synod of lakes and prairies Archives

PC(USA) leaders continue their work dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery

Posted November 21st, 2022

In response to a referral from the 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) for the Presbyterian Mission Agency to develop theological resources for how the church has benefited at the expense of Native American peoples, a consultation was held with Native American leaders at Stony Point Center in New York Sept. 13-15.

‘These are trying times, but we come from people who have survived trying times’

Posted June 16th, 2022

Two days before commissioners to the 225th General Assembly will elect their successors, the Co-Moderators of the 224th General Assembly, the Rev. Gregory Bentley and Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart, took to the Being Matthew 25 airwaves to discuss, among other topics, what they’re praying for during the lead-up to the Assembly, which begins Saturday.

PMA Director of Special Offerings Bryce Wiebe announces his resignation

Posted January 21st, 2022

Bryce Wiebe, director of Special Offerings and the Presbyterian Giving Catalog for the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) since March 1, 2015, has announced his resignation, which will take effect today, Jan. 21.

Maintaining an outward focus

Posted August 26th, 2021

As the Vital Conversations series moved toward one of the most important marks of Vital Congregations — keeping the focus outward rather than inward — organizers landed four speakers for Wednesday’s session uniquely qualified to offer up their experiences and share their views.

We’re so quick to judge

Posted July 30th, 2021

For Friday’s final convocation during this week’s Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School being held at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, the Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield selected the biblical account of the woman pouring an alabaster jar of ointment on the feet of Jesus, which she washed with her tears and dried with her hair.

Speaking the truth in love

Posted July 30th, 2021

One good way to live out its embodiment is for the church to speak the truth in love.

A plaintive cry: Won’t you be my neighbor?

Posted July 29th, 2021

“Only as an adult,” the Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield told the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School Thursday, displaying a picture of a familiar Presbyterian pastor and children’s television pioneer dressed in a red zip-up sweater, “did I realize how much my theology was shaped by Mister Rogers.”

Playground behavior

Posted July 29th, 2021

If you think churches are divided today, reread Ephesians 2:11-22.

Is God calling us to be prophetic in our particular places?

Posted July 28th, 2021

During her convocation address Wednesday at the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School entitled “Called Out to be a Prophet,” the Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield listed some qualities of biblical prophets:

What the church is called out to do

Posted July 28th, 2021

LOUISVILLE — “Why?” The favorite and persistent question of children everywhere may exasperate parents, grandparents and caregivers, but it’s an important question, the Rev. Samuel Son told the 450 participants during worship Tuesday at the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School.