Central States Synod, ELCA

Central States Synod, ELCA The Central States Synod is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Virgin Islands.

Covering all of Kansas and Missouri with 146 congregations and 32,000 baptized members The Central States Synod is proud to be one of 65 synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is an heir to the Lutheran tradition. This tradition has passed on the faith of the Church for 500 years and traces its roots to 1517 to the reformation movement sparked by Martin Luther within the R

oman Catholic Church. From this heritage, Lutherans trace their tradition back to the Church founded by Jesus Christ. The Central States Synod territory covers the entire states of Kansas and Missouri. The synod office is located in the River Market area, at the north end of downtown Kansas City, Mo. The churchwide organization (ELCA) is based out of the Lutheran Center in Chicago and functions with the 65 synods and nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states, Caribbean and U.S.

8:46 a.m.(EST) Flight 11 struck the North Tower, and the world changed.
09/11/2026

8:46 a.m.(EST) Flight 11 struck the North Tower, and the world changed.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the lives lost and hold all who mourn in prayer.

In the days following 9/11, our global Lutheran partners shared words of prayer and solidarity:

"We join you in the spiritual battle and prayer for forgiveness and love knowing that the battle is not ours but God's, and that the truth and God's victory will always prevail." —LWF Regional Office for Africa (Kenya)

"May there be ways to comfort the mourners as well as the survivors, and may the church be part of that work. May all the deceased rest in peace." —Church of Sweden

"Your pain is our pain. We were shocked to watch this unprecedented act of violence and terrorism. We therefore share your sadness and sorrow for the loss of so many innocent lives." —Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan

"May God help us resist the forces of evil and spread peace in the world." —Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession of Alsace and Lorraine

09/02/2026

Promising a future of jobs and economic opportunity, large-scale data centers also come with a host of challenges: land and water use, environmental impacts, impacts on local electricity grids, and concerns about corporate accountability. That’s why they have generated so much opposition throughout the state.

We’re excited to announce that this fall, Kansas Interfaith Action will hold a series of panel discussions starting later this month, looking at the challenges posed by the rapid build-out of data centers, and asking whether it is possible to establish sufficient guardrails to allow these projects to move forward.

As people of faith and conscience, we must consider the implications of large-scale data centers on the earth and on those who are most vulnerable in our communities. Join us for this important conversation.

We will start in Winfield, Newton, and Manhattan. Then we’ll continue to Wichita, Hutchinson, Emporia, Topeka, and Johnson County. For now, go to bit.ly/kifadatacentertour to see more info and to RSVP!

We'd love to hear what congregations in the Central States Synod are up to this year.
08/31/2026

We'd love to hear what congregations in the Central States Synod are up to this year.

08/21/2026

By now, you may have seen information from Portico about 2027 rates. Because of an unprecedented rise in claims in 2025, next year’s healthcare premiums will increase approximately 15%. Please hear directly from me that we join you in sorrow and even pain over this additional cost to our ministries in 2027. We will all do our best to ensure care while still managing complicated budgeting. The Central States Synod staff is here for you and ready to help talk through this.

This is a substantial increase, compared with the last few years. After a surplus in 2020 (due to reduced healthcare usage/claims during the pandemic), the Portico Board was able to use reserves to keep increases around 5% for 2022-2026. Last year, claims rose over 18%, severely draining reserves. Those reserves ensure that Portico is always able to pay out our claims.

I know you may have questions. Your councils, and particularly treasurers, may have questions. We are working to schedule an informational meeting with our Portico representative, Jennifer Prinz. Additionally, Jennifer will be with us in person at the Fall Theological Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. She will address us together and be available for individual conversations. As soon as we have a day and time for a Zoom meeting with Jennifer, we’ll get that information to you.

I know this comes as a blow to us all, as we struggle to meet already strained budgets. Please know that we pray for you all this week, as we pray for you vigilantly. We will accompany you through this unexpected stumbling block as we face it ourselves as a staff. Most importantly, God walks with us all and will never abandon us. That is the promise.

I am available for conversation by phone, text, or email. Just reach out.

In peace and hope,
Bishop Donna
Central States Synod, ELCA

Tonight is our last orientation for our synod-wide confirmation classes. visit https://css-elca.org/confirmation for inf...
08/20/2026

Tonight is our last orientation for our synod-wide confirmation classes. visit https://css-elca.org/confirmation for information and to RSVP.

If you can't make it, you can watch a recording or even register for confirmation also.

08/17/2026

Address

420 W 14th Street, Suite 101
Kansas City, MO
64105

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19139489701

Website

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