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.
Bishop Yehiel Curry elected ELCA presiding bishop
With the whole church, we give thanks to God for the election of Bishop Yehiel Curry to presiding bishop of the ELCA. We continue with gratitude for his leadership. We pray for Bishop Curry, this synod, and the whole church during this time of transition.
The synod council officers are meeting at churchwide and working on next steps for the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. When Bishop Curry steps away, we will receive an interim bishop by appointment. We will initiate a bishop pre-identification process aligned with our governing documents and proceed with a bishop election at next year’s synod assembly (Weekend of June 5 and 6, tentative). We will provide further information as it becomes available.
Please join us in prayer for all of the synod’s congregations and members, as well as for Bishop Curry during this time of celebration and transition.
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!
Irving Park pantry and congregation build new pantry with $1 million grant
The Irving Park Community Food Pantry, which Irving Park Lutheran Church (IPLC) has long supported and is intentionally partnering with to help identify a potential new space, recently received news of a $1,035,617 grant from the City of Chicago. The grant may be used to reimburse half the cost of construction of a new facility for the pantry, to be built on land owned by IPLC and adjacent to the church.
“Feeding the hungry and loving your neighbor are fundamental to our mission as a church,” said IPLC Pastor Erin Bouman. “IPLC and its members have been strong supporters of the Food Pantry since its founding. We are so excited for this next stage of partnership, helping better serve yet more neighbors in need for decades to come.”
A new home for the pantry has been discussed for some time. In February, a subcommittee of IPCL members and pantry leaders applied for funding from the city’s Community Development Grants program. Pantry and IPLC members attended the public announcement with Mayor Brandon Johnson in May. The pantry was one of 10 organizations to receive a grant for which 150 applied. Proposals were evaluated based on financial need, location, neighborhood impact, development team diversity and experience, and overall project readiness.
From 2022 to 2024 the pantry witnessed a sharp increase in demand, with the number of households served increasing by over 90 percent; the number of individuals assisted nearly doubled from 10,922 in 2021 to 21,116 in 2024. It currently serves more than 120 clients each week and 550 each month (approximately 1,550 family members).
The client-choice distribution pantry, primarily serving ZIP codes 60641 and 60618, offers a wide range of food in all categories, including produce, meat, dairy, nonperishables, bread and pastries, toiletries and pet food. It also provides seasonal programs, such as school supplies, winter wear and a health and wellness fair. The pantry, which is currently housed in the basement of an area Methodist church, celebrated its 40th anniversary last fall.
Construction on the pantry’s new facility is anticipated to begin in 2026 and will require additional funding through donations from supporters. IPLC will take a lead role in construction management and financing.
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
Synod youth celebrate being ‘fearfully & wonderfully made’
More than 50 young people and youth ministry leaders gathered at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 16, for a one-day fall retreat.
Illinois ELCA Bishops Pastoral Message on Executive Orders
Illinois Bishops Stacie Fidlar, Yehiel Curry, Greg Busboom came together to provide a pastoral message on Executive orders.
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.
Metropolitan Chicago Synod Office
Ph: 773-248-0021 | Address: 1420 W. Dickens Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614