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.
Holy Land Solidarity Day Saturday, Oct. 19
Join others on Saturday, Oct. 19, for the Holy Land Solidarity Day at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights. The day, sponsored by the synod’s Working Group on the Middle East (WGME), begins at 9 a.m. with registration and displays and ends after lunch.
Participants will receive an update on ELCA Middle East efforts, hear guest speakers, attend workshops and have a dialogue with Bishop Curry. There will also be a Palestinian lunch and dance demonstration.
Speakers are Pastor Khader El-Yateem, ELCA executive director for service and justice; Pastor Jenny Sung, who led the SUMUD launch; Rev. Dr. Don Wagner, Middle East scholar and author. Workshops are Holy Land 101: The current crisis in light of the past 100 years; Personal stories of life under occupation and bombardment; Moving from Catholicism to Islam and becoming part of a Palestinian Muslim family under fire.
The first two sessions of the day (update and speakers) will be live-streamed (address is on the registration page).
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!
African Descent Strategy Team Equips Leaders
Under the theme “One Body, One Faith,” more than 100 members of congregations in the synod’s African Descent Strategy Team gathered for a congregational equipping event on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Pastors Wyvetta Bullock and Fanya Burford-Berry led conversations around a survey taken of ADST congregations in advance of the event. Participants heard presentations on “The Ministry of Sharing Space” and “Ministry Impact Through Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships.”
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