaller Congregations Zoom Gathering
Sept. 14th @ 6pm
Addressing stewardship in smaller congregations can be confusing, especially when things have either been running on “autopilot” for so long that the topic seems out of place, or because it’s never really been talked about and so the topic is too foreign or controversial. But stewardship is a discipleship practice that goes far beyond the pocketbook, affecting every facet of our lives as followers of Jesus!

In this Zoom gathering we’ll talk about practical ways to address stewardship in smaller congregations that are easy to implement, incremental, and bring a wholistic lens to the topic. No need to register, just come (and you’re welcome to bring a team or council) to learn some best practices! Click the link for Zoom info.

Addressing stewardship in smaller congregations can be confusing, especially when things have either been running on "autopilot" for so long that the

08/10/2026

It is with deep gratitude for her ministry that we share Synod Minister Pr. Heather Culuris has accepted a new call to congregational ministry—a ministry she loves deeply. The call is to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague.

Pastoral calls are not so much about what one is being called from as what one is being called to. We will miss Pr. Heather’s presence and ministry among us! And yet, we rejoice with her in this new call and trust that God is leading her into the place where her gifts and passion will continue to bless God’s people. Click the link below to read a message from Pr. Heather Culuris.

It is with deep gratitude for her ministry that we share Synod Minister Pr. Heather Culuris has accepted a new call to congregational ministry—a ministry she loves deeply. The call is to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague.

08/06/2026

Synod Office Building Update: Construction has wrapped up, and now we are on to cleaning, organizing, and decorating. This video shows lots of progress but not the finishing details.

07/31/2026

We grieve with our colleagues in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and across this church at the passing of former bishop, The Rev. Dr. Patricia Davenport. She was a gospel-living leader: prayerful, courageous, bold, Spirit-led, and a delightful friend to colleagues in the Conference of Bishops. We give thanks for her life and witness and pray for comfort for her family and friends.

We are saddened to announce the death of one of SEPA's former bishops, Rev. Dr. Patricia Davenport. You may read more here: https://conta.cc/4h39xEM

07/28/2026

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued his third in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled “All Together in One Place."

Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.

Read his latest message, "Choosing Reconciliation Over Division in a Multifaith America," here: elca.org/news/all-together-in-one-place-3

07/01/2026

The SW MN Synod office will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day.