November 19, 2025

Minnesota Paid Family Leave Webinar

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Minnesota Paid Leave program will provide eligible employees with partial wage replacement and job-protected leave for certain medical and family-related needs. Employers, including churches and religious organizations, must take action to be prepared for this new program, including submitting wage reports to the state, providing notice to employees, and deducting/remitting premium contributions if participating in the state program (instead of an equivalent plan).

Informational Webinar

Thursday, November 20

12:30-1:30 PM, online

Hosted by the Minneapolis Area Synod

Find resource links, steps for employers, webinar link, and more at:

View and download the synod's new Annual Prayer Calendar for 2025-26!

This annual prayer calendar includes all of the congregations of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod as well as all of the Lutheran congregations of our global partners in Colombia, Tanzania, and South Sudan. Bishop Regina Hassanally invites the people and congregations of the synod to make a commitment to praying each week for the identified communities of faith in this calendar. (Which can also be found at the bottom of every RC Weekly!)

The latest newsletter includes:

• Updates from the October LMM Board Meeting
• The 2025-27 LMM Strategic Plan—Lead, Model, Multiply & Sustain
• Retreat dates for 2025-26
• Advent Prayers

And more!

Join LSM each day from November 30 to December 24 for a musical meditation—inviting you to pause, listen, and find stillness amid the season. (Selections will also be shared on LSM’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages.)

Begin your Advent journey with LSM—use the button below to receive each day’s musical reflection by email:

Important Dates:

• December 2: Rostered Minister and Staff Advent Worship
• February 17, 2026: Power and Boundaries Workshop
• February 22: Discernment Retreat in Minnetonka
• March 31: Retired Rostered Minister Gathering (details TBA)
• April 20: Power and Boundaries Workshop
• May 2: Synod Assembly in Mankato
• May 18: Power and Boundaries Workshop in-person
• July 6-9: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering (Indianapolis, IN)
• June 9: Power and Boundaries Workshop
• December 10: Power and Boundaries Workshop

• First Lutheran Church, Lake City
• Henrytown Lutheran Church, Canton
• Trinity Lutheran Church, New Richland
• Vasa Lutheran Church, Welch

• Mruma Lutheran Church, Tanzania
• Castillo Fuerte Lutheran Church, Colombia
• Ulemo Lutheran Church, Tanzania
• Ishenga Lutheran Church, Tanzania