Welcome to the Synod of the Heartland

number 1 Southwest Minnesota Churches Buried in Snowstorm

A mid-Spring snowstorm causes lots of damage and power outages across Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota. The communities of Steen, Worthington, Luverne, Chandler, Slayton, Edgerton and Woodstock are among those hit the hardest.

number 2 Pastor Irwin Van Leeuwen from American Reformed in Worthington sent this email and photos.

"I will send this while we have some power as they are floating the blackouts so everyone can stay warm. We are living in a disaster area. So many trees down and some structure damage but that has been minimal. The police called me yesterday morning that they had to shut off our natural gas as there was a regulator by the church frozen and gas was spewing out.

number 3 The church was full of the gas smell but everything is ok now. I will attach a few pictures of downed trees , our gutter on the parsonage and now snow taking more trees down. We are all safe and we are thankful for minimal structure damage around town. Homes in the country have been without power now for 2 ½ days so that is a concern. We are just thanking god for keeping people safe. Pray from police, emergency crews and fire fighters who need to be out in this area. More snow and wind is on the way."

Keep these communities and churches in your prayers as they continue to recover from the storm.

Hope Reformed Church works through hope challenges with interim pastor

Rev. Dave Poppen accepted the opportunity to serve as an interim pastor in George, Iowa. He's not the first Poppen to be a pastor here. His grandfather, Rev. Otto G. Poppen served Hope Reformed in the 1918-1927 era. Dave's father, the late Rev. George Poppen was born in George during this time.

Dave spoke in a special video interview about being an interim pastor and what impact that can have on a church that may be experiencing some difficulties. As an interim he has the opportunity to help facilitate change that can lead to enhanced ministry and growth.

Click here link to watch the 5 minute video

	Southwest Minnesota Churches Buried in Snowstorm A mid-Spring snowstorm causes lots of damage and power outages across Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota. The communities of Steen, Worthington, Luverne, Chandler, Slayton, Edgerton and Woodstock are among those hit the hardest. Pastor Irwin Van Leeuwen from American Reformed in Worthington sent this email and photos. "I will send this while we have some power as they are floating the blackouts so everyone can stay warm. We are living in a disaster area. So many trees down and some structure damage but that has been minimal. The police called me yesterday morning that they had to shut off our natural gas as there was a regulator by the church frozen and gas was spewing out. The church was full of the gas smell but everything is ok now. I will attach a few pictures of downed trees , our gutter on the parsonage and now snow taking more trees down. We are all safe and we are thankful for minimal structure damage around town. Homes in the country have been without power now for 2 ½ days so that is a concern. We are just thanking god for keeping people safe. Pray from police, emergency crews and fire fighters who need to be out in this area. More snow and wind is on the way." Keep these communities and churches in your prayers as they continue to recover from the storm. Hope Reformed Church works through challenges with interim pastor Rev. Dave Poppen accepted the opportunity to serve as an interim pastor in George, Iowa. He's not the first Poppen to be a pastor here. His grandfather, Rev. Otto G. Poppen served Hope Reformed in the 1918-1927 era. Dave's father, the late Rev. George Poppen was born in George during this time. Dave spoke in a special video interview about being an interim pastor and what impact that can have on a church that may be experiencing some difficulties. As an interim he has the opportunity to help facilitate change that can lead to enhanced ministry and growth. Click here link to watch the 5 minute video





Synod Annual Reports President's Report Meeting and Financial Details Upcoming Events Check the Leaders for the Harvest page for upcoming retreats and events. Youth Events Check out all the Synod youth events at their special website. Click here.
		Special Dates Special Information Questions and Answers about 2nd Campus Ministries Here are the latest compensation guidelines from the Synod of the Heartland 2012 Revised Salary Guidelines 2013 Revised Salary Guidelines Ministers On The Move Rev. Ben Shoup Western Seminary to Roseland Reformed Church, Blomkest, MN Kevin Yurk from First Reformed Church, Pella, IA, to First Reformed Church, Hull, IA.