The Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Zeiser, bishop
The bishop has primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations; provides pastoral care and leadership for the synod, its congregations, and its rostered leaders (pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers); oversees and administers the work of the synod; serves as ecumenical officer for the synod.
Full-Time Staff
The Rev. Dr. D. Michael Bennethum, executive associate of the bishop; director for evangelical mission
Pr. Bennethum is Executive Associate of the Bishop, Director for Evangelical Mission, and relates to the Witness & Service Ministry Team, Synod Council, and Synod Cabinet and Committees.
Part-Time Staff
The Rev. Kathleen Ash-Flashner, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Ash-Flashner is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Summer Hill. She works with congregations in the Schuylkill Mission District.
The Rev. Paul D. Braden, website and publications
nepsinfo1988@gmail.com
Pr. Braden retired from Salem Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, in 2012. He oversees the synod website and produces the weekly E-News and the monthly Synod News. He also relates to the Connections Building Ministry Team.
The Rev. Fred Crawford III, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Crawford is retired and under contract at Christ Church in Mahanoy City. He works with congregations in the Hazleton/Lehighton Mission District.
Deacon Marlane Druckenmiller, part-time associate of the bishop
Deacon Druckenmiller is retired. She works with congregations in the East Berks Mission District and relates to the Faith Formation Resource Ministry Team and the Youth, Young Adult & Family Ministry Team.
The Rev. Kurt E. Garbe, associate of the bishop
Pr. Garbe works with congregations in the Lehigh Mission District. He relates to the Faith Formation; Youth, Young Adult, and Family; and Leadership Development Ministry Teams; as well as Bear Creek Camp. He is also responsible for planning Synod Assemblies and Bishop’s Conferences, and the Companion Synod program.
The Rev. Jean L. Huber, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Huber is the pastor of Arndts Lutheran Church in Easton. She works with congregations in the Bethlehem-Easton Mission District and handles Misconduct Prevention/Intervention for the synod.
The Rev. Peter H. Kuritz, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Kuritz is retired. He works with congregations in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Mission District.
The Rev. Niels H. Nielsen, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Nielsen is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dingmans Ferry. He works with congregations in the Pocono Mission District.
The Rev. John C. Richter, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Richter retired from his position as vice president of church relations, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, in 2014. He works with congregations in the West Berks Mission District.
The Rev. Peggy Wuertele, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Wuertele works with congregations in the Northern Lehigh Valley Mission District, and is responsible for the annual First Call Education Event, and the Candidacy Committee.
Officers
Samuel R. Zeiser, bishop
Kristen Edelman-Weiner,
vice president
Carl Shankweiler, secretary
Donald R. Dillman, treasurer
Support Staff
Laurie Christman
laurie@nepsynod.org
Laurie is the synod’s receptionist and is responsible for scheduling supply pastors, maintaining the database of congregations, and tracking annual congregational reports.
Debbie Frey
debbie@nepsynod.org
Debbie is Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry Coordination. She is the event registrar, and is responsible for maintaining the rosters and transitions, parish study books, and the resource center. She also assists with Assembly and Bishop’s Conference planning.
Eric Gombert
egombert@stjohnsallentown.org
Eric is the finance administrator/bookkeeper.
Debbie Skinner
debbies@nepsynod.org
Debbie is the benevolence clerk and is responsible for the monthly mailing and daily prayers.