LOUISVILLE — Two South Dakota churches yoked for the past century are set to celebrate their hundred years of ministry on Sunday with worship, food, fun and festivities.

The Rev. Duane M. Mullen, who serves Bemis-Holland Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Castlewood, about 20 minutes south of Watertown in the eastern part of the state, said as far as congregational researchers can tell, the parishes have been yoked continuously longer than any other yoked houses of worship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

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Synod School has begun

This year marks the 69th Synod School of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. The week long event began on Sunday evening with participants from all over the U.S. and Canada to be a part of this unique community that welcomes all.

...All Jesus did that day was tell stories -- a long storytelling afternoon. His story telling fulfilled the prophecy: I will open my mouth and tell stories; I will bring out into the open things hidden since the world's first day. Matthew 13:34-35 MSG

The theme for Synod School 2023 is "Our Family Story." As living and breathing entities of Christ, we are each natural storytellers--whether we believe so or not. Each experience we carry is sewn into the tapestry that our ancestors created, and these experiences carry us forward toward relationship and connection with others. Stories from the Bible connect us as children of God. During the week participants will learn about the differences between historical, literary, and theological "chairs" and why, to fully understand stories from the Bible time must be spent in all three chairs to better know the rich characters and lessons we have been given. In a time when biblical stories are picked apart to suit a particular message; participants will gather and study familiar stories in new ways in hopes of gaining a new closeness with God, and each other.

Visit our Facebook group to find out what is happening throughout the week. Consider attending the 70th anniversary next year.

A very special thank you to our sponsors the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation and New Covenant Trust.

New opportunities: Oklahoma & Wisconsin

We are excited to expand Pastoral Leadership Revitalization (PLR) into Oklahoma and Wisconsin! Through a partnership with the presbyteries in both states, OPSF is pleased to come alongside Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Commissioned Ruling Elders, who are serving in parish settings. We know that ministry stirs incredible joy and ongoing challenges, and that pastoral leaders have a lot to teach and learn from one another. 

To learn more, contact OPSFs Director of Programs, Rev. Tricia Dillon Thomas at programs@opsf-omaha.org

Stewardship Kaleidoscope scholarships

The Transforming Communities/Vital Leaders committee of the Synod is offering registration scholarships to individuals and groups from churches and presbyteries within the Synod to attend Stewardship Kaleidoscope, September 25-27, in Minneapolis. Click on Stewardship Kaleidoscope for more information on the event. To apply for a scholarship click on the button below.

These scholarships are part of our effort to support church leaders in their work as well as congregational vitality through availability of excellent events in our geographic region.

Racial Ethnic Student Scholarships

The Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship Fund is an educational assistance program designed to encourage racial ethnic students in their preparation for academic success in higher education. Applications are due September 30, 2023.

Art of Transitional Ministry

Week 1 training offered virtually by the Synod, October 23-27, 2023.

Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing

community, leading a congregation through change i challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge,

skill, resilience, and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive. More information.

Schedule: We will meet each day from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. Central Time. A detailed schedule will be available for participants by October 1. Preparation information will be in the confirmation email.

Grants and Scholarships

Throughout the year, the Presbyterian Mission Agency offers more than 20 grants and scholarships raging from $100 to $50,000, awarded to individuals, communities, and mid councils.

I want to learn more.

Synod Office Summer Schedule

The Synod will be closed on Labor Day, September 4.

The office is also closed on Fridays from June 2 - September 1.

Chief Executive Officer Search - Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul; position profile

PC(USA) positions

Presbyterian Foundation - Work for the Foundation

Summer reCONNECTion Tour

The Ministry Lab invites all leaders and members of Minnesota UCC, UMC, and PC(USA) congregations and all community members of United Theological Seminary ('cuz you're already members) - and their neighbors and colleagues ('cuz the more the merrier!) - to gather for a time of inspiration, collaboration, contemplation, and lunch (it's free!!).

We're visiting the Mankato, and Duluth Areas in July, and August (respectively). Come discover how we strive to support your ministries and inform future offerings by sharing your Great Ideas and challenges.

All gatherings run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Learn more here.

Find the complete daily schedule and register by clicking on your nearby locale:

Mankato - Friday, July 14

Duluth - TBD