SYNOD NEWS AND EVENTS - June 15, 2018
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2018 Synod Assembly Recap
+Bishop Jon V. Anderson
I was reminded of the many gifts God has given to our synod. None tops the Gospel that God is for us and with us always, as we learn in Christ Jesus life, death and resurrection.

Thanks to our assembly planning team, each person who contributed in some way and the staff.

Our deepest goal is to leave the assembly with the body of Christ stronger and the leaders of our synod encouraged. And to remember that whatever has us frightened, Jesus is with us through all the storms in life. "Do not be afraid. It is I... Come!"

I am so thankful that God has called us to walk and serve together as we follow Jesus our Lord.

Assembly Notes:
Bishop's Presentations:
Assembly Photos:
Photos by Ian Graue

Synod Minister Search: Equipping Congregations
+Bishop Jon Anderson
We invite you to pray and think about who might have the gifts to serve on your synod's staff in the future. Pr. Linda Pedersen has shared she will retire as our Synod Minister: Equipping Congregations towards the end of 2018.
I invite you to join me in praying that God will guide us in our search for a new synod minister to serve on the Southwestern Minnesota Synod staff. This candidate could be a pastor, deacon or a lay person who has been deeply engaged in your synod's or another synod's life.
There is a job description posted on the synod's web site. Look it over closely and lift up names with our team at swmnelca@swmnelca.org. Put in the Subject Line - Synod Minister Search.
In previous searches, the shared-mind of many synod leaders helped us find strong team mates. It also helped us see people who we might have missed because of a closer experience with that leader's gifts. Our goal is to have all Cover Letters, Rostered Minister Profiles or Resumes in the office no later than July 10 , 2018. Resumes will be accepted via email ( swmnelca@swmnelca.org), hand delivery or the U.S. Postal service.
Prs. Kathryn Skoglund, Linda Pedersen and Synod Vice President, Gwen Arneson, will be available for discernment conversations about this position. I will be on sabbatical and available in only limited ways. Tammy Sather, who supports the work of the bishop, is also available to help with questions if you have them.
Companion Synod 
Rev. Dr. Philip J. Knutson,  Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - Global Mission  Regional Representative to Southern Africa, will be visiting sponsoring congregations in SW MN Synod this week. You are welcome to come learn more about our SW MN Synod Companion Synod relationship with the Southeastern Diocese of Southern Africa at any of these locations and times.
Here is his schedule:
  • First Lutheran in Renville -  June 16 at 5pm.
  • Calvary Lutheran in Willmar - June 17 at Sunday worship, 8 and 9:45 am.
  • First Lutheran in Litchfield -  June 20 at 6:30pm.


Help Grow Leaders in Rural Ministry
Fund for Leaders Endowment
During 2017-18, the synod's Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) provided $13,435.73 for seminary tuition scholarships; $9,200.00 is available for 2018-19. 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. Fund for Leaders Endowment which generates investment income for the scholarships. Since its inception, this endowment has awarded scholarships of $125,842.70 for seminary tuition.

Donations to the LMM Scholarship Endowment Fund are appreciated even if you are not able to participate in the Golf Tournament.

Golf Tournament
Friday, July 27, 2018 - Registration: 2:30pm, Shotgun Start: 3:00pm
Registration fee $65 per golfer includes:green gees, Golf Cart, meal, 
prizes and a donation to LMM.
Teams will be 4 or 5 members. If you do not have a full team, 
ad hoc teams will be formed at the golf tournament.
Please make checks payable to: SW MN Synod LMM and mail to:
SW MN Synod, PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN 56283.

Questions? Contact John Woodford at 507-641-5312 or johndiane@redred.com.
Synod Events
Below is a list of all the upcoming synod events. Visit the synod events webpage for more information.
JUNE
June 8-9, 2018
Redwood Falls, MN 

June 29-30, 2018
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud

JULY
Lutheran Men in Mission Golf Tournament
July 27, 2018
Redwood Falls Golf Course, Redwood Falls 

SAVE THE DATE
2018 Fall Theological Conference 
October 7-9, 2018
Alexandria, MN

Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA 
PO Box 499, Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: 507-637-3904