Southeastern Minnesota Synod Global Ministry
Karibu sana. ¡Bienvenido! Niene ke mal. Akeu. Shikenu mwani. Welcome!
‘Global ministry' in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, is rooted in accompaniment and embodied in relationships we share with people in both local and international communities throughout Christ’s global church. As we encounter the Spirit of God dwelling within our global partnerships, we are empowered to embrace joy and hope – even during challenging times. What a beautiful expression of the Kingdom of God!
Each of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is in relationship with at least one Lutheran body throughout the world. The people of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod live into accompaniment relationships with three global companions: the Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO), the Central Diocese of Tanzania (ELCT-CD) and the new church in South Sudan. Throughout the years, each of our global relationships has deepened through visits, shared worship and prayer, and the mutual bringing of gifts to the table: by providing funds to educate girls, train pastors, feed the hungry, and provide health care to the most vulnerable and through experiencing cultural traditions around worship and evangelism, hospitality, or simply being ‘God in the streets’ among the marginalized.
Global ministry is also vibrant in our local communities: The ministry of AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrants through Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities) is a response to Jesus’ call of ‘Welcome the stranger’ (Matthew 25:35). The synod’s Hunger Ministry partners with congregations in their mission to alleviate hunger in local communities. And, for almost two decades, synod congregations and individuals have embraced and walked alongside people who came as refugees from South Sudan – now our neighbors and friends!
We welcome you to explore the global ministries of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod by navigating the links below. Check back periodically to discover new postings and resources. Contact Kathy at chatelaine@semnsynod.org to discover ways to partner in this transformative ministry.
Local Ministry:
Global ministry within local communities.
Featured Ways to Engage:
In addition to what you find above, here are even more ways to engage in global ministry.
Synod Leadership
- Chair: Rev. Mike Walerius
- Rev. Nick Fisher-Broin
- Dynette Niebuhr
- Rev. Mark Johnson
- Rev. Yang Tut
- Joanne Heathman
- Rev. Deborah Lyanga
- Rev. John Weisenburger
- Rev. Christopher (Chris) Meester
- Rev. Ally Bowman
- Ann Peterson
- Dr. Susan Jenkins
- Chair: Joanne Heathman
- Mary Bliesmer
- Georgia Holmes
- Julie Neumann
- Kim Dickey
- Scott Lien
- Rev. Deborah Lyanga
- Chair: Ron Knutson
- Rev. Clark Cary
- Marty Branum
- Larry Iverson
- Tammy Walhof
- Barbara Girtz
- Rev. Matt Griggs
- Rev. Mike Walerius
- Sheri French
- Dottie Hammer
- Rev. Lynne Rigg
- Doug Spiotta
Financial Giving
Ways to donate to any of these ministries:
Office of the Bishop Contact Person:
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Southeastern Minnesota Synod Office