Northwestern Minnesota Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This is the web site of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This site is designed to provide resources for the congregational staff, leadership, and members of the ELCA congregations in this Synod. Along with information about our synod, you'll find a wide range of resources designed to assist you as a member/leader in your work to Make Christ Known for the Sake of the World.

Ed. Note: In an enquiry regarding the needs of congregations affected by weather-related disasters, I received this note from Rev. Kevin Massey of LDR:

“I've just completed a second visit through the flood affected areas of Wisconsin and Iowa, and am receiving reports from Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. There are, of course, significant needs, and we invite all to consider giving to support the long term recovery needs of these communities. Please direct anyone interested in giving to support these efforts to visit http://www.elca.org/disaster

Fair Hills Dates
Keep Sept 14-17 open on your calendar for this year’s synod retreat at Fair Hills. More information to follow.

The IRS has raised the mileage rate to .585 per mile effective July 1, 2008. This is for miles driven after July 1 and not for miles driven prior to July 1, 2008.

The Lutheran Earthkeeping Network of the Synods (LENS) invites teams interested in "greening" their congregations to participate in the Creation Care Training Workshop on July 23 from 4:30 – 9 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead. Attendees will be sent home with the information necessary to jump-start the greening process in their home congregations. To register for this engaging workshop visit www.lcppm.org or call 651-224-5499 for more information.

Please promote this event in your congregation, shout it from mountaintops and share it with anyone who is concerned about our earth. Posters, flyers, bulletin inserts, and newsletter articles are available online here. Bringing a team will make follow-up work much easier; bringing your town will create a network for the future.

One God, One Call

Mark October 20-22, 2008, on your calendar for “One God One Call” at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot Hotel. Here you’ll learn and celebrate how people with disabilities can participate fully in the life of the church. This Spiritual Life Conference is sponsored by the Disability Network of Lutheran Services in America. Click here for complete information.

Take the "Embody Health" Assessment.

If you haven't done so yet, please take the ELCA Board of Pensions health risk assessment, and then the congregations and institutions of our synod will start saving THOUSANDS of dollars (collectively) when they ALL qualify for the promised 2 percent reduction in contributions toward the Board of Pensions health plan. If you (and your spouse, if married) haven't taken the assessment, it takes only about 20 minutes and you each get a $100 credit with the Board of Pensions just for doing that. Please spread the word. You can access the assessment at: https://www20.mayoclinicembodyhealth.com/index.cfm?redirect=1

Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Camps Launch New Summer Choral Camps

A new pilot junior high choral camp program will be offered at three Lutheran camps this summer:

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries in Spicer, Minn. – July 27-August 2

Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, Minn. – August 3-8

Luther Park Bible Camp in Danbury, Wis. – August 12-17

For complete information, CLICK HERE

Congregational Council Training Resource

The slide presentation of recent Congregational Council Training Events is now available.

Click here to open a PDF of "Things That Make For Effective Church Councils"

Daily Discipleship is an online lectionary Bible study available on the ELCA website. Each session is available to be downloaded and copied for participants. This Bible study is designed for small or large groups as well as for personal devotions. Check it out at