It was an honor to represent our synod and the larger ELCA on a bishops accompaniment visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).

Join us on May 29-31 at the Monastery of the Ascension in Jerome, Idaho for a retreat and training event designed for lay ministers but meaningful for anyone who shepherds the Sunday gathering and ministers through the pulpit and table.

This week we turn an important corner in the church year. We will mark the coming arrival of Spring by deepening our prayer for six weeks before celebrating Christ's resurrection. And we begin this period of fasting and prayer by reminding one another that we will die. We are mortal. We fall into sin. This is part of our humanity and leads us to rejoice in the mercies of God all the more. 

A twelve week online discipleship course sourced by Luther Seminary's Faith + Lead

The Easter season offers the church an opportunity to rediscover the power of story and testimony as a way to share the gospel’s work in our lives. Using Mary’s testimony as inspiration, we’re invited to think honestly about how God’s love takes shape in our day-to-day lives.

Join Lutherans Restoring Creation 
the NWIM Synod’s 
EcoFaith Action Network

Tuesday, February 24 at 4:30 PST

Bill McKibben is an author, journalist and founder of climate justice organizations like 350.org and Third Act. His newest book, "Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization," calls us to harness the power of the sun and rewrite our future.

During the month of February, the synod’s EcoFaith Action Network is reaching out to a sampling of congregations to hear their stories of creation care and to learn about the environmental challenges they face. These conversations will inform the work of EcoFaith

For now, we can share that we do not anticipate being open to guests for summer 2026. Fall and winter 2026-2027 are too far out to know at this time. Our recovery timelines will not be fully known until snow melts this spring, and surveyors and engineers are able to assess the full extent of the damages to FSR 8301.

We 12 travelers are getting excited about our upcoming trip to our sister synod in the UKD (Ulanga Kilombero Diocese). We will be flying out of Portland, Oregon on June 5, and arrive in Dar es Salaam on June 6

After eight years serving as the Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Phil Misner has been granted a sabbatical for the summer of 2026 (June 1-Aug. 31).

When I was with my mom in Minnesota writing my January column about the gift and need for communal singing and preparing for my trip the Holy Land, I could not have imagined what was about to unfold in Minneapolis and across the state of Minnesota. My heart has broken again and again as I watched videos of the shooting of individuals and violent apprehension of individuals by ICE agents. Our hearts go out to those families and to so many people living with uncertainty and fear in Minnesota and in our own communities.

News articles on:

New 2026 Portico Health ID Card
EAP Update for ELCA-Primary Members
January is Financial Wellness Month

Registration for the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering , happening July 6-9 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Ind., is now open! All ELCA deacons, pastors and bishops (under call, on leave or disability, or retired) and candidates approved for call are invited to a time of intentional connection when we can renew our strength, enjoy camaraderie with colleagues and reflect on the Holy Spirit’s work among us.

The Western States Youth Gathering returns to Southern California this summer, calling for youth and adult leaders to register!

This gathering uniquely brings together youth from across the western United State to connect with like-minded peers in worship, games, and learning.

The SHARE Fund of the Northwest Intermountain Synod provides additional resources to help congregations and other outreach ministries during time of change and/or development and to provide for the spiritual and emotional support of those on the roster in our synod.

Saturday, February 23, 10 AM
LCSNW Tri-Cities is honored to bring together partners and community members from all faith backgrounds in support of the families we serve

Lugala Hospital is the only medical facility operating in a large geographic area. They try to address all the medical needs for the area. One thing they have not had is a well-equipped dental office. When asked, they requested $5000 to repair the office and get a dental chair. With the generosity of the people of the Northwest Intermountain Synod, we were able to fill that request and the funds are in transit.

Saturday, January 31
8:30am - 3pm PST
Plenary Panels | Briefings | Workshops

All rostered leaders, active and retired, and those On Leave need to submit an annual report to the synod office (It is in the constitution).

These reports give your synod staff essential information about you, and your ministry, and updates to help stay connected.

We’ll be gathering as a Synod April 24-26 at Kennewick First Lutheran Church for the 2026 Synod Assembly. We are living into a new rhythm with our Synod Assembly gatherings. Every three years we’ll gather in person with two years of online Assemblies in between. So, this is your chance to be fully embodied with your siblings from across the Northwest Intermountain Synod.

This year, there are two options for submitting a Rostered Leader annual report.

All rostered leaders, active and retired, and those On Leave need to submit an annual report to the synod office (It is in the constitution). Due March 1

Mission Intent and Parochial Reports are also due March 1.

When change hits your congregation or synod, whether it's a pastoral transition, budget cuts, facility decisions, or shifting community needs, the technical part is rarely the hardest. It's the people part: resistance, conflicts, or members who just disappear. This 75-minute session gives you a practical framework and specific tools to lead through real change while keeping your community engaged and your own leadership grounded.

Join in online for a night of centering multiracial voices from across the ELCA as we observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing. This free program will feature intentional storytelling through words and music and provide opportunities for deep listening, reflection and drawing closer together as fellow children of God.

Now is the time to nominate students for LSM 2026. Enrollment for next summer is filling quickly, and we expect most remaining spots to be filled by the March 1 Standard Enrollment deadline. At LSM, students connect advanced musical study with worship and the joy of Lutheran church music traditions.

LWF Youth (18-30 years old) reflect on the spiritual call to peacebuilding, learn from peacebuilding professionals across the globe, engage in conversation with peers from around the world, and mobilize to build peace in their own contexts.

Young Adults (ages 21-35) are invited to apply for the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program where they will spend a year in international service through the accompaniment model lens.

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13th - 15th in Berkeley, California.

Fresh from the printers, we are excited to share this business card sized reminder of the baptismal promises to live, hear, proclaim, serve, and strive as we respond to the call of God to love and serve the neighbor.