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 the executive associate of the bishop and ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
The Rev. Mary W. Gade, associate of the bishop
Pr. Gade works with congregations in the East Berks Mission District; she also relates to candidacy, misconduct prevention and intervention, and campus ministry.
The Rev. Kurt E. Garbe, associate of the bishop
Pr. Garbe works with congregations in the Lehigh Mission District; he relates to the Leadership Development Ministry Team, Bear Creek Camp, planning for synod assemblies and Bishop’s Conferences, and the companion synod program.
Part-Time Staff
The Rev. Paul D. Braden, website and publications
Pr. Braden retired from Salem Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, in 2012. He oversees the synod website and produces the weekly E-News that goes to rostered leaders and congregations. He also produces Synod News, the monthly publication for congregational newsletters and bulletins.
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.
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.
The Rev. Peter H. Kuritz, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Kuritz is pastor at Good Shepherd and St. John Churches in Wilkes-Barre. 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. Carl D. Shankweiler, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Shankweiler is the synod archivist and works with congregations in the Schuylkill Mission District.
The Rev. Peggy M. Wuertele, part-time associate of the bishop
Pr. Wuertele serves as the bishop’s liaison to the rostered ministers and congregations of the Northern Lehigh Valley Mission District, oversees the annual First Call Education Event, and assists the bishop with the Transition Ministry Committee and related matters.
Officers
Samuel R. Zeiser, bishop
Barbara J. Huffman de Belón,
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 and tracking annual congregational reports.
Debbie Frey
debbie@nepsynod.org
Debbie is Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry Coordination, the event registrar, is responsible for parish study books and the resource center, and assists with assembly and Bishop’s Conference planning.
Diane Hemerly
diane@nepsynod.org
Diane is responsible for bookkeeping and payroll, the Bulletin of Reports and Minutes book, interim ministry updates, and assists with the candidacy program.
Debbie Skinner
debbies@nepsynod.org
Debbie is the benevolence clerk and is responsible for the monthly mailing and daily prayers.
Brenda Stauffer
brenda@nepsynod.org
Brenda is the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop and is also responsible for rosters, transition information, and managing the database.