Webinar: Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 pm PST/ 6 pm MST
Every church should be a place where everyone feels welcome and included — regardless of ability. But making your facilities more accessible doesn't have to break the bank.
Message from your NWIM Synod Constitution Review Team
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly held July 28 – Aug 2, adopted a new Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Link: 2025 Model Constitution for Congregations
Important highlights from the Introduction paragraph of the updated constitution regarding expectations of each congregation and the review process.
Body of Christ
ELCA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling That Allows Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement
I am deeply troubled by incidents of racial profiling* that are happening across this country in the name of law enforcement and national security. Such inhumane treatment is being employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in wanton immigration stops, targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, language, occupation or location. In particular, I and many in this church lament the Supreme Court action of Sept. 8 in which the court granted a stay of a lower court's restraining order that had limited such enforcement practices in Los Angeles while judicial action is pending.
ELEA Features Advent Lutheran Child Center in Spotlight
Mission Possible 2025 – Lord of Life Lutheran Church – Kennewick, WA
Mission Possible is the annual servant learning opportunity of this congregation. It started in 2005 under the ministry of our retired Deacon Heidi Cryer. Mission Possible uses an accompaniment model of service, where we seek to learn from those in need, to be part of what is already being done, and to interact with agencies that provide direct services to the poor and vulnerable in our community. We recognize that joining together is the best way to address our community’s challenges.
Bishop Eaton Sends Letter to President Trump and Congress
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support of “our Jewish-American and Israeli siblings who have suffered because of the Oct. 7 attacks,” yet voicing “profound horror regarding the catastrophe in Gaza and the wider crisis in the Holy Land.”
ECLA Federal Chaplaincy Ministry
Our July 2025 Mission Support Memo enlightens us about our ELCA chaplains in specialized ministry and federal chaplaincy across our church who minister to all in all kinds of places. Our ELCA chaplains in specialized ministry and federal chaplaincy serve to support those defending our country, in places outside church walls, tending to people of all needs and backgrounds and showing the gratitude and love of God to all.
Thriving Leadership Formation
Synod Trip to Tanzanian Companion Synod
Have your ever wondered where the money we give to the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese (UKD) goes to support? Have you wanted to go see, first hand, why we support the hospital and school a half a world away, in Tanzania? Or where is Tanzania, for that matter? If these questions, or some similar have been ones you have asked yourself, now is the time to act. Our synod will be sending up to 20 travelers with two leaders to Tanzania in June 2026.