North/West Lower Michigan Synod

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod (also known as NWLMS, N/WLMS, and the Mitten Synod) is a synod, or diocese, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. The synod consists of all ELCA congregations in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, except those in the extended Metropolitan Detroit area. The synod is headed by a bishop, currently the Reverend Craig Alan Satterlee.

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod is in a partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG), and the Iglesia Cristiana Luterana de Honduras (ICLH).

Vision Statement

The servant leadership of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America envisions a synod rooted in The Gospel, which builds up the Body of Christ through communication and cooperation by being a visible, viable, and valuable resource for mission.

Role of the Bishop

The NWLMS recognizes the role of the Bishop as the ability to preach and teach the apostolic faith of the Church. Shepherd rostered leaders and congregations of the synod, as well as exercise both pastoral care and discipline. Provide for Word and Sacrament Ministry within the territory of the synod, including the Church's power to ordain. Oversee the work of the Church's mission within the territory of the synod. Give witness to the unity of the Church as a member of ELCA Conference of Bishops and as the synod's chief ecumenical officer.

Synod Statistics

Conferences

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod is divided into eight separate geographic conferences:

Synod Council

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod is governed by the annual Synod Assembly, with the Synod Council serving as the synod's elected board of directors as well as the interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. Synod Council members are nominated and elected with an attempt to assure geographic representation.

Lutheran Social Services of Michigan

In partnership with the Southeast Michigan Synod (SEMS), the North/West Lower Michigan Synod is an affiliated member organization of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (LSSM). The organization serves over 40 cities in Michigan's Lower Peninsula with more than 70 programs, including adoption, a community center, foster care, family preservation, independent, assisted living and rehabilitation centers for seniors, skilled nursing centers, refugee resettlement and employment services, subsidized housing, and services for the homeless and developmentally disabled. It is the largest faith-based non-profit human service organization in Michigan, but provides help for all people in need regardless of religious affiliation, age, or national origin. LSSM is the largest private foster care agency in Michigan, and is also the largest provider of refugee services in Michigan.

Committees and Organization

External links

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