North/West Lower Michigan Synod ELCA - Official

08/31/2026

The Synod Showdown continues!

Well, our competitors have had their say… and naturally, we couldn’t let that go unanswered. 😉

The Synod Showdown is still ON!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ We’re continuing to raise money for Living Water Ministries’ Run the Race, and every donation brings us one step closer to victory. Not just for us (we're planning outfit ideas for Bishop Kreiss), but primarily for the kiddos who benefit from Living Water's camp facilities and programs.

Every dollar donated helps support the ministry of Living Water Ministries, so let’s show our friends in the Southeast Michigan Synod what the North/West Lower Michigan Synod can do!

To support Bishop Julie and the NWLMS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409978/

To support Bishop Kreiss and the SEMIS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409969/

Thank you for your support in making camp available to all!

08/21/2026

🚨A Synod Showdown, you say??

We’ve been challenged by Bishop Don Kreiss and the staff at the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA to a little friendly competition for Living Water Ministries’ fundraiser, Run the Race! The goal is simple: which synod can raise the most money?

The stakes? Oh, they’re high.

The losing Bishop will have to wear an outfit chosen by the winning synod at our Autumn Leadership Event this fall. 😳🦸‍♀️

So, Mitten Synod, LET’S DO IT FOR THE KIDS! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Every dollar supports the amazing ministry of Living Water Ministries to make camp affordable for every camper. This is one competition where everybody wins.

To support Bishop Julie and the NWLMS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409978/

To support Bishop Kreiss and the SEMIS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409969/

Thank you for your support in making camp available to all!

08/13/2026

Soul Shop for Leaders at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids is right around the corner and registration is still open!

Join us this coming Tuesday, August 18 at 8:30am and learn how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within your congregation. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

To register, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6jHkn8PdMKRhmCaoaQ7_Ysz9iwdDOMWPMLPQqAT_JlnaaIA/viewform

08/13/2026

📞 Our phones are back up! 🎉

Thank you for your patience while we worked through the phone outage. We’re happy to let you know that our phone lines are now working again and we’re ready to hear from you!

Thanks for your understanding and patience!

08/06/2026

☎️We're aware of an issue affecting our phone system and are working to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, if you need to reach the Synod Office, please contact us by email. Our staff will be closely monitoring our inboxes throughout the day and will respond as quickly as possible. Staff email addresses can be found on our website at https://www.mittensynod.org/about/staff/.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We'll post an update as soon as our phones are back up and running!

07/21/2026

Join us for a continuing education opportunity for all leaders (rostered & non-rostered) within the NWLM Synod.

This one-day workshop focuses on equipping faith community leaders and congregations with the tools and knowledge to effectively minister to individuals and families impacted by su***de, offering compassionate support, guidance, and hope. We're hosting the same event twice, giving you the flexibility to choose the date and location that works best for your schedule. Please only register for one day. Lunch, snacks and beverages provided.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6jHkn8PdMKRhmCaoaQ7_Ysz9iwdDOMWPMLPQqAT_JlnaaIA/viewform

📅August 18, 2026
📍Faith Lutheran Church (2740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505)
⏰8:30am - 4:30pm
💵 $15

📅August 26, 2026
📍Messiah Lutheran Church (501 S. Catherine St., Bay City, MI 48706)
⏰8:30am - 4:30pm
💵 $15

07/14/2026

Save the date! NWLM and SEMI synods invite you to a relational ministry training event on August 15 at University Lutheran Church in East Lansing. This training is being facilitated by the Relational Leadership Collaborative, formally known as Peer Ministry. This event is perfect for ministry leaders, volunteers, parents, and anyone who wants to grow their relational skills.

Due to the generosity of our synods, this event is being offered for free. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOfWiY8ybYEpUh7K0VZwuySYZo_0eRMISp94y3koD8b9JBcg/viewform?pli=1

📅August 15, 2026
⏰ 10:00am - 5:00pm
📍University Lutheran Church: 1020 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

We're hiring!

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod is seeking an Accountant/Bookkeeper to join our team. This position plays a vital role in supporting the ministries and mission we share across our synod through financial leadership and administration.

Ideally, this position would be filled by a candidate who is a member of our synod or belonging to an ecumenical partner congregation with experience in non-profit financing. The position will be primarily in-person, with the opportunity for hybrid schedules as needed.

If you or someone you know may be interested, we invite you to learn more and apply here: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e212555d2199b079&from=shareddesktop_email

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Apply for the Accountant / Bookkeeper job in Grand Rapids, MI! Learn more about the job description, salary, and job details to see if you qualify on Indeed today.