Welcome to Our Synod
We are glad you found this site and welcome you to learn about the ministries of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Perhaps you are looking for a church home. Perhaps you are here to find information as a leader or congregation. Whether you’re here for a specific reason or just curious, you are welcome here.
As the ELCA professes, we are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person—questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the sake of the world.
Synod youth retreat celebrates being ‘fearfully, wonderfully made’
“Created to be ME” is the theme of this year’s synod youth retreat. The theme is an extension of last summer’s ELCA Youth Gathering theme attended by many synod youth and leaders.
This one-day retreat is Saturday, Nov. 16, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago. Cost is $25 (includes lunch) and registration is due Nov. 6. It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30. Organizers invite young people to explore how to build confidence, strengthen their mind, and deepen their faith in the truth that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Rachel Kurtz, a Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter, is keynote speaker and musician. Kurtz has performed at several Youth Gatherings and concert venues across the country.
The schedule includes large group sessions, a chance to attend two workshops, and worship. Workshops focus on navigating mental health in the age of social media, the importance of face-to-face connections, writing practices for mental health, chatting with Rachel Kurtz, crafts, and expressing yourself/emotions in songs and pictures.
Who We Are
The Metropolitan Chicago Synod (MCS) is made up of 165 congregations and eight Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities (SAWC). We are both urban and suburban, with 64,000 baptized members in four counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake. We are one of 65 synods in the ELCA.
Our mission statement calls us to proclaim the gospel, make disciples and do justice in Jesus’ name. We hope the images and information on these pages will introduce you to our synod—our faith and values, ministries and events. These pages are filled with practical information for congregations and leaders, and will help you become familiar with the synod staff and governance.
Candidacy Process
Are you considering a vocation in the church? The candidacy process–which includes Entrance, Endorsement and Approval–begins by contacting your synod office: or 773-248-0021. Our director of candidacy will visit with you about your vocational discernment and the candidacy process, what forms are necessary and how to complete them. Blessings on your journey!
Rostered Ministers focus on stories at annual gathering
More than 90 pastors and deacons participated in the Rostered Ministers Gathering at Lake Lawn resort, Delavan, Wis., Oct. 7-9.
Keynote speaker was Bishop Leila M. Ortiz, Metro D.C. Synod, who led the group in three sessions: My Story, Your Story, God’s Story. The three days of rest and renewal were anchored in worship, but also included time for play (Bingo!), campfires, conversations, and a Q & A with Bishop Curry.
Get connected to the MCS by signing up for publications and following us on social media.
As a synod, our work focuses on supporting and partnering with our congregations.
Lay and clergy, find resources that will assist you in the work to which God has called you.
God’s work takes many and various forms. Learn about the ministries of our synod.
Our Stories
Stand for Love Over Hate Sunday
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waukegan gathered to dedicate their new mural of love and welcome.
South African Delegation Visit
A visit from the MCS’s companion synod, the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), was a highlight of our June 1 synod assembly and the days which followed.
Zion Lutheran in Deerfield Breaks Ground for Affordable Housing
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Deerfield held a ceremonial groundbreaking for an affordable housing complex of 25 rentals called Zion Woods on church property.
Metropolitan Chicago Synod Office
Ph: 773-248-0021 | Address: 1420 W. Dickens Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614