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Why is Keeping in Touch early this month?
To keep you informed about news from the Synod and the wider denomination, Keeping in Touch will now be sent on the second Tuesday of each month.
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A PC(USA) statement on the escalating war with Iran
Sustained diplomacy, accountability and multilateral engagement are what’s needed
We are deeply troubled by the expanding military assault on Iran and the widening regional war it now threatens to become. As Christians shaped by the reconciling love of Jesus Christ, we grieve every life lost and every family now living in terror. Decisions of war and peace are measured not in political claims but in human lives.
Read more
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Mr. Rogers Day
March 20 is the anniversary of Fred Rogers' birth and the day the PC(USA) has chosen to highlight to learn all we can from his work. You can find a variety of resources by clicking on this link.
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A Webinar Presented By Insurance Board- EPL Risk Management 360: Smart Hiring, Compliance, and Litigation Readiness
March 19, 1:00 PM CDT
Managing employees can be complex—but with the right systems, documentation, and processes, organizations can reduce risk, improve compliance, and create a stronger workplace. This webinar delivers a clear, comprehensive overview of best practices across the entire employment lifecycle.
Register
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On the Road to GA
News of the 227th General Assembly (2026) coming to the Presbytery of Milwaukee this summer.
Click here for the latest newsletter, important dates and deadlines, and much more.
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The 227th General Assembly will feature 10 committees
Committees will meet online June 22-24 before commissioners and advisory delegates head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Planners for the 227th General Assembly, which will meet online and in person in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 22-July 2, have announced the committee structure for the upcoming assembly.
“The discernment of committee themes for each General Assembly begins with the business submitted by councils across the church,” said Kate Trigger Duffert, an Associate Stated Clerk who leads General Assembly Planning. “It is because of the discernment of sessions, presbyteries, synods, and elected committees of the General Assembly that the business coming to the assembly emerges.”
Read more
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Youth groups of our Synod
First Lutheran Church of Kearney invites youth groups of our Synod to a Lock-In on May 30th-May 31st. We will begin on Saturday, May 30th, at 10:00 at the church. We will have some socializing activities to get to know each other. After a sandwich lunch, we will do some community service with local partners. Then we will cook a meal together and enjoy an evening worship service. The lock-in will begin after that. There will be rooms for those who wish to sleep upstairs, and activities downstairs. We will serve a pancake breakfast and conclude our time together with a devotion.
If your youth has interest in going, or you would like more information, please contact Pastor Logan Ellis at 308-655-5544 or lellis@firstlutherankearney.org.
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Synod School is coming!
July 26-31, 2026, at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa
Join us for this week of worship, learning, sharing, and community for all ages. The catalog is available online and registration opens at noon on Wednesday, April 1.
Learn about the mission project here.
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From Ash to Action: Even the Stones Cry Out
Prepare to organize, march, and advocate on behalf of our neighbors along the Palm Sunday Path (March 29, 2026). Advocate for all creation at the EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest (April 18, 2026). Both call on congregations to become organizing hubs for the sake of the Gospel: for thriving communities and a flourishing planet. Learn more here.
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Summer Sabbatical Study Sampler
May 18–22, 2026 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary | Dubuque, IA
You serve faithfully and sacrificially, let UDTS serve you. Join us for five restorative days of learning, worship, rest, and renewal designed especially for ministry leaders.
The Summer Sabbatical Study Sampler includes
- DMin cohort lectures and discussions
- Daily Chapel Services
- Lunch with faculty exploring current research
- Plentiful free time to pursue your own studies, rest and renew and explore all that Dubuque has to offer
Cost: $350 ($300 early bird by April 1). Registration includes the program and four lunches. Housing options are available.
Learn more and register: https://forms.gle/rfLEK5k9aKyKLB4TA
Questions: Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown | tdbrown@dbq.edu
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Spirituality in the 21st Century
Step onto the land. Breathe deeply. Let your Spirit come alive in relationship to the Living world.
You are warmly invited to Prairiewoods for our Annual Spirituality in the 21st Century event, a transformative experience rooted in earth, body and soul. Together, participants will explore what it means to love the wild—within ourselves and beyond—guided by renowned theologian and eco-spiritual leader Rev. Dr. Lisa E. Dahill.
Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17
Learn more at https://prairiewoods.org/annual-event/spirituality-in-the-21st-century/.
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ROOTEDGOOD'S NEXT STEPS GRANT PROGRAM
Is your church discerning how their land and buildings might serve both their mission and the growing need for affordable housing in the community?
RootedGood has launched the Good Next Step grant program to provide feasibility and pre-development financial support to churches seeking to explore the development of church-owned property for affordable housing. We recently awarded our first $40,000 Good Next Step grant in Wisconsin to a Madison congregation that plans to update their church facilities and add affordable housing on their property. This first grant recipient is working with Threshold Sacred Development as their pre-development partner, but churches are welcome to partner with any developer that is able to provide the services outlined in the program and is willing to commit to the pay-it-forward model. You can learn more about the program here.
View the Good Futures Accelerator introduction video.
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Weekly Contemplative Centering
Led by LeaderWise leadership development staff members, this 15-minute online gathering will offer you a somatic / contemplative / creative practice, a quiet time for personal reflection to provide space for you to notice what is rising, and to claim your next most faithful step in your own self-care and nurturing. No sharing is required; you don’t even have to turn on your camera!
What: Guided practice and reflection
When: Tuesdays from February 17 through April 28, noon CT, 15 minutes
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free (donations accepted)
Bring: journal and writing tool, paper and markers/colored pencils
Register
Weekly Group Spiritual Direction
Led by LeaderWise’s spiritual directors, this hour-long online group will offer a sacred space where you can slow down, experience contemplative practices of the season, and notice what is rising. There will be an invitation for sharing in pairs and small groups. You can attend just once or as often as every week.
What: Group spiritual direction
When: Thursdays, February 19 through April 30, noon CT, 60 minutes
Where: Zoom
Cost: $25 donation
Bring: journal and writing tool, paper and markers/colored pencils
Register
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Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is pleased to join a collaboration of other disaster, crisis, and preparedness organizations in offering the Spring 2026 Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy.
Six weeks of live, free webinars will offer pragmatic and informative sessions to help faith and community leaders address needs emerging from disasters and other crises. Webinars are scheduled for Tuesdays, March 24 through April 28, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 AM Central time and are appropriate for all levels of experience and expertise.
Schedule at a glance, 10 AM - 11:30 AM Central (US and Canada):
- March 24, 2026 - "Calm in Crisis"
- March 31, 2026 - "Talk Saves Lives" (suicide prevention)
- April 7, 2026 - "Responding with Care: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Disaster Response for Diverse Communities"
- April 14, 2026 - "Risk and Protective Factors"
- April 21, 2026 - "Tools for Building Resilience"
- April 28, 2026 - "Emotional and Spiritual Care in Human-Caused Disasters"
Webinars will not be recorded. REGISTER HERE
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Upcoming Programs with OPSF
Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation currently has several open registrations and upcoming programs.
- Certificate in Proclamation
- Wellspring of Well-Being
- CAMP: A Planning Retreat
- Living Vessels
Find out more about these programs here.
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Hastings Youth Conference
This summer Hastings College will host a youth conference for middle and high school students — rising fifth graders to graduated seniors. It aims to help young people come to know and believe they are loved by God. It’s an inclusive place where community, connection and God’s truth thrive.
Held June 15-19, 2026, HYC is a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their faith in a vibrant, supportive community. This week is packed with engaging worship, meaningful small group discussions and fun recreation, creating the perfect environment for spiritual growth and connection with other young people.
Click here for more information.
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Concerned about your church's future?
Your congregation, your ministry, your church – these are central to your life and your community.
You may be concerned about your church’s future. You may wonder about how to talk about wills and legacy giving with your congregation. You may want guidance on stewardship.
The Presbyterian Foundation understands these challenges, and can help.
Sign up for their e-newsletters, Pastor’s Life and Stewardship Ministry. These free resources are produced monthly to help connect you with help for your church.
If you want to talk with someone, contact Kyle Nolan, our Ministry Relations Officer. He can help you and your church prepare for a solid financial future.
The Presbyterian Foundation is here to walk with you – in ministry, and in life. Reach out; they’re here to help.
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Presbyterian Women
in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies builds community and affirms women’s calls to leadership and spiritual growth.
Visit our webpage to find out about our book studies and Sit & Sip discussion group. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook.
Our newsletter has more information about PW across the synod.
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Steering Committee, March 16, online
Synod School registration opens at noon on April 1.
Office Closed
Good Friday and Easter Monday
April 3 & 6
Synod Meetings:
April 26-28, 2026, in person
September 27-28, 2006, online
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