Honoring a Lifetime of Ministry
Anniversary Celebration of Rostered Leaders
Allentown, PA — October 28, 2025. The Lutheran Center in Allentown was filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude as rostered leaders from across the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod gathered for the annual “Anniversary Celebration of Rostered Leaders.” Hosted by Bishop Christopher deForest and the NEPA Synod Committee of Deans, the event honored pastors and deacons celebrating significant anniversaries of ordained ministry—spanning from 15 to 65 years of faithful service to Christ and the Church.
After Bishop deForest offered words of welcome, the gathering was opened in prayer by The Rev. Michael Scholtes, Dean of the Pocono Mission District, who led the Invocation and Blessing of the Meal. Guests then enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, shared stories of ministry, and reconnected with colleagues and friends in ministry from across the synod.
The heart of the afternoon was the recognition ceremony, led by Bishop deForest, in which each anniversary group was called forward and celebrated.
Honorees marked with an asterisk (*) were in attendance at this year’s celebration.
15 Years
Presented by Colleen Cox, Dean of West Berks
Mission District
Word and Sacrament
The Rev. Aaron Decker
The Rev. Donna House
*The Rev. Barry Spatz
Word and Service
*Deacon Carol Koch
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
25 Years
Presented by Tom Busteed, Dean of Lehigh Mission District
Word and Sacrament
*The Rev. Rebecca Knox
The Rev. Elizabeth Melot
The Rev. Elna Stratton
40 Years
Presented by Brandon Heavner, Dean of Northern Lehigh Mission District
Word and Sacrament
*The Rev. Melinda Heppe
*The Rev. Franklin Stinner
*The Rev. Manuel Stivers Jr.
The Rev. Lesley Hand
Word and Service
Deacon Ethel Mae Cloughen
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
50 Years
Presented by Synod Vice President, Nancy Reichelt on behalf of Michael Frost, Dean of Hazleton/Lehighton Mission District
Word and Sacrament
The Rev. David Roper
*The Rev. John Richter
*The Rev. Bruce Potteiger
The Rev. John Harding
*The Rev. Gregory Stoddard
The Rev. Kenneth Gould
The Rev. Rodney Saylor
*The Rev. Gerald Arndt
The Rev. Norman Dresher
*The Rev. Guy Grube
The Rev. Thomas Richards Jr.
55 Years
Presented by Barry Spatz, Dean of Schuylkill Mission District
Word and Sacrament
The Rev. Fred Crawford III
*The Rev. Grant Wickert
*The Rev. David Werley
Click on photo to enlarge
60 Years
Presented by Bishop deForest
Word and Sacrament
The Rev. Stanley Trout
65 Years
Presented by Marty Milne, Dean of East Mission District
Word and Sacrament
*The Rev. James Henderschedt Jr.
The Rev. Hartland Gifford
Click on photo to enlarge
A Spirit of Thanksgiving
The program concluded with a heartfelt Closing Prayer led by Jennifer Heavner, Dean of the Bethlehem-Easton Mission District, giving thanks for the witness and dedication of all who have served Christ’s church through the years.
Bishop deForest expressed his deep gratitude to all the honorees, noting that their ministries—whether in parishes, hospitals, schools, or community settings—continue to shape lives and proclaim God’s grace throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.
“This celebration reminds us that ministry is not just about the years we count, but about the countless lives touched by God’s love through faithful servants,” Bishop deForest said.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod gives thanks for these devoted leaders and prays for continued joy, strength, and blessing in their ongoing ministries.
Additional Photos
