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The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA acknowledges and honors the Lenni-Lenape, Munsee-Lenape, and Susquehannock Peoples who were forcibly removed from this area, and upon whose ancestral homelands we gather. With gratitude to God, we honor the land itself, as well as all our Indigenous siblings who have and who continue to care for this land and call it their home.

Becoming a Jesus-centered community that equips diverse leaders so that faithful young people can change our world.

GROWING YOUNG

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Helping and encouraging every leader and every congregation to find partners that can share resources and combine strengths.

GAINING STRENGTH

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Helping every congregation to understand and embrace their situation and their purpose so that they can live well and serve well and be better ready when the time comes to end well – leaving a lasting, faithful, purposeful legacy.

GOING BEYOND DEATH TO LIFE

SYNOD VALUES

LOVE like Jesus

God's love extends unconditionally to all creation, enabling us to love God and others. Jesus, embodying this love, calls us to love God and our neighbors as the greatest commandments (Mark 12:28-31). This understanding empowers us to engage compassionately with others.

HEAL like Jesus

We all need healing, with God as our great healer. Jesus showed that being human involves being wounded, but through God's love, we can live without letting our wounds harm others. By recognizing our brokenness and seeking healing, we can support others with grace, forgiveness, and compassion. Healing is crucial in ministry, and we can trust God’s promise to be with us and tend to us.

ENGAGE like Jesus

Engagement, which involves occupying the attention or efforts of another, helps us build deeper relationships within our churches and community. It allows us to understand and respond to those who are hurting, participate in God's work, and respond to the Spirit's call. To engage effectively, we must remain rooted in God's love, tend to our wounds, and use contemplative practices to notice God's movement and the Spirit's guidance.

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RECENT NEWS & STORIES

Greetings siblings in Christ in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. What a humbling joy to greet you as bishop. As we truly lived into the work of the Holy Spirit at Synod Assembly back in June, I trust that the Spirit will continue to guard, guide, comfort and nudge us in life-giving and Christ serving ways. Thank…

Farewell & Godspeed to Bishop deForest

08/31/2026

Photos now available from the Saturday, August 29 Service of Farewell and Godspeed, offering thanks to God for Bishop deForest’s six years of ministry among us.

A Message from Bishop deForest Regarding 2027 Portico Rates

08/24/2026

Bishop Christopher deForest responds to Portico’s announced 15% health benefit rate increase for 2027, acknowledging the financial challenges it may create for congregations and rostered ministers.

Lutheran World Relief Ingathering

08/20/2026

Join the Lutheran World Relief Ingathering on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Center in Allentown. Donations of Baby Care Kits, School Kits, Personal Care Kits, and Quilts will be accepted.

‎Fresh Expressions Book Study

08/19/2026

Starting August 25, join Director for New Ministries Pastor Jennifer Hope-Tringali for a four-week book study exploring Gardens in the Desert: How the Adaptive Church Can Lead a Whole New Life by Michael Adam Beck and Kenneth H. Carter Jr.

Four people stand outdoors on a path in a green park, smiling at the camera; one wears a red hoodie with “WE ON THE EAST” text, another a blue headband, and a child in a dark shirt stands at the front.

Connections That Go Beyond Camp

08/11/2026

Discover how volunteer chaplains, shared ministry, and Mission Support strengthen the connection between Bear Creek Camp and the NEPA Synod. Through faith formation, relationships, and partnerships that reach beyond camp, these connections help create meaningful ministry for campers, congregations, and communities.