On October 28, 2025, the NEPA Synod gathered at the Lutheran Center in gratitude and celebration for this year’s Anniversary of Ordination recognitions. The service honored clergy marking significant milestones in ordained ministry, including 15, 25, 40, 50, 55, 60, and 65 years of faithful leadership and service to Christ and the Church.

Join us for the 2026 Generosity Extravaganza, Engaging Generosity: A Roadmap for Vitality, a one-day event equipping congregations to inspire joyful giving, deepen discipleship, and energize mission-focused ministry. Sponsored by the NEPA and SEPA Synods, this gathering offers practical tools, worship, and workshops to help your congregation thrive.

At Adventure Day Camp, young campers, teens, and elders came together in Christian community to learn, garden, serve, and celebrate God’s creation, even as they navigated storms, heat, and the everyday challenges families face.

Licensed Lay Minister Candidates from the NEPA Synod gathered at Trinity Lutheran Church in Reading for a Worship and Sacrament retreat, exploring diverse worship settings and the administration of Baptism and Holy Communion.

Saturday, December 13, Gather Lehigh Valley will be heading to the Lehigh Valley Zoo to experience the winter lights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, Gather Lehigh Valley will be gathering for a gratitude potluck at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albrightsville for the second year, going from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Highlights from the Synod Council Meeting held October 18, 2025 at The Lutheran Center in Allentown, PA.

This story highlights the ministry of Chaplain Amy Wagner, who serves residents at SpiriTrust Retirement Communities in Gettysburg and Chambersburg.

The Schuylkill Mission District is offering a program on Sunday, November 9, about church cemeteries and other issues related to church real estate. This event is open to anyone interested and will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St, Schuylkill Haven.

Email scams targeting churches are becoming more sophisticated, often appearing to come from trusted leaders, synod staff, or familiar congregation contacts. This article shares a real example from within our synod and offers practical ways to recognize and respond to suspicious messages before harm is done.

On Friday and Saturday (October 10 and 11), area congregations came together to bring their donations of Quilts and Kits to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod office for transport to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse. Along the way, we stopped in Reading to pick up donations from several Berks County churches.

Bishop Christopher deForest joined other ELCA bishops in signing A Letter from Bishops of the ELCA to the Church, calling us to stand with love, justice, and dignity for all people.

Meet our new Director for New Ministries, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hope-Tringali With gratitude to our great God and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit – Bishop Christopher deForest, Director for Evangelical Mission Kat Tigerman, and the Synod Council of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod joyfully announce the call of Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hope-Tringali to serve as our Synod’s…

October is Clergy Appreciation Month In the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, we join the wider church in celebrating October as Rostered Ministers’ Appreciation Month. Our pastors and deacons serve with dedication and care, and this is our chance to let them know how deeply they are valued. Scripture reminds us to give thanks for those who…

“Let It Shine” By: Rev. Thomas D. Busteed October 7, 2025 “This little light of mine: I’m gonna let it shine!” This was my absolute favorite song in Sunday School. As a child, I remember being filled with awe and wonder at candlelight. I loved the way it gently flickered, casting a warm light upon the…

This webpage offers resources and educational materials related to honoring and supporting Indigenous Peoples Day

On October 28, 2025, the NEPA Synod gathered at the Lutheran Center in gratitude and celebration for this year’s Anniversary of Ordination recognitions. The service honored clergy marking significant milestones in ordained ministry, including 15, 25, 40, 50, 55, 60, and 65 years of faithful leadership and service to Christ and the Church.

National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools Wear Orange on September 30 This summer the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a memorial to address the legacies of our church’s role in…

Together, It Was the Best Sunday Ever Written by: Pastor Justin Tigerman, Transitional Pastor  “No matter how this turns out, if anyone asks how this Sunday went, I’m going to tell them it was the best Sunday ever!” This wisdom from a congregation member changed my outlook for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday.  I was…

Feeding Body and Spirit in White Haven Written by: Georgia Suranofsky, God’s Work, Our Hands Storyteller Blessings in Community are all around at St. Paul’s Lutheran in White Haven, which partners with several other ecumenical neighbors to host the White Haven Community Lunch Program. For almost 15 years, homemade meals have been provided. After the…

Highlights from the Synod Council Meeting held August 23, 2025 at St. John's in Mohnton, PA.

2025 Churchwide Assembly July 28 – August 2, 2025 Phoenix, Arizona  2025 Churchwide Assembly Elected Members:Pastor Lauren Applegate, Pastor Brian Beissel, Dr. Donald Boyer, Bishop Christopher deForest, Pastor Chris Druckenmiller, Stephanie Druckenmiller, Stephen Hikes, Elizabeth Leibenguth, Maria Marcano, Amanda Melber, Pastor Kenneth Melber, Ron Mordosky, Seth Noggle, Pastor Nelson Quiñones, Nancy Reichelt, Jean Sandberg, Betty…

Sharing Hope Through “Christmas in July” Event Details Provided by: Mary Jean Kauffman from St John’s Gernants, Leesport This past July, St. John’s Gernant’s Church in Leesport came together for a heartfelt outreach called “Christmas in July.” Throughout the month, members collected over 400 household necessities to support Blessed Beginnings, an organization dedicated to helping…

2025 Summer/Fall Newsletter Highlights from the Summer/Fall 2025 Green Team Newsletter:   Green Team Invitation The team welcomes feedback and encourages sharing the newsletter. Call to action: Congregations with gardens are asked to fill out a brief form: Garden Survey   Upcoming Event: Nuclear Prayer Day August 5 at Christ Lutheran, Hellertown Marks the 80th…

We give thanks, praise and glory to God – as Pastor Zach Labagh and Pastor Ken Melber accept appointments to new assignments on the NE PA Synod staff. They will both remain in their congregational pastoral calls and responsibilities, taking on these roles as “Associate of the Bishop” on a part-time basis. Associates of the…

Highlights from the Synod Council Meeting held June 28, 2025 at Bear Creek Camp in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Luke 9:51-62: When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to prepare for his arrival, 53 but they did not receive him because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 When his…

Walking the Kindness Road Together A Youth Ministry Journey at Holy Trinity, Dingmans Ferry Event Details Provided by: Pastor Niels Nielsen, Holy Trinity, Dingmans Ferry From early June to early July, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dingmans Ferry brought their youth ministry to life through a powerful three-part experience known as the annual Youth Ministry…

$20,000 Grant from Wartburg Seminary to Support 6261 On Friday, June 13, our Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod received a grant for $20,000 from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa to support our congregations exploring ecumenical 6261 Ministry Communities – the new collaboration concept where 6 congregations share 2 pastors, 6 licensed lay ministers, and 1 deacon to…

A Table of Love and Accessibility at Jerusalem Event details submitted by Pastor Larry Laine of Jerusalem Lutheran in Trachsville At Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Trachsville, a heartfelt need sparked a beautiful outpouring of love and generosity. When a young couple, longtime members of the congregation who both live with disabilities, needed significant home modifications…

Dear Synod, In these warm days following Pentecost, I am still lingering over the first line of the reading from Acts: “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place…” Would that we could be all together in one place! But summertime leads to a lot of travel; folks are on vacation;…

Ziegels Union Church upgraded its shared Fellowship Room with new technology to expand ministry and educational opportunities, made possible through the collaboration of two congregations and the support of four grants.

Bear Creek Camp Staff Commissioning On Monday June 9, the 2025 Bear Creek Camp Summer Staff were commissioned in a special worship service grounded in creation, community, and call. Bishop Christopher deForest led the commissioning litany, reminding staff of their sacred work and encouraging them to walk gently and boldly in faith. This summer’s theme,…

Tracing Lutheran Roots Advent Congregation’s Visit to Historic Trappe and the Augustus Lutheran Churches Written by George Freestone and Ray Smith of Advent, West Lawn Advent’s Men’s Group coordinated a day-trip to Trappe, PA on Saturday, May 17th. One of four facilitators of the group, Dr. Ray Smith spent some youthful and educational years living…

Boyertown Churches Team Up to Plant Hope – One Potato at a Time Written by: Shannon Omlor  of St John’s Boyertown On Saturday, April 26, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Boyertown was buzzing with energy and purpose. Members from both congregations came together for a hands-on mission:…

Refresh Berks is offering dignity and hope by providing mobile showers to neighbors experiencing homelessness. This inspiring story, featured by WFMZ, shows how compassion and community care go hand in hand.

Travelers include: Pastor Rob Argot, Bishop Chris deForest, Allison Fayock, Kathy Fegely, Deacon Deborah Matern Graf, Judy Houtsch, Pastor Wayne and Pastor Michele Kaufman, and Louise Sackett. Travelers from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod recently embarked on an enriching journey to Germany, exploring the nation’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Their journey began on April 28…

Celebrating Service: Trinity Pantry Volunteers Honored for 55 Years of Ministry Event Details Provided By: Mary Ann Hazel of Trinity, Lehighton On May 4, 2025, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehighton celebrated the 55th anniversary of its Trinity Pantry ministry with a heartfelt recognition of its dedicated volunteers. The celebration, held during the Sunday worship…

The Intersection of Church, Preschool and Community Written by: Pastor Katie Lyon of Atonement, Wyomissing For almost 50 years Atonement has had a preschool at the corner of Wyomissing Boulevard and Penn Ave. in Wyomissing, PA. Over the last few years we have worked at building an even stronger bridge between the church, preschool and…

Sewing Group Spreads Warmth to the Community and Beyond Written by: Debbie Geiger, St John’s Lutheran, Slatington Our sewing group was formed in the late 1980’s and was originally called the Dorcas Circle.  The ladies sewed quilts and lap robes for Lutheran World Relief and the area’s annual Ingathering in December.   Overtime we just…

God’s Beloved, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. During the 2020 Synod Assembly, as it became increasingly possible that you all might actually elect me to be your bishop – I began to imagine who might be the best person to have alongside me, to help me do this…

Planting Seeds of Care Event Details Provided by: Pastor Niels Nielsen, Holy Trinity, Dingmans Ferry At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, faith took root-literally-during a recent gathering of the Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) and Confirmation Class. Under the guidance of retired Pastor Joe Veres, a master gardener, the youth planted over 100…

Earth Day Resource Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Host an Earth Day Vigil in your community, using LAMPa’s Earth Day Liturgy and other resources from Lutherans Restoring Creation. Lutheran Creation Care-Centered Worship Material We seek to worship throughout the year so that we express our gratitude and praise to God as creator, redeemer, and…

2025 Chrism Mass & Affirmation of Call On Tuesday, April 15, leaders and members of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod gathered at the Lutheran Center in Allentown, for the annual Chrism Mass and Affirmation of Call. This moving worship service brought together Pastors, Deacons, Synodically uathorized Lay Ministers, Licensed Lay Ministers and Pastoral Care Providers to…

Hands, Feet, and Heart: Rebuilding Lives After Hurricane Helene Written by: Dennis Ritter of Trinity, Kutztown On Saturday, March 15, 2025, 7 members of the congregation and 2 community members left Trinity’s parking lot to travel to western North Carolina to help with the region’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene last fall. The…

Recollection and Resurrection This change of seasons brings a bounty of memories, feelings, hopes and expectations. Winter into spring into summer. Ash Wednesday into Lent into Holy Week. Maundy Thursday into Good Friday into Easter. Life into death into life eternal. God goes with us through it all. The Father’s love. The Son’s grace. The…

St. John’s Boyertown sends team to Mexico Three years strong – Supporting programs that help to empower people in the state of Morelos, Mexico Written by: Shannon Omlor  of St John’s Boyertown Organized by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boyertown, a team of eleven traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico in February of 2025 to join with…

Belleman’s Church in Mohrsville stepped into the world of mission trips in 2004 when a couple members took part in a trip to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. This first trip spawned a ministry that became known as the Belleman’s Mission Team. Our reach has been far and wide over the last 20-plus years by serving those displaced by hurricanes, tornados and floods across the United States.

In 2025, Advent Lutheran Church in West Lawn is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a congregation. To begin this yearlong commemoration, Advent hosted the Kutztown University Choral Program on March 9th for the first of three special concerts planned throughout the year.

New Grant-Funded Project to Support Women and BIPOC LGBTQ+ Leaders By Pastor Kim Truebenbach   During the fall of 2024, the ELCA made available donor-funded grants to improve the quality of call for women in ministry. The email was forwarded to me to see if this was something I would be interested in pursuing. I…

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley (MCCLV) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod's Racial Justice Team & LGBTQ+ Taskforce, we came together today to honor the life and ministry of Martin Luther King Jr. through worship and service.

From February 21-24, volunteers from Prince of Peace in Johnsonville, through their ministry POP’s Treasures, came together with a shared purpose: to prepare meals for those in need at Safe Harbor in Easton.

Ten Years, Nine Souls, and Eight Kids from Mahoning  Ten years ago, I was co-pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mahoning, near Lehighton. We had a large confirmation group that year – eight of them – and we took a weekend field trip to Philadelphia, with the theme “Faithful Philly.” On Friday, we visited…

2025 Spring Newsletter Highlights from the Spring 2025 Green Team Newsletter:   Prayer & Reflection A video prayer from Lutherans Restoring Creation: “Fact: The Earth is Good.” Link: Watch here   Feature: Lutheran Environmentalists in the West Bank Highlights the Nassar family, a Lutheran Palestinian family promoting nonviolence and sustainability. Discusses the Environmental Education Center…

Racial Justice is Something I Didn’t Sign Up For! “Pastor, it’s a shame that we have school districts that have so many minorities.” This was one of the most heartbreaking comments I’ve ever heard. I serve in Schuylkill County, which is at the last census 90.7% white in its population and 3.8% black, and also 3.3% Hispanic. Yes, I am aware that this adds up to 97.8, and the rest of that is designated as “other”. That comment that you read above? It came not from any parishioner I’ve had, but from someone who attended a funeral that I had led.

On February 19, 2025, members of Advent and Bern Lutheran Churches in the West Berks Mission District came together for a hands-on mission project in support of Lutheran Disaster Response.

Racial Justice Work is God’s Work, Our Hands “Why should I care about all this racial justice stuff?” “The church should stick to spiritual matters, not get involved in politics!” I sometimes hear these arguments. And I get it. There was a time when I didn’t see how my call to be a pastor included a call to work for justice. I thought these were two separate things – both good things, to be sure – but not necessarily related. Was I ever wrong!

Racial Justice Work Where does one begin? That’s a great question! If you are asking, then you are already on the right track. When I first came to the realization that I needed to learn and understand more about my whiteness and the experience of black and brown people, I started with John Lewis’ Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change and Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy and Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give.

Dear Friends in Christ, I usually write on a monthly basis in this space. But these are extraordinary times. I also want to share with you my own account of the events of last Wednesday evening, Feb 5, at Allentown City Hall. Not because they were problematic or alarming, or because there’s a danger that…

“Allentown City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night during a special meeting to adopt an ordinance that suggests the administration work to obtain a ‘Welcoming City’ rating from Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization,” reporters Grace Griffaton & David Kostival from WFMZ.

Link to Livestream

Feb 19, 2025 5:30pm (Potluck) 7:00pm (Worship)   Christ Lutheran Church 1301 Luzerne St Reading, PA 19601-1607  The Pretzel City Parish invites you to its’ opening fellowship and worship celebration on Wednesday, February 19 at Christ Lutheran Church, 1301 Luzerne Street, Reading (In the Glenside neighborhood – just off of Route 183 and Route 12). 5:30 p.m.…

Dear Friends in Christ, As we continue on the way of Christ together, we are all called to love, heal, and engage like Jesus. Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we are deeply aware of the common historical journey of our forebears – immigrants to this country, speaking a foreign tongue, practicing a different faith, accused of…

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley (MCCLV) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod's Racial Justice Team & LGBTQ+ Taskforce, we came together today to honor the life and ministry of Martin Luther King Jr. through worship and service.

ProJeCt Easton is a beacon of hope and opportunity in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. With a legacy spanning more than 50 years, they are dedicated to uplifting low-income, at-risk residents through the power of education and community support.

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley (MCCLV) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod's Racial Justice Team & LGBTQ+ Taskforce, we came together today to honor the life and ministry of Martin Luther King Jr. through worship and service.

All of us are called to lead something. Sometime in this new year 2025, leadership will come to you. It could be momentary or long term. Big or small. For pay or volunteer. At home, at work, at church. We may want to do it, or just pray we get through it. We may be…

Managing the People’s Pantry at Zion Evangelical has been a deeply rewarding experience . They witness a great deal of gratitude from those who rely on the pantry. It's not just about giving, though. It's about the generosity of those who donate, even when they're on fixed incomes themselves.

Healing through Truth Vance Blackfox’s Address on Indigenous Histories and ELCA’s Efforts  Submitted by Pastor Samantha Drennan, co-convenor of Racial Justice Team On November 20 at Muhlenberg College, the Red Door Roots speaker series at Muhlenberg College featured Vance Blackfox, Indigenous Theologian.  He began his presentation by thanking his ancestors – the ones he knows,…

On November 30, Hope, Cherryville hosted its first community tree lighting event in collaboration with their yearly nativity display. Organized by the Evangelism Committee and Mom’s Group, the event highlighted themes of Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy. Amid a pastoral transition, the event showcased the congregation's unity and commitment to faith during this time of change.

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, after the All Saints Day service, Christ Mertz Lutheran Church in Dryville gathered to create 65 hand-crafted stuffed animals for children at Reilly Children’s Hospital. Transforming their fellowship hall into a cozy workshop, members of all ages worked side by side, with each stitch and seam filled with love and prayers.

It was this past Friday night, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee – my hometown, my birthplace, the day after my birthday. Seated at a long table in a Mexican restaurant, my father’s favorite. He sits on the other side, across from me and my son Beau. We put Dad in the middle because he doesn’t hear…

The community of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Zion Grove recently came together to host a Ham & Chicken Dinner on Saturday, November 9. The event was a vibrant celebration of community, hospitality, and delicious homemade food.

“It’s important to keep uplifting the call,” said Pastor Susan Fox. “I enjoy and appreciate reading the Word and lessons, interpreting them for today and everyday life,” she continued. As many heads nodded in agreement, you could see and feel how each minister connected with her statement.

Alive in Christ with the Pocono Mission District Submitted By Marie Jucknik, Council President of St. John, Pen Argyl   In 2019, the congregation of St. John Lutheran in Pen Argyl, PA was feeling cast adrift. Our pastor was wonderful but we were looking for more of a connection to our synod. As the council…

Dear Friends in Christ – This was our first Sunday after Tuesday’s elections. I was invited to preach at worship for Maidencreek Church in Blandon, PA, alongside Pastor Bruce Schoup. This was the birthday and festival day commemorating Martin Luther, who founded our Lutheran movement in 1517. I used the Lectionary reading for this Sunday…

Breathing in Faith: On the Way to Election Day Dear God’s Beloved, On the Way in NE PA, As Election Day draws near, let us hear the word of the Lord from the prophet Isaiah: “Do not fear, for I am with you;I will bring your offspring from the east,and from the west I will gather you;I will…

Over 100 people joyfully participated in a variety of service projects at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit (LCHS) on Sunday October 6th, 2024 as part of the annual God’s Work Our Hands day of service.

St. Paul’s, Fountain Hill, never lost hope...never lost faith that their prayers would be answered. Although not sure what the answer would be to the months of praying, we all believed that God was not ready for us to close and leave the community.

On Saturday, September 21, the NEPA Synod held its first local Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Ingathering, successfully collecting Mission Quilts and Kits for the Baltimore warehouse. The event saw an overwhelming response, with numerous congregations contributing a substantial number of kits and quilts, demonstrating a remarkable community effort in supporting those in need.

We are thrilled to share the joyous occasion of our Anniversary Celebration Luncheon and Ceremony for Rostered Ministers, which took place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at the Miller Moyer Hall on the campus of Muhlenberg College in Allentown.

Journeying Together in Faith: Reflections from Chicago and Tanzania  Dear Loved Ones of God in NE PA, I have really been “on the way” for the last two weeks, serving and representing you in two places: Chicago, for the bi-annual Conference of Bishops meeting; and the South-Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. As we…

On September 14, 2024, Bishop deForest and Rev. Michele Kaufman traveled to Tanzania to visit our Global Companion Synod

Join the Pocono Mission District from 9:00 am to Noon on Saturday, October 26, 2024 for a morning of exploring spiritual practices

On September 5, 2024, Bishop Christopher deForest, along with other religious leaders from across Pennsylvania, representing over 3 million people, gathered at the Capitol to call for peace during the election season.

37th Northeastern PA Synod Assembly – June 8, 2024 Photos by Corrina Verdieck

The NEPA Synod is seeking input from congregations and rostered ministers through a brief survey about the synod's communications and congregational ministries

Lutheran Day at the Capitol: Celebrating 45 Years of Advocacy and Service Submitted by Stacey Burke, Communications and Growing Young Coordinator May 9, 2024 The day commenced at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, PA, with over 200 Lutherans from various connections and synods across Pennsylvania full with excitement and gratitude. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in…

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14 On Saturday, April 27, 2024, 19 congregations gathered at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Bath to celebrate and get to know other youth and adults who will be attending the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. The event kicked off with the NEPA…