On the Way

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…