Summer Worship Resources Coming Soon

The NEPA Synod is continuing to work in partnership with the Virginia Synod to develop resources to support the daily life and ministry of congregations. The resources for this summer will invite congregations to dive deeper into the revised common lectionary texts between Sunday, May 31 and Reformation Sunday, October 25.

A group of people in teal shirts stand behind a rolling cart filled with brown paper lunch bags.

A Recipe for Care: Shelf-Stable Meals from Hope, Cherryville

During Lent, Hope Lutheran Church in Cherryville invited members to create shelf-stable meal kits using simple recipes and pantry items. The congregation responded with overwhelming generosity, providing 98 ready-to-prepare meals for their community cupboard.

A person in a pink cardigan and floral dress stands at an altar, holding a piece of bread. Behind them is a stained-glass window and a banner with a cross and figures. Chalices and bread are on the altar.

A Journey from Faith to Unexpected Ministry

A simple desire to grow in faith led Licensed Lay Minister Tanya Kantner into an unexpected journey of ministry, where presence, relationship, and trust in God’s leading became central. Her story reflects how God works through ordinary people, calling them to serve in meaningful and surprising ways.

On The Way: “I wouldn’t want your job.”

In this month’s On the Way, Bishop Christopher deForest shares a personal reflection on living with depression, seeking therapy, and finding renewed clarity and joy through care and support. He encourages others to ask for help without shame and offers honest insight into the blessings of ministry. Rooted in faith and calling, he reflects on the joy of serving and invites others to prayerfully discern where God may be leading them.