The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod gathered in worship and thanksgiving on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the Rev. Jennifer K. Dee was installed as its fifth bishop and the first woman to serve in the role. Held at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, the service of Holy Communion with the Rite of Installation brought together close to 300 people from across the synod and beyond, with others joining through the livestream.
Bishop Bill Gohl of the Delaware-Maryland Synod preached and presided over the installation on behalf of ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, who was unable to attend because of a family emergency. In her remarks, Bishop Dee thanked Gohl for his leadership and willingness to step in so the celebration could proceed.
During a children’s sermon led by Pastor Ann Marie, children, joined by several bishops, explored how Play-Doh can take new shapes while remaining made of the same material. On a day that was both Halloween and Reformation Day, the message offered a playful reminder that God continues to shape and renew the church, and that through every change, we remain God’s own people.
Drawing on Jesus’ Beatitudes, Gohl called the church to practice mercy, pursue justice, make peace, and welcome the stranger. He emphasized that these acts flow from the grace already given to us in Christ.
Reflecting on Dee’s desire to connect people and congregations and hear stories of healing and hope, Gohl described communities where people can speak honestly, bear one another’s burdens, practice forgiveness, and discover that they do not walk alone.
“So, what does that brave life of faith look like?” he asked. “It’s the courage to tell the truth without cruelty. It’s courage to disagree without contempt.”
He reminded the congregation that neither a bishop nor the church’s members carry the future alone.
“God’s grace is sufficient,” Gohl said, “and in Christ we are church together.”
During the installation, prayers gave thanks for the people and communities that have shaped Dee’s faith and ministry, including her family, congregations, camp experiences, theological education, and young people. She was presented with a cross as a sign of her calling to serve Christ and his people.
Addressing the assembly, Dee thanked her family, friends, colleagues, and the congregations that have supported and shaped her. She reflected on the prayerful discernment of the synod assembly and the relationships already growing during her first two months in office.
“I am called to be a pastor,” she said. “And now I am called to be the synod’s pastor.”
She described the privilege of joining congregations for worship and accompanying leaders and councils in conversations about their sense of call. Her hope is for lay and rostered leaders to feel seen, heard, cared for, and supported in ministries that bring joy and hope. Building those relationships, she acknowledged, will take time, trust, and a willingness to learn new ways of working together.
Beginning in Advent, the synod will enter a year of Healing in Hope, creating opportunities to share stories and experiences that build connections across congregations and communities. Those stories will be shared through the synod’s website, social media, and a Lenten devotional, leading toward the next synod assembly.
“It’s a very exciting time to be church together, and I know there is hard work to be done,” Dee said. “But I also know that Christ is leading us.”
Music was led by Darin Lewis, Organist and Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia, and Eric Gombert, Cantor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Allentown and Director of Operations for the NEPA Synod. A mass choir of singers from across the synod, including participants from the A-Town Bundle, Hope Lutheran Church in Cherryville, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia, helped lead the assembly in worship and song. Together with congregational singing and Holy Communion, music was central to the celebration.
The offering raised $2,505 for Bear Creek Camp, reflecting the important place of outdoor ministry in the synod’s life and in Dee’s own faith journey. Those who wish to contribute may still do so at bearcreekcamp.campbraingiving.com.
Following worship, guests gathered for a reception. Participants signed quilt squares to be incorporated into a quilt for the bishop’s office, with thanks to Eileen Lane and the quilters of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Allentown for sharing their talents.
Children created cards and artwork for Bishop Dee, guests enjoyed a photo booth, and participants added words and drawings to a Healing in Hope display, sharing where they have experienced healing and hope.
The synod gives thanks to First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, Deacon John Weit of the ELCA, the worship leaders and musicians, planners, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the celebration possible. Together, we continue into this season of ministry with the joy, hope, and humility that have marked Bishop Dee’s call.
