New website in the works!

We are in the process of renovating our website. Look for an all new nwmnsnod.org later this year. If you have suggestions for improving our website, drop an email to Marsha.

From Slavery to Freedom
2012 Bishop's Series: "Where Are You Leading Us, Lord?"

"A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous...." Deuteronomy 26:5

The word "Exodus" means "the way out." Although we rightly associate the Book of Exodus with the compelling figure of Moses (its primary human actor) and the astounding escape from Egypt (the ten plagues and the wondrous crossing of the Red Sea), the book is primarily about God's continuing journey with his people. "Where are you leading us, Lord?" wasn't just the question of Abraham and Sarah; it continued to animate the conversation God's people had with their traveling Lord and Leader.

This part of the journey starts with God's remembering of his people. The journey we're on with God includes times of trial and tribulation—harsh treatment and affliction. God does not shield us from hard labor or oppression. But also, God does not forget us when we are down. [...]

Download the article to continue reading [pdf]
Read more from "Where Are You Leading Us, Lord?" Series...

Annual Reports

As congregations prepare for their annual meetings, the synod has prepared resources to enhance those meetings.

• Annual Meeting Tip Sheet [pdf] *updated*
• Questions About Parliamentary Procedure
• Statement of Intent: [PDF] | [DOCX]
• Rostered Leader Reports...
• 2011 Annual Report [PDFf]

Synod Pastor to Receive Honorary Degree

The Rev. Dr. James Bergquist, a retired pastor of the NW MN Synod, will be given an honorary doctorate by the Senate of Serampore University in India at its annual convocation next month. Bergquist will also deliver the commencement address during the convocation, at which about 1500 seminary graduates will receive their degrees.

Serampore University is the oldest university in India, founded in the late 1700s. The Senate of Serampore governs the curriculum and degrees for more than 100 seminaries of all Christian denominations in India.

Dr. Bergquist is being recognized for 45 years of involvement as an ELCA missionary and leader in Indian theological education, along with several books and articles he has published regarding the church and theological education in India.

Take the Health Assessment

Got ELCA (Portico Benefit Services) health coverage?

Take the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between now and April 30. You'll earn $150 a wellness account credit and help all the employers in our synod save 2% on health contributions for all of 2012.

Take health assessment today...

Synod to Visit India November 2012

In a November 3 letter to Moderator Bishop Suneel Bhanu Busi of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church (AELC) of southern India, Bishop Larry Wohlrabe proposed a pilgrimage to India by Northwestern Minnesota Synod folks in November of 2012. "We are strongly committed to bringing a group of ten or more persons from our synod to the AELC next November," wrote Wohlrabe. "We believe that a November 2012 trip (coinciding with the AELC's annual Pastors Day observance on Martin Luther's birthday) will give us enough time to lay the groundwork for a rewarding exchange with our companion synod friends." You are invited to think and pray about the November 2012 pilgrimage. [...]

Continue reading [pdf]

Synod, ELCA Partners, Benefit from GiveMN.Org

During the third annual Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16, more than $13.4 million was raised to benefit Minnesota nonprofit organizations. The NWMN Synod was one of the nonprofit organizations that participated. Sixty donors gave just under $7,000 toward the synod's Forward Together annual appeal. Thanks to all who participated! [...]

Continue reading [pdf]

2011 Synod Appeal...

Minot Flood Update

Field reports from Minot, worship resources, and how you can help. Continue reading...

More 2011 Flood News...

ELCA Draft Social Statement on Genetics News

Bishop Hanson Interviewed on Genetics Statement

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson was recently interviewed by Orion Samuelson, the dean of radio farm broadcasters in America, regarding the proposed draft ELCA social statement on genetics. Hanson stresses the statement's strong support for the vocation of farming in this great video clip...

More Genetics News...

Job Postings

Chaplain Position Available at Lake Region Healthcare
Fergus Falls, MN

Positions Available at Minnesota Council of Churches
Minneapolis, MN

Director of Youth & Family Ministries
First Evangelical Lutheran Church - Beaver Dam, WI

Visit the Job Opportunity page for additional and more information on available job postings. If you have an opening you'd like posted, please contact the synod office.

For Sale

Visit the Church Resources page for information and other listings.