Synod Disaster Response: Winter Storms
On March 30, 2025 much of our synod experienced severe thunderstorms, which led to tornados and loss of power. Bishop…
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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
- Winter Connection Day
If you were anywhere in West Michigan during our Synod Winter Connection Days, you know exactly what we were up against. Bitter cold temperatures and truly difficult road conditions which prompted about half of our participants to cancel.
As the event unfolded, our schedule shifted more than once. Plans to the Muskegon Sports Park were cancelled due to the cold temperature. The Muskegon Museum of Art was also closed due to the weather. It wasn’t the event we originally envisioned, but it still became something meaningful.
Despite the changes in our schedule, we gathered for a lovely time of worship, grounding our days in prayer and gratitude and the reminder that God meets us wherever we are. The spirit carried through the rest of our time together, including a fun and laughter-filled trivia night that brought out both our competitive sides and our joy in simply being together.
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
- From Above
On Sunday, we heard this in the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus: Jesus answered [Nicodemus], “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born from above.” Hopefully at some point you have heard your pastor talk about how that phrase can be translated “born from above” or “born again.” If you haven’t and you would like to know more, please ask your pastor. I’m going to go off in a different direction from here.
- Dove of the Holy Ghost
This is an art piece in the Tirolean Museum of Folk Art in Innsbruck, Austria. It is entitled “Dove of the Holy Ghost” and is from the first half of the 19th Century. To me this looks less like a holy dove and more like a crazy chicken.
- The Muck
The phrase has been in my head since I heard Pr. Sherry McGuffin use it in her Around the Mitten reflection for Ash Wednesday. Pr. Sherry was talking about the messiness of the ashes on Ash Wednesday reflecting the messiness of our lives. The Muck. As we look at what happens when humans try to stand in the place of God — when human sin, selfishness, and greed control our decisions and choices, we see the ugliness of it all: poverty, starvation, violence, illness, separation.
I appreciate the breadth of the confession we use on Ash Wednesday. We confess everything from failing to put God first, to taking more than we need, to ignoring human suffering, to ruining God’s good creation. We have not just failed in one way. We have failed spectacularly! The Muck.
News
Lenten Action Series: Supporting Schools, Universities, and Students
As part of their Lenten Action Series, ELCA Advocacy is reflecting on national budget priorities. Their most recent focus is…
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Bishop Satterlee Statement on Executive Order Concerning the Department of Education
On March 20, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order instructing the Secretary of Education to take steps to…
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Michigan Safe Indoor Ventilation Program
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program in December…
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“Gathered By Grace” Lenten Series
Wartburg Seminary’s Dean of the Chapel, the Rev. Dr. Clayton Faulkner, has created the first worship resource for The CaSTLE…
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Bishops’ Statement on House Resolution 28
On February 25, 2025, Representative Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) introduced House Resolution 28 to the Michigan House of Representatives. This resolution…
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Unboxing: Augsburg Fortress Book Box (Winter 2025)
Our Synod Office is excited to share our next book box from Augsburg Fortress! Watch Now. This book box included:…
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Register Now for the 2025 Synod Assembly!
The 2025 North/West Lower Michigan Synod Assembly will be held in-person on May 18-20, 2025 at the Comfort Inn &…
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Director for Evangelical Mission
Pastor Kjersten Sullivan Called as Assistant to the Bishop and Interim Director for Evangelical Mission for the North/West Lower Michigan…
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Message from Samaritas
On February 7, Samaritas, in partnership with Bishop Don Kreiss of the Southeast Michigan Synod and Bishop Craig Satterlee of…
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