Purpose Statement ​of the
​Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The purpose of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is to nurture a
Christ-centered climate conducive to healthy,
​mission-focused congregations and their ministries
​throughout the world! ​
Rev. Amy J. Odgren Installed as
​Northeastern Minnesota Synod Bishop
​October 17, 2020 Walker, Minnesota — The Rev. Amy Odgren was installed as bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at a service on Saturday held at Hope Lutheran Church, Walker. She is the fourth bishop of the synod and succeeds Bishop Thomas Aitken who is retiring after serving two six-year terms. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton presided and preached. Other participants included The Rev. Matt McWaters, pastor of Hope Lutheran, ELCA Bishops Thomas Aitken, Regina Hassanally, and Laurie Skow-Anderson, and the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota.
 
Bishop Odgren previously served as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Evangelical Mission for the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. Ordained in 2001, she is a graduate of Warburg Theological Seminary, one of seven ELCA seminaries, and she completed a B.A. in education and psychology at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota. Bishop Odgren also served as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Evangelical Mission for the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, and as pastor of Spirit Lutheran and First Lutheran, Eau Claire, and Bridge of Life Lutheran, Holmen, all in Wisconsin.
 
Concerning her role as bishop, Bishop Odgren said “I see our principal challenge as engaging this culture as evangelists who share the gospel of Jesus in ways that will make a difference in the world. I think a bishop needs to listen extensively, pray often, and be bold to move the vision of the kingdom forward. And through this all, I trust in God’s resurrecting grace that keeps working and setting us free to love and serve.”
 
The Northeastern Minnesota Synod is one of six ELCA synods in Minnesota and 65 nationwide. Comprised of 130 ELCA congregations with about 55,000 members, it is one of the largest ELCA synods geographically, stretching from Princeton in the south to International Falls in the north, Brainerd in the west to Hovland in the northeast. Bishops are elected to six-year terms and may serve two terms.

Quick Links!


​Boy Scouts of America News
As you may be aware, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, primarily due to the flood of sexual abuse lawsuits. There are many questions about what this may mean for congregations that are (or were) chartering organizations for Boy Scout troops. In particular, congregations that chartered Boy Scout troops should consider whether to file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy to protect their interests.
 
The ELCA has prepared a resource on the BSA Bankruptcy which is now available on our resource page under the sexual misconduct tab, here: https://www.elca.org/Resources/Legal#Sexual.

The direct link is here: https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Boy_Scouts_of_America_FAQ.pdf?_ga=2.71922643.1513803537.1603828116-1368800251.1598455994

Contact Us

Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
1105 E. Superior St., Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802
Office Hours:
M-F: 8:30am-4:30 pm
Telephone: 218.724.4424
Email: info@nemnsynod.org
Fax: 218.724.4393
ELCA Vision
Claimed by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we are a new creation through God’s living word by the power of the Holy Spirit;
Gathered by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will live among God’s faithful people, hear God’s word and share Christ’s supper;
Sent by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the world.

ELCA Mission
Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world. This is the mission statement of the ELCA. As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. 
 

ELCA Advocacy
Website: ELCA.org/advocacy
Email: washingtonoffice@elca.org
Social Media:   /ELCAAdvocacy


ELCA Racial Justice Ministries
Website: www.ELCA.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/Racial-Justice-Ministries


ELCA Young Adult Ministry
Website: www.ELCA.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Young-Adult-Ministry
Social Media:   /ELCAYoungAdults
 

How one Lutheran congregation moved out of “building mentality”
https://youtu.be/trgt28JGPes
New Life Lutheran Church, Texas