synod school Archives

Growing our comfort zone

Posted October 16th, 2019

Civility is easy when we’re in our comfort zone, but civility becomes more challenging as we move away from that easy place. But that’s what we need to do — and there’s a way to do it. That was part of the message Dr. Deirdre “Dede” Johnston brought to this year’s Synod School when she addressed civility in a time of incivility as the midsummer ministry’s convocation speaker.

The Bible for people with short attention spans

Posted August 6th, 2019

The Rev. Tom Willadsen of Oshkosh, Wis., has become a fixture at the Synod of Lakes and Prairies’ Synod School. The Synod School connection, when one thinks about it, is likely caramel rolls. Willadsen, hands tucked snugly into plastic gloves, personally distributes the sweet treats to breakfast diners on those days the caramel rolls are available in the cafeteria. But he’s also known for his classes, and the classes are known for humor.

Growing our comfort zone

Posted August 1st, 2019

Civility is easy when we’re in our comfort zone, but civility becomes more challenging as we move away from that easy place. But that’s what we need to do — and there’s a way to do it.

The starter car was already going around the track

Posted July 23rd, 2019

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies is home to 16 presbyteries and nearly 800 churches, all of them in the upper Midwest. One of its presbyteries, Dakota Presbytery, is considered non-geographical but is the oldest presbytery west of the Mississippi River.

Lakes and Prairies Synod School draws more than 600

Posted August 7th, 2018

Marking its 65th year, this year’s iteration of Synod School, the midsummer ministry of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, drew more than 600 for a week of worship, classes, fun and fellowship on the campus of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

The Academy: Training ruling elders

Posted January 5th, 2018

What is a small, isolated Presbyterian church to do if it can’t afford to hire an ordained pastor? As that dilemma becomes more common, several Midwestern presbyteries and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies are collaborating on coursework to train elders for greater responsibilities.

Synod School sets participation record

Posted August 4th, 2017

Synod School — the well-known midsummer ministry of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies — drew a record 686 participants to the Buena Vista University campus here this week.

Nelson calls Presbyterians to action

Posted August 3rd, 2017

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II is calling the church to do what is just — to do what is right. Nelson, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), spoke each morning during the annual Synod School of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, telling Presbyterians to “get off your blessed assurances and do something for the Lord.”

Synod School has record enrollment this summer

Posted July 10th, 2017

Nearly 700 people of all ages descended upon a small town in Iowa July 23–28 to sing, study, worship and play. Synod School, offered by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, is thriving — and unusual, since it is the only such Presbyterian program left in the country.

Synod School heads toward a record enrollment this summer

Posted June 6th, 2017

Nearly 700 people of all ages will descend upon a small town in Iowa July 23-28 to sing, study, worship, and play. Synod School, offered by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, is thriving — and unusual, since it is the only such Presbyterian program left in the country.