Synod News - April 18, 2024

Synod Assembly Theme Series – Reflection #4

+Bishop Dee Pederson

In. 

People use this little word many different ways each day. “In” can mean that: 

• something is popular. “Orange is the in color right now.” 
• someone is in a position of influence with others. “She’s got an in with another member of the club.”  
• something is moving. “He is going into town.”  
• someone is present somewhere. “There were many people in the meeting.”  
• something is within, or enclosed or surrounded by something. “She is in the house.”  

This week I am reflecting on that little word “in” which is part of the focus verse for the 2024 Synod Assembly, “One body in Christ,” from Romans 12:5 – “So we, though many are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”  

St. Paul sometimes used the same word(s) that had different interpretations in different letters, depending on the Christian community to whom he was writing. It is important to bear that in mind. Paul was always writing to a specific Christian community in a specific place, with its own unique context, its own gifts, and yes, its own issues and challenges. His messages to the Christians in Corinth sound different than the message he sent to the people in Philippi. And indeed, those early churches were as different from each other as we are in our congregations and communities are different from each other here in the SW MN Synod. Click here to read more.

2024 Synod Assembly Theme Series - Reflection #1

2024 Synod Assembly Theme Series - Reflection #2

2024 Synod Assembly Theme Series - Reflection #3

Please feel free to share, print and use Bishop Dee’s reflections however it fits best in your congregation’s communications. Congregations can also use this for a devotion for any group, committee or council gathering.

Recorded Zoom Gatherings

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church invited the SW MN Synod to a one hour listening session. Leaders from the commission offered a presentation on the Commission’s charge and current work followed by questions and open listening.

• Session for Rostered Ministers (4/9/2024)
• Session for Lay Leaders (4/9/2024)

More information about the commission can be found here: www.elca.org/CRLC

Generosity: Honest realities and exciting possibilities

The onset of the pandemic led to a surge in generosity in the United States. That surge has now abated a bit. When coupled with inflation, many congregations feel the pinch. It can be easy to assume that these declines in giving will define the future.

Yet congregations have significant advantages over other non-profit organizations when it comes to inviting financial gifts. Some basic best practices for inviting gifts can lead to significant changes in a congregation’s culture of generosity, impacting the bottom line. Many congregations did grow in giving in the past couple of years.

Pete Reuss (ELCA pastor, Certified Fund Raising Executive, and Partner at GSB Fundraising) shares the wider giving trends that impact congregations and provides foundational practices that inspire donors to grow their support for God’s work through your congregation in this 20 minute video.

Save the Date

2024 Fall Theological Conference

October 6-8, 2024

Location: GrandStay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow, Spicer, MN

The 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.

Important Synod Assembly Dates:

• Compensation Guidelines Zoom Hearing: May 13 at 7pm
• Resolutions Zoom Hearing: May 14 at 7pm
• Budget Zoom Hearing: May 20 at 7pm
• Orientation Zoom Hearing: May 21 at 7pm
• Registration closes: May 23
• Display deadline: May 23 or when full

Upcoming Synod Events:

• April 23, 2024 - Ethics and Boundaries for Ministers Training
• June 7-8, 2024 - Synod Assembly
• August 6-8, 2024 - Women in Ministry Gathering
• October 6-8, 2024 - Fall Theological Conference