This is the printed report shared at the Saint Paul Area Synod’s 2026 Synod Assembly, held May 15-16 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. Header image: Guatemala Committee Chair Julie Printz provides an oral report at the assembly.
2025 was a year of celebration, deepening relationships, and renewed commitment to our companion synod partnership with the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG). As we marked the 20th anniversary of this relationship — beautifully captured in our gala theme, “Woven Together” — we reflected with gratitude on everything God has accomplished through our shared ministry. Our committee gathered nine times, welcomed ILAG partners Pr. Karen Castillo and Diego Gil Castillo for a milestone September visit, launched a new health ministry initiative, cheered the success of the sustainable agriculture ministry, supported the CLAG school loan reduction, and celebrated the achievements of MILAGRO women.
2025 Highlights
CLAG Lutheran Elementary School
- 187 students enrolled in this award-winning school; strong academic classes plus faith formation, civic education, and technology responsibility.
- Provides a safe haven for children living in a gang-riddled neighborhood.
MILAGRO Women’s Education Center
- 18 women at various educational stages; 4 graduated in 2025.
- In addition to academics: classes in commercial baking and pastries, sewing, hair styling, and traditional Guatemalan weaving.
- Ongoing focus on psychological self-care, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries.
SEED Sustainable Agriculture
- 5 active communities.
- Crops include corn, hibiscus, okra, watermelon, cantaloupe, carrots, and potatoes.
- New sulfocalcium technique introduced as an organic pest and disease control; $340/family provided through ILAG.
- Women now leading agricultural work in many communities.
ILAG Global Connections
- CILCA (Central American Lutheran leaders) met at the ILAG Lutheran Center.
- ILAG hosted LWF Peace Messengers in May — the first visit to a Latin American church.
- Diego invited to a Lutheran Church of Peru workshop on developing a pastoral team.
Saint Paul Area Synod Active Partnerships
- Guatemala Friends events explored children’s activities during delegation visits, a culinary demonstration with Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, and a health team presentation.
- Como Park Lutheran Church hosted a blessing service celebrating 20 years of ILAG Companionship, with Pastor Karen, Diego, ELCA Global Mission Staff, and partner church members.
- Travel Coordinator provided orientations and serves as liaison between delegations and the ILAG.
- 202 people attended the 2025 Guatemala Gala, reflecting on the strength of the relationship between the ILAG and SPAS; generous gifts given to continue the work of our shared ministry.
SPAS Health Team Formation
- A SPAS health team is forming to travel on alternate years from the Spring Garden team.
- 14 potential participants identified as of late 2025.
- Two metro-area members traveled with Spring Garden in January 2026 to observe how health delegations work.
- All types of skills are needed and welcome! Contact the SPAS Guatemala Committee to learn more about joining the health team.
In Memoriam
- We honored the memory of Bishop Horacio, co-founder of the ILAG, who died in 2025. A memorial service was held at the Lutheran Center.
With Gratitude
- Pastor Karen Castillo and Diego Gil Castillo for their faithful, visionary leadership of the ILAG.
- Bishop Patricia Lull for her unwavering support, wisdom, and many years of accompaniment.
- Partner congregations for covenant faithfulness, financial generosity, and delegation participation.
- Every donor and prayer partner who sustains this ministry throughout the year.
Guatemala Committee Members:
Julie Printz – Gloria Dei, St. Paul (Chair)
Pastor Brad Froslee – St. Michael’s, Roseville
Pam Hoeffel – King of Kings, Woodbury
Marge Hoffmann – Grace, Apple Valley
Janet Metcalfe – Augustana, West St. Paul
Jennifer Reinhardt – Augustana, West St. Paul
Juli Smith – Our Savior’s, Circle Pines
Bishop Patricia Lull – synod staff
David Roinas – synod staff
