BLESSED TO BE PART OF THE
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The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.8 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians, and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther, whose understanding of God's unconditional love literally changed the course of history.
ELCA History A merger of three Lutheran churches formed the ELCA in 1988. They were the American Lutheran Church, the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches and the Lutheran Church in America. We trace our roots back through the mid-17th century, when early Lutherans came to America from Europe, settling in the Virgin Islands and the area that is now known as New York. Even before that, Martin Luther sought reform for the church in the 16th century, laying the framework for our beliefs. Congregations ELCA congregations are centers for outreaching mission, where people of faith celebrate, learn, and connect with one another and others around the world through service and weekly worship. There are nearly 10,000 ELCA congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Synods The ELCA's 65 regional organizations, called synods, vary greatly in size, geography, membership, staffing and program. Our smallest synod has 30 congregations — the largest nearly 300. The synods are grouped into nine regions, which are points of connection for them and the churchwide organization. Synods unite the work of congregations within their areas, serve as regional support, and guide pastoral and other leaders. Many churchwide teams relate to and support the work of the synods. CLICK BELOW TO EXPLORE THE ELCA 
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The Oregon Synod is one of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God, as made known in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow in our relationship with God, and experience God's grace in our lives.
Here in Oregon we are over 35,000 Lutherans in 120 congregations (including Trinity Lutheran in Tulelake, CA.) We welcome you everywhere we are, and we thank you for joining us to help make the world a better place for everybody. CLICK BELOW TO EXPLORE THE OREGON SYNOD 
Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar, Oregon Synod
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