Check In: Spring Storms
Dear Friends in Christ, In the wake of last night’s severe storms across Michigan, we are holding you in our…
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Who We Are
People focused
We value connection.
Grace filled
We cherish this gift from God in Jesus.
Welcome all
We welcome all people.
Connected across the mitten
From St. Joe to Alpena.
Synod Shoutout
- How Much Snow?!
After a week of true Northern Michigan winter, where communities saw several inches of snow accumulation, fierce winds, and drifts reaching multiple feet high, one story coming out of our synod was nothing short of inspiring!
North/West Lower Michigan Synod at a Glance
25,000+
Baptized members
100
Congregations and Ministry Sites
181
Rostered leaders
7
Conferences
Wandering and Wondering with Bishop Julie Schneider-Thomas
- Holy Week
Holy Week. It is the oldest Christian observance — far older than the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Great Three Days (Triduum) of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter — these are God’s gift to us.
- Worthy of Praise
The Pigeon on the red rocks is hanging out in the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs. The black bird sitting on the snow is an Alpine Chough, which I met on the top of Nordkette, a mountain in the Austrian Alps. Honestly, I don’t know that I would have paid much attention to either bird if it weren’t for one of my young parishioners from Hope, Rockford who is passionate about birds. His love and knowledge have inspired me to pay more attention to the feathered friends around me.
- Fast for the Eyes
This photo was taken at the Cathedral of St. James in Innsbruck, Austria. I was there last year near the end of Lent. Every one of the churches I visited had some piece of temporary artwork hung in front of the reredos (the panel behind the altar). Many also had pieces of purple cloth covering the cross. This is a widespread practice in Roman Catholic churches, and even among a few Lutheran churches. At the very least, this happens on Good Friday in many of our churches. The instruction in the Roman Catholic church is that this begins on the Fifth Sunday of Lent through Good Friday, but I don’t want to get too far into the weeds about the particulars of this practice!
News
Palm Sunday Path
Michigan Palm Sunday Path FAQs: Learn more about Palm Sunday Path from the purpose to expectations.
Synod Disaster Relief Fund
If there’s one thing Michiganders know, it’s that the weather can turn on a dime – and when it brings…
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Bishop Julie’s Installation Photos ARE HERE
We’re excited to share that the photos from Bishop Julie Schneider-Thomas’s Installation are now available! It was such a beautiful…
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Communication Survey
Oct. 03: Please consider taking a couple of minutes to complete the survey below. We want to hear how you…
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National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
September 30 – National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools Every Child Matters Today, we honor and remember the…
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Celebrating the Installation of Bishop Julie Schneider-Thomas
On Saturday, September 13th our synod gathered in joyful celebration for the installation of Bishop Julie Schneider-Thomas. The service was…
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August 2025 Mission Support Memo from the ELCA
From the ELCA: This month’s Mission Support Memo focuses on our 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, celebrating the elections of a new…
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Introduction of New NWLM Synod Staff
See the attached letter from Bishop Julie Schneider-Thomas that provides information related to the new synod staff, office location, mailing…
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Building Resiliency Together – Getting to Know Bishop Julie Schneider Thomas
Get to know Bishop Julie E. Schneider-Thomas
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