On the Way

Bishop Christopher deForest’s Christmas message invites us to imagine with God—celebrating Christ’s coming and reflecting on where God is already at work among us, now and in the year ahead.

In this month’s On the Way post, Bishop deForest reflects on the installation of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry—a moment filled with the Spirit’s presence and the power of connection. From that sacred pause in Minneapolis to our shared ministry in Northeastern Pennsylvania, he reminds us that in Christ, we are drawn together for the life of the world.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Bishop Christopher deForest Addresses Recent Tragedies I am on my way to New Orleans, to spend the next four days with youth, young adults and youth leaders and accompaniers from our wonderful Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, along with young people from across our church. It will be joyous, fun, meaningful and lifechanging for all of us.…

On the Way Rejoicing Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [1st Thessalonians 5:16-18] THANK YOU! With your benevolence (also called mission support) – the financial gifts you and your congregations share with our synod and our church, from your heart, out…

GREETINGS FROM YOUR NEPA SYNOD STAFF! Front from left: Zach Labagh, Eric Gombert, Kat Tigerman, Chris deForest Back: Samantha Drennan, Lauren Wolfe Blatt, Charles Grube, Stacey Burke, Niels Nielsen, Debbie Skinner, Laurie Christman, Jean Huber, Carl Shankweiler Not pictured: Rachael Dietz, Travis Woodfield Video Message

STILLING RUTHLESSNESS This past Thursday, October 19, our synod staff was led in devotions by Pastor Carl Shankweiler, who has experience and connections to the Middle East. He gave me permission to share his words with you.    On the Way of Jesus together,Bishop Christopher deForest  DEVOTIONS FOR THE SYNOD STAFFNORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD, ELCAOctober 19,…

God’s Work, Our Elevators I was invited out to two places last Sunday, September 10. I accepted both invitations months ago, and neither of the two knew the other was inviting me. What’s really funny and amazing: I myself didn’t put “2 and 2 together” until almost the last minute. This may be because my…

View Bp. deForest’s Easter Message EASTER MESSAGE

I am glad to report that I am returning to work. I am doing so cautiously and carefully, as I continue to recover from open-heart surgery to replace a valve, and severe back pain due to a strep infection. The pain is mostly gone during the day. It comes back at night when I stretch…

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Issue 10 | October 1, 2022 “On The Way” is a play on the word “synod,” which comes from two Biblical Greek words, syn and hodos. These can mean “on the road with” and also “walking with” – since most people in Bible times (and around the world still today) got from place to place…

Issue 9 | September 4, 2022   “On The Way” is a play on the word “synod,” which comes from two Biblical Greek words, syn and hodos. These can mean “on the road with” and also “walking with” – since most people in Bible times (and around the world still today) got from place to…

Issue 8 | August 29, 2022 And our CWA VOTING MEMBERS of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA REFLECTIONS ON CWA 2022 I have to confess, going into our ELCA Churchwide Assembly, I was anxious. As 850 Lutheran Voting Members, along with hundreds of non-voting visitors and guests, gathered in Columbus from August 8-12, rumors were…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… August 5, 2022  “On The Way” is a play on the word “synod,” which comes from two Biblical Greek words, syn and hodos. These can mean “on the road with” and also “walking with” – since most people in Bible times (and around the world still today) got from…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… June 29, 2022 “On The Way” is a play on the word “synod,” which comes from two Biblical Greek words, syn and hodos. These can mean “on the road with” and also “walking with” – since most people in Bible times (and around the world still today) got from…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… May 21, 2022 “On The Way” is a play on the word “synod,” which comes from two Biblical Greek words, syn and hodos. These can mean “on the road with” and also “walking with” – since most people in Bible times (and around the world still today) got from…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… April 23, 2022 As we introduce a new synod website, I am taking this opportunity to start A NEW BLOG – a place online where I can regularly post reflections and highlights from our journey together as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We’re calling it “On The Way” as a…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… March 16, 2022 As we introduce a new synod website, I am taking this opportunity to start A NEW BLOG – a place online where I can regularly post reflections and highlights from our journey together as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We’re calling it “On The Way” as a…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… March 16, 2022 As we introduce a new synod website, I am taking this opportunity to start A NEW BLOG – a place online where I can regularly post reflections and highlights from our journey together as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We’re calling it “On The Way” as a…

A Blog by Bishop Christopher deForest… March 1, 2022 As we introduce a new synod website, I am taking this opportunity to start A NEW BLOG – a place online where I can regularly post reflections and highlights from our journey together as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We’re calling it “On The Way” as a…