⛺️ BIG NEWS: Welcome Rev. Mary Runyon!

We are overjoyed to announce that Rev. Mary Runyon is joining the Sugar Creek team as our new Program Director! 🌟

Mary officially starts on December 15, bringing a wealth of experience as a pastor, coach, and outdoor ministry leader. With an M.Div, an MBA, and a heart for the Driftless region, she is ready to lead our 20+ year-round programs with creativity and deep pastoral care.

“My hope is that every person who comes across the bridge into the valley feels seen, valued, and invited to discover the ways God is already moving in their story.” — Rev. Mary Runyon

Discover how two congregations cultivated a life-giving relationship, turning a forgotten supply of vintage communion cups into a powerful act of creation care and collaboration across the Synod.

A handful of churches in the synod are experiencing amazing transformation through shared prayer.

Pastors and SAMs from the La Crosse Area Synod gathered in Eau Claire for the Fall Theological Conference, exploring Fresh Expressions—a movement inspiring new ways of being church in everyday life. Through worship, conversation, and connection, they reflected on how listening, relationship-building, and discipleship can help the gospel come alive in their communities.

This October we celebrate our Pastors, Deacons, and SAMs who share God’s love in so many ways. Thank you for helping us live out our mission of “Cultivating Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love.”

It is with deep gratitude and great joy that we write to share the news that the Board of Directors has affirmed the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan as the next President of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Generations have celebrated life’s sacred moments here—baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and farewells—within the walls of the "Little Church with the Big Heart."

The beauty of this ministry lies in how each hosting congregation contributes its unique gifts, skills, and resources each year. When combined, these offerings create a life-giving outreach ministry that benefits the children, the community, and the involved volunteers.

A year in review with Pastor Dione Stepanek and her work as the Director for Evangelical Mission.

A message from Bishop Felix J. Malpica

Over the past two summers, our LEAD program (Leaders Engaged as Disciples) has been empowering high school students to become confident, faith-filled leaders! This 4-week adventure offers hands-on experience in camp roles, from assisting with day camps to shadowing counselors.

Our trip focused on accompaniment—listening, observing, and participating in activities with our hosts in Peru to understand their lives, culture, and ministries. They welcomed us into their congregations and the Children’s Festival. Our experience was enriched by gathering with a Texas group, led by Bishop Felix J. Malpica from the La Crosse Area Synod and Bishop Mike Rinehart from Texas. Their leadership fostered collaboration, allowing us to share ideas, stories, and support, transforming us from two distinct groups into a united and interactive one.

The life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Robert Young, a pastor of the La Crosse Area Synod

What to Do If You Feel Led to Be a Leader in Ministry?

Connecting with the La Crosse Area Synod Candidacy Committee is a great next step. This is a team of appointed people throughout the synod to accompany people exploring their calling to further education and leaders in the church.

This trip was in part, a celebration of our 20 years of companionship with the IL-P. To say that this trip was incredible is an understatement.

The La Crosse Area Synod (ELCA) has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Engaging Children Initiative.

Walking may be the most natural and accessible activity to improve and maintain health and well-being. You can’t beat walking for convenience, and you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy its benefits.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s...for many of us these are joyous times spent with family and friends. But for some in our community, the holidays bring uncertainty.

The process of the group collaborating with each other to put the finishing touches on the songs they wrote was nothing short of impressive.

Ministry Ripple Affect following ConFest