Announcements, News & Prayers of the Synod
from the Office of the Bishop, Rev. Dr. Donald P. Kreiss
| | |
SAVE THE DATE
SYNOD ASSEMBLY will be held the last weekend of May (29-30) at St. John Lutheran, Farmington Hills, MI. More information will be coming!
| | |
FREE Continuing Education Opportunity
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location: Emmanuel Livonia, 34567 W. Seven Mile Road, 48152
Lunch provided by Jubilee Detroit
Space is limited to 20 participants -- register now!
Questions? Contact Kate at revkzywicki@gmail.com or 248.318.9098
| | |
Southeast Michigan Pride Service – “Queerly Beloved”
All are invited to the Southeast Michigan Pride Service, a sacred gathering that proclaims a bold and joyful truth: we are all queerly beloved—created, claimed, and cherished by God exactly as we are.
This year, that proclamation matters in a particular way. At a time when LGBTQ+ people—especially our transgender siblings—are facing increasing hostility, misunderstanding, and harm, the Church is called not to be silent, but to be clear. Clear in our love. Clear in our welcome. Clear in our commitment to be with and for one another.
This service is not only a space of celebration, but a witness. A witness that God’s love is wider than fear, stronger than hate, and more faithful than the voices that seek to diminish or erase. It is also a call to allies—because affirmation is not passive. It is lived. It is spoken. It is shown in the ways we advocate, protect, and make space for those whose dignity is too often questioned.
Together, we gather as an affirming, anti-violence, anti-racist community, centered in the love of Jesus—a love that does not exclude, but embraces; does not erase, but honors; does not remain quiet, but speaks life.
This is more than a service.
It is a declaration: you belong. You are beloved. And we will all come together.
| | |
What is Happening?!
Taking on the Challenge of Confusing Human Behaviors
A Healthy Congregations Special Event featuring keynote speaker Dr. Israel Galindo, will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern.
This is a hybrid conference, and you have the option of attending online via Zoom or in-person at the Healthy Congregations Office (inside All Shepherds Lutheran Church in Lewis Center, OH).
To register for the event, please click here.
| | |
Dames of Detroit – A Special Presentation
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 1550 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, will host a special presentation, Dames of Detroit, on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 10:45 AM.
Presented by the Detroit Historical Society, this engaging program explores Detroit’s history through the lives of the remarkable women who helped shape the city. Education Coordinator Cate Waldecker will highlight twelve influential figures, from early pioneer Madame de Cadillac to cultural icon Aretha Franklin whose legacies reflect Detroit’s growth, resilience, and impact. Some of these women are well known, while others are unsung trailblazers, but all played a vital role in shaping Detroit and, in many cases, the nation.
This free event is open to the community.
| | |
Camp Clean Up 2026 | Living Water Ministries
Looking for a practical way to support LWM? Are you arranging a group service project? Perhaps just missing camp after a long winter? Mark your calendars and join us for Camp Clean Up 2026!
May 8-10, 2026
Stony Lake Camp
Sign up now at elcalivingwater.com/events
| | |
Grand Opening! You're Invited!
You and your congregation are cordially invited to join Pr Dylan Pyeatt, the people of the Micah 6 Church (soon to be rebranded the Neighborhood church) the people of Lutheran Church of the Master, Troy and Bishop Don Kreiss, SEMI Synod, to celebrate the congregation moving to its new home at Webster Community Center in Pontiac
What: Grand Opening of The Neighborhood Church (Formerly Micah 6 Church)
When: Sunday June 7, worship at 6pm and meal following
Where: Webster Community Center 640 Huron St. Pontiac
RSVP to: lcmoffice@hotmail.com
| | |
More Than Care: How Meeting Basic Needs Changes Everything
In every congregation, there is a shared call to care for our neighbors not only in word but in deed. At Samaritas, this calling comes to life through a focus on the Social Determinants of Health, the everyday conditions that shape whether individuals and families can truly thrive.
Health is more than medical care. It is found in stable housing, reliable transportation, nourishing food, quality education, and meaningful relationships. When even one of these basic needs is missing, the path forward becomes uncertain. As Scripture reminds us, “Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1 John 3:18, NRSV). For many across Michigan, these barriers are not abstract; they are daily realities.
Samaritas responds by walking alongside those we serve, addressing these foundational needs through a holistic continuum of care. A safe home can restore dignity. Access to food can renew strength. A supportive presence can remind someone they are not alone. As we hear in Matthew 25:35, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
This work reflects the heart of our faith: that love is active, justice is tangible, and community is essential. When churches, partners, and neighbors come together, we become instruments of God’s grace in very real ways. As the prophet declares, “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17, NRSV).
As we reflect on this Easter season, a time of renewal and new life, we are reminded that transformation often begins with meeting the most basic needs. Together, we can help ensure that every neighbor has the opportunity not just to survive, but to flourish.
Written by: Paula Love, M.A., Senior Director, Individual Engagement – Major Gifts & Planned Giving plove@samaritas.org or (313) 308-8866
| | |
Happy Easter from Lutheran Summer Music!
Please enjoy this joyful musical offering of “O Clap Your Hands” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, performed by the LSM 2025 Festival Choir, conducted by Dr. Shannon Gravelle, with Dr. Catherine Rodland, organ.
| | |
Applications for ELCA World Hunger’s
2027 Domestic Hunger Grants are open!
To learn more about submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), grant partnership eligibility, and our granting priorities, please visit our website and FAQ page.
Application Timeline
- Letter of inquiry form open: April 15 – July 1, 2026
-
Invited applicants to complete grant application in ELCA GrantMaker: October – December 2026
- Review and communication between ELCA World Hunger staff and grant applicants on proposal: October – December 2026
- Award notifications shared with applicants: January 2027
- 2027 Domestic Hunger Grants start date: March 1, 2027
If you have any questions, please contact us at hunger@ELCA.org or r.mccants@semisynod.com at the Synod Office.
| | |
Synod Office Update
Many of you have been guests in our not-so-new office suite at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Woodward & E. Warren in Detroit. We are comfortably settled in and look forward to greeting you in the future. Last Spring, the building management eliminated its front desk / receptionist coverage. Now rather than entering the lobby and seeing a face, visitors should call our office (313-821-1055) from the parking lot to gain entry to the building. Let us know in advance that you're headed our way to ensure someone is available for you.
| | |
Synod Prayers
May God continue to hold our children in God's loving hands. Remember the following people and congregations as we pray for those who celebrate, who mourn, who are ill, and our ministries that are thriving or ending.
Lord in your mercy, receive our prayers.
| | | | |
