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WELCOME TO THE WESTERN IOWA SYNOD

Situated on lush farmland, nestled within and east of the rolling Loess Hills and the storied Missouri River, the Western Iowa Synod is one of 3 ELCA Synods in Iowa and one of 65 ELCA Synods in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

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Living Our Baptism: Called to Love God and Love Our Neighbors

We believe that in our baptism, we have been claimed, named, forgiven, and promised new life. We believe that we are called to live in the “covenant God made with us in holy baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth” (ELW p. 236)  

Through the ELCA Social Statements we teach that all residents of the United States have a responsibility to make government function well. This responsibility is lived out as a calling from God, expressed in the discipleship described in our baptismal promises. It is based on our understanding of how God governs human society.”[1]  

And while to many it may seem political, we are indeed called to pay attention, to pray, to be engaged, to vote, and to keep our eyes on the Good News of Jesus which prompts “Lutherans to ask one simple but all-encompassing question: is the neighbor being served?”[2]  

Is the neighbor being served?  My heart aches as I ask this question and struggle to make sense of the bills introduced during this current legislative session that put LBGTQ adults and children at risk.  These proposed bills focus on gender identity related to children, their parents/guardians, educators, and healthcare providers preventing accommodation, privacy, education, or healthcare.  

The ELCA is a church that firmly believes that every human being, regardless of gender identity, should have access to education, privacy, accommodations, and healthcare.

We believe that God calls us to love all people.

We believe that LGBTQ people are beloved children of God.

"The ELCA is a church that belongs to Christ and Christ’s church universal, where there is a place for everyone. The call of Christ’s people today is to celebrate the diversity of God’s creative work and embrace all people in the spirit of love, regardless of race or ethnicity, economic status or gender.” in the same document, “…it is important to remember the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) rejects all forms of hatred or discrimination. This includes employment discrimination against the transgender community, as stated in “Gender Identity Discrimination,” a policy resolution that was adopted by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.”  

Let us ask – is the neighbor being served?

Let us live with courage and love -

Let us together pray –

Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the marginalized, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people.  By the power of your holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen  (adapted from ACS,p. 47)  

 

The Rev. Lorna H. Halaas

Bishop, Western Iowa Synod, ELCA

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 ELCA. “Government and Civic Engagement Social Message.” 2017. https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Government_and_Civic_Engagement_Social_Message.pdf?_ga=2.186583918.654093864.1677259457-1290446844.1667410172  

[2] Ibid. 

Welcome Living Faith Lutheran in Le Mars

RACIAL JUSTICE VISION TRIP

FEBRUARY 8 - 15, 2023

“Stories. Stories tell us who we are, and stories tell us whose we are. My story begins here in the waters of baptism-where I was on a Sunday morning, marked with the cross of Christ, sealed with the Holy Spirit, where I was named beloved, child of God.”  

Click to hear the rest of Bishop Lorna’s message and her invitation to you.

Please keep the 27 travelers in your prayers.

 

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SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2023 DATE CHANGE

The 2023 Synod Assembly has been changed to April 21 & 22

Check out the 2023 Assembly webpage for resources and updates.

Online Registration open beginning January 27, 2023.

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Synod Assembly 2022 Service Projects

See what we accomplished together!!!

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2022 Assembly Highlights

2022 Synod Assembly - April 20 - 23, at the Sioux City Convention Center

Wednesday evening pre-assembly event: Bible study by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Thursday evening pre-assembly event: Diversity and stigma training by Rosecrance Jackson Center 

Friday evening:

  • Opening worship was assisted by first-call pastors, Pr Andy Nelson, and music was led by Deacon John Weit, Assistant to the Bishop, Executive for Worship, ELCA Churchwide
  • The Credentials and Elections Committee reported registrations of 191 voters and 31 visitors; total of 222 attendees
  • Passed resolutions*:
    o #3 WIS Constitution: Nominating Committee
    o #4 Cooperation with neighboring synods 

Saturday morning:

  • Passed resolutions*:
    o #2 Adopt the 2022 Revised Budget and 2023 Proposed Budget
    o #1 2023 Compensation and Care Guidelines
    o #7 WIS Constitution - Congregational Representation at Synod Assembly
    o #5 Updating the WIS Constitution and Bylaws
  • Received greetings from:
    o Deacon John Weit, ELCA Churchwide representative, who detailed the many local, national and worldwide projects that are funded by our Mission Support giving
    o Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton by video
  • Recognition of 11 Western Iowa candidates for candidacy and 6 ordinations
  • Recognition of 26 ordination anniversaries and 6 congregation anniversaries
  • Bishop Lorna Halaas presented the bishop’s report
  • Received offerings of $7,979 supporting “Feeding the Hungry in Western Iowa Synod”and “LSI-Refugee and Immigrant Services”. Thank you!
  • Elected 19 persons to synod committee positions*. Thanks to those willing to serve! 

Saturday afternoon:

  • Went out to serve! Dressed in our blue “God’s Work. Our Hands.” tee-shirts (thanks, Harlan Asmus!) we divided into 15 service groups who did a variety of activities for nonprofits in Sioux City.
  • Final closing activities:
    o Announced the 2023 Synod Assembly to be held April 14-15, 2023 in a location TBD
    o Finished with a closing litany and prayers

* Resolutions and other reports are available on the synod website www.wisynod.org

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THE WESTERN IOWA SYNOD OFFICE HAS MOVED TO ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH IN STORM LAKE.

This is a new opportunity to build new relationships with Lutheran Services in Iowa, the Storm Lake community, and to model partnerships between congregations and synod.

It is exciting to look forward to this new chapter of ministry in the synod.  

The new mailing address is:

1614 W. 5th Street

Suite 2

Storm Lake, IA  50588

Phone number remains the same: 712-732-4968

Living Our Baptism 2022

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News

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