Rev. Jeffrey Ross Installation

Zion, Brainerd | April 19, 2026

Pictured are Rev. Dr. Richard Hans, Rev. Ben Hollingsead, Rev. David Becker, Rev. John Thompson, Rev. Kirk Lee, Rev. Paul Biegner, Rev. Ron Carnicom, Rev. Jeffrey Ross, Rev. Gregg Coop, Rev. Don Klatt, Rev. Brady Finnern, Rev. Travis Lauterbach, and Rev. Bill Traphagan.

The Wheaton, Appleton, Fergus Falls and Montevideo Circuits gathered at Bethlehem in Herman to brainstorm and discuss ideas for congregations walking together during pastoral vacancy.

Over 65 people came from 20 different congregations to talk about possible partnerships to move forward with faithful stewarding of Christs mysteries and caring for souls.



We will be hosting similar gatherings throughout the district as over 50 congregations are calling/without a called pastor and retirements are outnumbering our graduates.

Peace Lutheran Church Marks Milestone with First Ever Easter Vigil



Peace Lutheran Church held its first-ever Easter Vigil service. The service, led by Rev. Nathaniel Konkel, began in the traditional style with a gathering outdoors before transitioning into a darkened sanctuary, symbolizing the movement from the shadows of the tomb to the light of Christ’s resurrection. The evening was made even more significant as the congregation officially welcomed two new members, Taylor and Jill into their church family, marking a night of both communal and individual new beginnings.

Minnesota North Confessional Lutherans' meeting on May 11



We will be meeting at Prince of Peace in Baxter at 10:00 a.m. to read a short paper written by Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger titled "The Role of Retired Pastors in the LCC."

TEXT AND EMAIL SCAMS

Our pastors continue to be targeted by email and text message scams. A recent scam that seems to be specific to LCMS clergy involves a message from an organization called Grateful Heart. Be sure to contact your pastor or church leader directly before responding to any request for funds or gift cards that appear to come from their email account or phone number.

A large number of Minnesota North congregations have not logged in to complete the Synod's 2026 statistical report. The final deadline is May 1st, so please take a moment today or tomorrow and login at https://lc.lcms.org and complete as much of the report as you are able.

David Danzeisen and his wife Julie, members at Redeemer in Willmar, celebrate on Call Day at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The Danzeisens have been called to Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO.

STUDENT AID FUND

Congregations and individuals can support Minnesota North District church work students like David by contributing to the District Student Aid Fund. Funds are shared with students from our district studying to enter church work careers at LCMS Universities and Seminaries. Learn more >>

MAY IS TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH

The teachers serving in Minnesota North Lutheran Schools share their skills and faith with students every day. Show your appreciation for their work this month with a smile, a hug or a special gift!

You can also make a contribution to the C.R.O.S.S. Appeal, the district fund created to provide financial support to elementary and high schools across the district. Learn more>>

MINNESOTA STATE BIBLE BOWL

After nearly 40 years of Minnesota State Bible Bowl competitions, Pastor Rudy Maurer and Pastor Steve Breitbarth are stepping down from their involvement with the event. After Pastor Rudy, who had been involved with the activity in South Dakota, moved to Good Thunder in the MN South District, and Pastor Steve, who had dabbled with the competition while in Chisholm in the MN North District, decided to combine their efforts, a partnership and the Minnesota State Bible Bowl came into existence. The event continued to be held annually for all those many years. 

With this youth ministry came many tasks, and Pastors Rudy & Steve would like to thank the Lord’s servants who assisted them. Thank you to:

• Concordia University, St. Paul for sponsoring and hosting the event providing facilities, equipment, helpful campus representatives, sometimes t-shirts, and wonderful lunches.
• Pastor Mark Palmer, who extended the Bible Bowl to Northern Wisconsin, thus partnering with us and sharing questions.
• Family members who so faithfully organized & staffed the tournament boards, registration, and trophy duty.
• Studious individuals who wrote questions.
• Coaches and volunteers who worked with their youth to master the material and for assisting as Quizmasters.
• Crafty individuals who built and provided lightboards.
• And the thousands of young participants who diligently heard, marked, learned, and inwardly digested the Book, the Word of God, by themselves or as team members.

May God bless you to the hope of Everlasting Life. Until then, “the answer is…”

LCMS U Campus Ministry Conference – 2026