Tornaado Recovery Update: Ways to Pray, Give & Act

Volunteer for Recovery Efforts

First Presbyterian Church Neenah is building a volunteer list for cleanup, debris removal, yard work, meal support, and other recovery needs. Signing up does not commit you to every opportunity—it simply lets us contact you as needs arise. Sign up here. In addition to opportunities through FPCN, Volunteer Fox Cities is coordinating volunteers, donations, and recovery efforts across the region. The latest volunteer opportunities and recovery updates can be found here.

Need Assistance or Want to Support Recovery?

If you or someone you know has been affected by the tornado, you can request hands-on help or financial assistance through the First Presbyterian Church Neenah/Memorial Presbyterian Church Appleton Disaster Response Request Form. Gifts to First Presbyterian Church Neenah/Memorial Presbyterian Church Appleton's Disaster Fund provide direct support for tornado recovery efforts throughout the greater Fox Valley. Give Online.

Synod announces search for Stated Clerk

This notice is to inform you that the current term of service of Synod Stated Clerk Rev. Pam Prouty ends on December 31 of this year. Therefore, we will be nominating and electing a Clerk at the upcoming Synod meeting, Sept. 27-28.  Rev. Prouty is eligible for reelection to another term. Synod Moderator Jeff Dickinson has appointed a Search Committee to lead the open search process, chaired by William Davnie.

A job description for the Stated Clerk of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies can be found here. For staff planning purposes, the next term will be for three years.

Please share this information as appropriate to those who might be interested in this position. The Stated Clerk has an office in the Synod building in Eagan, Minnesota, but for the most part works remotely, as do most Synod staff and officers. The work is generally estimated at 300 hours per year. Compensation will be discussed during interviews. The Search Committee’s preference, but not requirement, is for a nominee from within the bounds of the Synod.

An application will require three references with contact information, and a resume. Applications need to be received by Sept. 19.  Interviews, by Zoom, are tentatively planned for midday Tuesday, September 22. Interested candidates can direct questions and applications to Bill Davnie at bcdavnie@gmail.com.

Why college students are leaving church - but not faith

Former Hastings College Chaplain Doodle Harris interviewed 21 students about why they left church. Their answers reveal pain, curiosity and an enduring desire to pursue faith beyond the sanctuary.

Read the article at The Presbyterian Outlook.

Fall Synod Meeting

The Synod will meet online September 27-28, 2026. Commissioners, be sure to check your email for the Call and RSVP for the meeting.

Annual Racial Equity Student Scholarship

The Committee on Racial Equity Ministry is accepting scholarship applications. This program is designed to encourage Racial Ethnic students to complete their college education and graduate with an academic degree to prepare for life-long employment, elected, or volunteer service.

Students meeting the scholarship requirements and who are enrolled in a community college, tribal college, vocational school, undergraduate and post graduate studies as well as seminaries are invited to apply. The application deadline is September 30. Go to the website for more information.

Board of Pensions announces changes for 2027

Due to the rising healthcare costs, the Board of Pensions has announced increases in 2027 medical dues for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor's Participation. For ministers enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package, a new dues subsidy to help alleviate the cost of medical coverage for children will begin Jan. 1, 2027.

You can find resources to assist in decision making here.

Post-Retirement Medical Plan update

Earlier this year, the Board of Pensions announced that the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO and Prescription Drug plan will not be offered in 2027. Beginning January 1, 2027, coverage will be through the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO Plan (a passive PPO plan) with Part D prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts. Coverage will be available to individuals currently enrolled in Humana as well as members who retire in 2027. Find more information about the transition here.

Academy Worship Class

Worship Class through The Academy will be offered October 16-18, 2026, at Lakeshore Center.

Is your church ready for a good next step with its land?

RootedGood has one $40,000 grant left in 2026 to help a Wisconsin church fund feasibility and early pre-development work for affordable housing on its property. Two churches have already used this grant to move projects forward, including one now scheduled to break ground in spring 2027.

Interested in learning more or applying? Explore the program details and application and watch this short video about the grant program.

Nominate your 2026 Eco-Justice Champion

Do you know a young adult, 30 years old or younger, who connects their faith with creation and shows great potential to be a future leader for environmental justice? Or perhaps you know a more mature person who has spent their life acting and advocating for the beauty, integrity, and health of God’s creation. Maybe your congregation or faith organization operates in a sustainable manner and promotes being a good steward of God’s earth, both within and beyond its membership.

If one of these prompts brought an individual or a congregation/organization to your

mind, now is the time to nominate them for a Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC)

Annual Earth Care Award. Learn More

Connext Summit 2026

Beyond Belonging: Branch Out - Bring In - Build Together

October 11-13, 2026

Registration Now Open!

Learn More

Introducing KinMN

A few months ago, a few congregations started receiving letters from churches across the country who wanted us to know we weren't alone during a crisis. We read them aloud in worship as a Pauline-like Epistle. They inspired us!

That experience sparked the idea for KinMN. What if this kind of connection happened regularly?

KinMN pairs ecumenical urgan and rural congregations with a desire to connect across Minnesota. It starts with letters written from one congregation to another. Find out more here.

Craft Away: an annual weekend getaway for artists, artisans, creatives, and crafters

November 13-15, 2026

Sign up now a for a weekend getaway to focus on those unfinished projects, relax in the whirlpool, savor home-cooked meals, let nature inspire you, and meet other crafters during your stay. Register here.

Presbyterian Women

in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies builds community and affirms women’s calls to leadership and spiritual growth.

Sit & Sip, held via Zoom from 11AM to Noon (CDT). To register contact Kathleen Keefer.

Visit our webpage and be sure to conntect with us on Facebook.

Our newsletter has more information about PW across the synod.