Both SAWCs and SAOMs are recognized and supported by the Synod - authorized each year by the Synod Council.  Both help bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to places in ways that meet people where they are, that honor their challenges with typical Sunday-morning worship, and that understands not all members of the worshipping community will be able to make large financial contributions.  SAWCs are communities who are exploring what it would look like to become an organized ELCA congregation.  SAOMs are ministries focused on serving in fresh, and often unconventional, ways to people whom are often overlooked by our churches or society at large.