About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
The Southwestern Washington Synod is comprised of 90 congregations, including 4 Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities and 4 Congregations Under Development in an area spanning from Federal Way to the Washington- Oregon border and from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean. We are also the host synod for the Historic Elbe Church in Elbe, Washington on Mt. Rainier Highway.
The synod assists congregations and rostered leaders (Clergy, Associates in Ministry, Diaconal Ministers and Deaconesses) with the call process, rostered mobility, transitional periods, Healthy Congregations, Natural Church Development, communication between congregations and more. Our Synod Council has set our two priorities as Pastoral Care and New Mission Starts. We are fortunate to have a Director for Evangelical Mission, the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger, from the ELCA in our synod office. Her job is to help build mission starts, help congregations with redevelopment, and help our synod congregations with stewardship education and assistance.
This site is designed to provide resources and information for the congregational staff, leadership, and members of the ELCA congregations in this synod.
Presiding Bishop’s Christmas Message
UPCOMING EVENTS
2013 Synod Assembly, Friday, June 7 – Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the Murano Hotel and Bicentennial Pavilion in Tacoma. Theme: ”Always Being Made New”. Online registration begins in January 2013. This Synod Assembly will include the election for synod bishop.
ELECTION OF A BISHOP
THE SYNOD IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Synod blog: http://swwsynodelca.blogspot.com/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Southwestern-Washington-Synod/129047787133786
Soul Cafe- ELCA Region 1′s Online Community (share information, opinions, observations)
Disaster Preparedness for Congregations
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Southwestern Washington synod is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by empowering congregations and church leaders to grow in worship, education, stewardship and other ministries.
