The Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies covers a wide area of the upper Midwest that reaches from the eastern border of Wisconsin, south through Iowa and Nebraska, north through Minnesota and west through the Dakotas. Within the synod’s boundaries are 16 presbyteries, nearly 900 churches and about 150,000 members engaged in worship and mission. The presbyteries and their churches reflect diversity in ethnicity, size and membership. Additionally, five Presbyterian camps, seven affiliated colleges, a Presbyterian seminary, seven Presbyterian Homes and a family services organization support the church’s mission across all ages, ethnicities and life stages. For a quick look at the mission of the synod, click here.

Moderator, stated clerk issue letter following GA

Cynthia Bolbach, moderator of the 219th General Assembly, and Gradye Parson, stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), have issued a letter to all congregations with information from the Assembly that wrapped up in Minneapolis July 10. Within the letter are links to documents that provide  “answers to frequently asked questions about the items that have already garnered media attention.” The letter noted, “We commend these resources to you for their accurate and straightforward information.” The letter can be found at “Pastoral Letter.”

PC(USA) retirees plan to meet in Twin Cities
The Association of Retired Ministers, their Spouses or Survivors will conduct its 14th annual convention Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 9-12, at the Ramada Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., with worship, workshops and excursions. There will also be time for connecting and reconnecting with friends. The registration fee before Aug. 17 is $125 plus a $20 membership fee for those who are not members. After Aug. 17, the registration fee is $175. The ARMSS newsletter includes the registration form (on page 9). Additional information is available from Ginny Nyhuis at gnyhuis@verizon.net or Ellen Davis at edavis11@neb.rr.com.

Synod’s Facebook group membership goes past 180             
The Synod of Lakes and Prairies is a group on Facebook and membership has surpassed 180. If you have an interest in the synod, you’re welcome to join the group. If you aren’t a member of Facebook, you will have to join first.

What does the synod do? The synod’s narrative budget
To help sessions and presbyteries get a better grasp of the ministry and mission of the synod, the synod’s narrative budget – in the form of a letter – can be found here.