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 88 congregations and 7 Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities in an area spanning from Federal Way to the Washington- Oregon border and from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean.
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.
This site is designed to provide resources and information for the congregational staff, leadership, and members of the ELCA congregations in this synod.
Upcoming Events
*Synod Assembly - May 18-19, 2012: Hilton Hotel, Vancouver, WA (Fri-Sat) (Click link for Synod Assembly information and registration.)
PLU Summer Theological Conference June 18-20-,2012 ”Spiritual Formation in the Home”. Leaders: Teresa Ciabattari, Ph.D.- PLU Chair of Sociology and Social Work, Nathan Frambach, Ph.D. -Wartburg Seminary, Assoc Professor of Youth, Culture and Mission and Samuel Torvend, Ph.D- PLU University Chair in Lutheran Studies. Register: www.plu.edu/congregations
Synod Prayer Retreat- Sunday, January 20, 2013 – Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Seabeck Conference Center. (For rostered leaders. Registration online beginning October 2012. Information mailed to our rostered leaders in October, too.)
Bishop’s Convocation -Tuesday, January 22- Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Seabeck Conference Center. For rostered leaders. (Online Registration link emailed to rostered leaders in October.)
Book of Faith Initiative(Click here for link)
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)
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.
