Synod News - June 20, 2024

2024 Synod Assembly

Thank you for gathering in the room and online, united by the Assembly theme, “One Body in Christ” (Romans 12:5). This Assembly once again represented a “first.” In 2020, an Assembly was cancelled for the first time due to COVID. The 2021 Assembly, which included the bishop election, was conducted entirely online. Assembly 2022 was cancelled due to lack of quorum and still-confusing masking guidelines. Last year, the Assembly finally met fully in person. And 2024 marked the first hybrid Assembly – ever! Thank you for being part of yet another “first.” As we walk together in life and in the church, “firsts” are our new normal. Thanks be to God and to you for the joy of being “synod” together. 

Click here to read Bishop Dee Pederson's post-assembly recap.

Keynote: Rev. Dr. Aaron Suomala Folkerds

Rev. Phil Hirsch ELCA Report

Bishop Dee Pederson’s

Report

Here is a summary of Assembly Actions: 

The Assembly elected: 

Synod Council At-Large: Rev. Katherine Rohloff 

Synod Council At-Large: Rev. Russell Britton   

Churchwide Voting Member At-Large: Rev. Janine Olson 

Churchwide Voting Member At-Large: Susan Ukaonu 

Churchwide Voting Member At-Large: Quentin Markfort 

Churchwide Voting Member At-Large: Rev. Chimezie Ukaonu 

Churchwide Voting Member At-Large: Rev. Bryant Kaden 

Ratified from Conference Assemblies: 

Synod Council Lakeland Conference: Deacon Brenda Handel-Johnson 

Synod Council Minnesota Valley Conference: Paul Engel  

Synod Council Scenic Valley Conference: Rev. Lowell Krogstad 

Click here to view the Churchwide Voting Members elected at conference assemblies. 

Assembly Action: Motion to approve the Budget for FY2026. Motion approved. 

Assembly Action: Motion to approve 2025 SW MN Synod Compensation Guidelines. Motion approved. 

Rev. Adam Roberts withdrew his motion on Resolution 24.01 - Clarifying Question Regarding Homosexual Relationships.  

Assembly Action: Motion to approve Resolution 24.02 - Regarding Revisions to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Motion failed.  

Assembly Action: Resolution 24.03 - Regarding Bylaw Changes to the Synod Constitution. Motion approved. 

Now Accepting Applications for Congregational Mission Grants!  APPLICATION CLOSING JULY 1ST--APPLY TODAY! The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund wants to partner with you in supporting the mission of the Church in your local community in 2024-2025.  

The Endowment Fund Committee is looking for project proposals in the following areas:  

• Community Outreach 
• Youth Activities 
• Special Mission Projects  
• Addressing Community Food Insecurity 

These grants are intended for new initiatives or for significant expansion of existing programs to serve new people. The Endowment Fund is particularly interested in proposals that involve partnerships with other faith communities and organizations in the community. In evaluating applications, the Endowment Committee will consider sustainability following the initial grant period where applicable.  

Congregations of the SWMN Synod, as well as Conferences and Campus Ministries, are invited to apply. (Application Deadline: July 1, 2024) 

This is the sixth year for Congregational Mission Grants. In the last five years, a total of $87,552 has been awarded throughout the SWMN Synod. This year, there is $40,750 available. Funded projects must be completed, with a final report received by November 30, 2025.  

The Endowment Committee will decline to fund building improvements, maintenance, or renovation, and congregational mission trips. In addition, while welcoming applications which involve project staffing, ongoing staff positions will not be considered. Click here for more information.

Understanding our Church in a Changing World Survey

You matter. And synod leadership is committed to listening to you. Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey. Then this fall, come and be part of a listening / conversation gathering that will be held in various locations across the synod. Insights from the survey, along with conversations in person, will help shape synod priorities to equip congregations and leaders in this changing time. Thank you!

2024 Fall Theological Conference

Sunday Evening, October 6th - Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Little Crow Resort & Conference Center, Spicer MN

Keynote Speaker: Emeritus Professor Timothy J. Wengert "Confession and Ministry: Finding Your (Lutheran) Roots"

Save the date! Registration and the conference schedule are coming soon.

Housing arrangements and cost is separate from the FTC registration.

All attendees are responsible for their own housing arrangements. The synod office has reserved a block rooms at the Grandstay Hotel & Suites at the Little Crow Resort where the conference will be held. The block of rooms is under the name: SW MN ELCA. This block of rooms will be released on September 6, 2024. Please call 320-347-1450 to make your room reservations.

The 2024 Fall Theological Conference is planned especially for Pastors, Deacons, TEEM Students, Interns, Synod Authorized Lay Ministers currently serving a congregation, and paid staff youth coordinators.

By action of the 1988 Synod Assembly, this conference has been designated as an “official synodical event.” This means that all pastors and deacons under call or appointment are expected to attend. If you need to be absent, please email Bishop Dee Pederson at dee.pederson@swmnelca.org and CC Kristin Bakeberg, kristin.bakeberg@swmnelca.org in your email.

Help Grow Leaders in Rural Ministry 

The SW MN Synod Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) provides for seminary tuition scholarships. Recipients will have an openness and commitment to future service in rural settings.

The profit from the LMM golf tournament goes into the LMM’s Fund for Leaders Endowment to help grow leaders. 

30th Annual Golf Tournament

Friday, July 19, 2024

Redwood Falls Golf Club, Redwood Falls, MN 

Registration: 2:30 pm

Shotgun Start: 3:00 pm

Price: $75.00 per golfer (Includes GOLF CART, green fees, meal, prizes and a donation to LMM)

Registration Deadline: Monday, July 15th.

Upcoming Synod Events:

• July 19, 2024 - SW MN Synod Lutheran Men in Mission Golf Tournament
• August 6-8, 2024 - Women in Ministry Gathering
• October 6-8, 2024 - Fall Theological Conference - GrandStay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow, Spicer, MN