More Than We Can Imagine Synod School gets ready to celebrate 70th anniversary

70 years ago, the first gathering of what we know as Synod School occurred. We are excited about this milestone and have a number of special plans for this year. Thinking about what those original planners put together, we can only imagine what the next 70 years might bring.

More Than We Can Imagine

Now to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

As we look to the future of the Church, what will it look like? What innovations are already happening? What is yet to come? As we think about the lives of the young people in our lives, what will their futures be? What innovations will renew their lives and ministries? God is already doing things we cannot even imagine. What difference can that make in our lives and ministries?

Registration begins at noon on April 1.

To view the catalog click here. If you would like to receive a catalog send an email to office@lakesandprairies.org with your name and mailing address.

We look forward to a sharing a week of creativity, music, worship, rest, and ice cream with you!

The 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment, took place from 11 - 22 March under the priority theme, “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”.

News from CSW68:

Presbyterian delegation to the 68th Commission on the Status of Women convenes at New York City’s Church of the Covenant

68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People shares transformational stories with the 68th Commission on the Status of Women

Presbyterian delegate gets to question UN Secretary-General at town hall

Presbyterian delegates help lead worship for Ecumenical Women

The Rev. Dr. Mary Newbern-Williams of the Presbytery of New York City speaks to the Commission on the Status of Women at Church of the Covenant

Why investing in women’s organizations is critical during crisis: Five stories of resilience

CSW68 website

Synod Assembly Annual Meeting April 28-30

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies, made up of sixteen presbyteries, will meet in-person to worship, have a time of education, and conduct business.

The synod is the intermediate council serving as a corporate expression of the church throughout its region.

Synods are composed of commissioners elected by the presbyteries. Each presbytery elects as least one ruling elder and one minister of the Word and Sacrament to serve as commissioners to synod. G-3.0401

Commissioners watch your email in April for the Call to the Stated Meeting.

We live in volatile times

Acting Stated Clerk urges Presbyterians to get involved and be in connection with one another

Randy Hobson | Office of the General Assembly

LOUISVILLE

As this year’s presidential election kicks into high gear, voters are bracing for a brutal campaign season. Internationally, violence in Gaza and Ukraine have left thousands dead, injured, and homeless, with no end in sight.



In a conversation with Communications Director Rick Jones, the Rev. Bronwen Boswell, Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), urges Presbyterians to stay in relationship with one another, regardless of differing opinions.

Matthew 25 Being Connected

The next steps in the transformative journey of the Matthew 25 movement, Being Connected, a series of ongoing conversations dedicated to delving into the pillars of the Matthew 25 movement - building congregational vitality, eradicating systemic poverty and dismantling structural racism.

The Matthew 25 Being Connected events aim to foster a sense of connection, awareness, and action through insightful discussions, collaborative conversations, shared learnings and resources. Join us in this meaningful exploration as together we strive to create positive change, empower communities, and embody the principles of justice, compassion and love. (These events will not be available in Spanish and Korean.)

Wednesdays April 3 & 17 - 2:00 - 3:30pm CST

Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Vital Congregations 

Join ministry leaders for support, explore the 7 marks of Vital Congregations and share questions, ideas, challenges and resources. Register Here! 

Apr 4 - 10:00am - 11:30pm CST

Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Eradicating Systemic Poverty

Join ministry leaders for support and share ideas, dreams, challenges, and resources. Register Here! 

Monday, April 15 - 6:00pm CST

Imagining a future beyond systemic poverty and structural racism

Is such a future possible, probable, or just a passing, pollyannish wish of well intentioned do-gooders? If it is possible, what then? Join Rev. Jermaine Ross-Allam, Director of the Center for Repair of Historic Harms and Dr. Corey Schlosser-Hall, Deputy Executive for Vision and Innovation from the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) to sanctify our stunted imaginations toward a future God might be pulling us. A future where systemic poverty and structural racism are history. This is one of two Zoom-versations seeking to catalyze solutions-focused imagination, attitudes, planning and actions.

Wednesdays, May 1, 15 & 29 - 2:00 - 3:30pm CST

Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Vital Congregations

Join ministry leaders for support, explore the 7 marks of Vital Congregations and share questions, ideas, challenges and resources.

Restorative Actions E-news

In this issue:

• Meet our trustees for the Afro-American Trusts
• Resource Spotlight
• An invitation

Take me to the newsletter!

2024 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women

Learn more at: Gathering

Presbyterian Women

in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies builds community and affirms women’s calls to leadership and spiritual growth.

• Facebook
• 2024 Justice & Peace Book Discussion Group
• Sit & Sip
• PW in the Synod Book Study
• Web page

Shining a light on Sudanese refugee, Fatima, who is helping women achieve financial freedom

In Cairo, Egypt a group of refugee women meet regularly, pooling their money together and making financial decisions for the good of others. Out of the 29 women Fatima is by far the oldest at the age of 110. Read the article by Victoria Pressler at The Good News Hub.