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2026 Chrism Mass and Affirmation of Call Photos
Photos from this year’s Chrism Mass and Affirmation of Call services, held across the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod during Holy Week, are now available. These gatherings brought rostered leaders and ministry partners together for worship, renewal, and reflection on our shared call to serve Christ and the Church.
Thank you to St. Paul’s, Dallas, Robeson, Mohnton, and the NEPA Synod staff for hosting and coordinating these meaningful gatherings.
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Assembly Registration Update
We are delaying opening registration for 2026 Synod Assembly until the week of April 13 so that we can continue to receive specific budget amounts as well as additional sponsorship commitments which we anticipate will help us to reduce meal expenses for assembly attendees. Watch next week for an announcement regarding the opening of Assembly registration.
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Reminder: Bulletin of Reports Deadline
Those wishing to include information in the Bulletin of Reports for the 2026 Synod Assembly are reminded that the submission deadline is April 15. Please send all materials to Synod Secretary, Pastor Ken Melber.
| | | Visit the Synod Assembly webpage at godslove.org/assembly2026 to follow along and stay informed as more details about the Assembly are shared. | | |
Read the book of Ephesians as a Synod along with Bishop deForest during the Easter Season
During the season of Easter, Bishop deForest invites you to join him and the rest of the Synod in reading the book of Ephesians. Our 2026 Synod Assembly theme verse comes from Ephesians 3:20. As we prepare for Synod Assembly, we can immerse ourselves in the entire book of Ephesians and see where the imaginings of the Spirit lead us.
Beginning on Sunday, April 12 join with others across the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod as we explore Scripture together. You can read the book of Ephesians by yourself as a spiritual discipline or gather with a group of friends or Bible study group to discuss what you are reading. Don’t have a group? Join Bishop deForest for a Synod-wide Zoom to discuss Ephesians chapter by chapter each week on Mondays at 5:00pm. Feel free to sign up to receive a weekly email reminder with the materials for that week’s chapter of Ephesians as well as the Zoom link. You can sign up and download the entire series at godslove.org/ephesians
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Installation on Deacon for Pretzel City 6261 Bundle
Six congregations that make up the Reading Area 6261 Bundle that calls itself “The Pretzel City Parish” gathered for Maundy Thursday worship and the installation of their new ordained minister of Word and Service, Deacon Diana Pelletier. May God bless Deacon Diana in her ministry, and may this community continue to be strengthened in faith, united in purpose, and sent out to serve with joy.
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Anti Racism Training for Rostered Leaders
Saturday, May 9, 2026
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Star of Bethlehem
514 3rd Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
| All Northeastern PA Synod rostered leaders (pastors, deacons, licensed lay ministers, and synodically-authorized lay leaders) are required to have Anti-Racism and Boundary Training at least once every three years. | | | | | |
2026 Bishop deForest's Easter Message
Bishop Chris deForest’s Easter message is now available, reflecting on the hope of the resurrection in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
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Daily Bread Ministries Across Our Synod
We give thanks for the congregations across our synod who have been awarded ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Matching Grants. These grants support “Daily Bread” ministries, local efforts to provide food and care for neighbors in need, reflecting Jesus’ call to feed the hungry and share God’s abundance with all. Through these ministries, congregations are not only meeting immediate needs but also building relationships rooted in dignity, mutual respect, and hope. We are grateful to the ELCA for this partnership and for the funding that helps make this life-giving work possible.
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Allegheny Lutheran Church, Mohnton
Christ's United Lutheran Church, Ashland
Friedens Lutheran Church, Oley
St Luke Lutheran Church, Greeley
St Mark Lutheran Church, Birdsboro
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Mountain Top
St Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove
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Immigration Guidance for Congregations
Recent national events have prompted some church leaders to ask for clarification about rules governing possible interactions between immigration enforcement agents and church congregants or visitors. During our annual day of worship and service in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the synod’s Racial Justice team organized a presentation to provide information about rights and responsibilities in relation to such interactions. Dr. Helen H. Davis, who is a member of the NEPA Synod Racial Justice Team and co-convenor of the LGBTQIA+ Taskforce, led the presentation and presented slides and handouts. Dr. Davis is not an attorney, and the Synod is not authorized to give legal advice, so this material is shared for informational purposes only.
We share this information with the goal of ensuring that we are working together to create inclusive, safe spaces where we can Love like Jesus, Heal like Jesus, and Engage like Jesus.
Resources in this collection include:
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April Recorded Sermons Available
Need to take a break from sermon writing after Easter? We've got you covered! Recorded sermons are available for times when a minister is on vacation, not available or when last-minute changes come up.
View April's sermons at
godslove.org/weeklysermons
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Young Adult Retreats
April 17-19
Arendtsville, PA
Join Gather Lehigh Valley and NEXT, a ministry of Lower Susquehanna Synod, at Camp Nawakwa, for a young adult (18-35) retreat. Space is limited. Transportation and meals are subsidized! Reach out to Ashley or Quentin to register today!
Click here to learn more about the retreat
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Learning Ministry Days
“How Can We Walk Together: Mental Health and Spiritual Wholeness”
Saturday April 25
8:30am to 12:00pm
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit
3461 S Cedar Crest Blvd Emmaus, PA
Presenters: Britani Harrison from Valley Youth House on Mental Health and Youth, and Rev. Maggie Wellert on Spiritual Direction
Registration closes April 10
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Final event:
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Sept 19 - “Who Do We Trust: Truth, Scams and AI”
- Zion United Lutheran Church, Brodheadsville
Learn more about the other two opportunities at godslove.org/LMD26
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APRIL Rostered Leader Anniversaries
We give thanks for ELCA rostered ministers (Deacons & Pastors) in our synod who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of ordination, ranging from 5 to 65 years.
5 Years:
The Rev. Elizabeth Koerner (04/23/2021)
10 Years:
Deacon Kat Tigerman (04/24/2016)
55 Years:
The Rev. Roger E. Timm (04/25/1971)
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Lord, you are so good. We pray for many beloved people and things in our lives,
but especially for...
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New Prayer Requests:
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The family and friends of The Rev. Fred T. Crawford, III, who passed away on April 5, that you would surround them with your comfort, hold them in your peace, and assure them of the promise of resurrection and new life in Christ.
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Barbara Godshall as she recovers from a stroke, that you would grant strength, patience, and healing in each step of recovery.
- For the church in every place as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Continuing in Our Prayers:
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Pastor Beverly Wenrich as she recovers from surgeries after a serious fall on the ice, that you would surround her with your healing presence and restore her strength day by day.
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Pastor David Roper as he remains in the hospital, that you would surround him with your presence, bring comfort and peace, and uphold him in your care in the days ahead.
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Synod Treasurer, Dr. Donald Boyer, as he recovers from hip replacement surgery last week.
- Travelers, especially those facing airport delays and uncertainties, and for TSA workers.
- The joy and hope you place before us each day, that we may see your goodness at work, give thanks in all things, and be renewed in your promise of life and love.
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If you are in need of prayer, click here submit a request.
Prayer requests will remain in the synod's enews for two weeks. If you would like to extend your request, please email info@nepsynod.org or submit another form.
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LDR Training & Engagement Catalog for Spring 2026
The Lutheran Disaster Response Training & Engagement Catalog for Spring 2026 highlights opportunities to learn, connect, and prepare for disaster response ministry.
From March through June, explore a variety of online and in-person trainings, Just in Time trainings following recent disasters, and self-paced courses available through LDR’s learning management system. 2026 Spring Training and Engagement Calendar
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Our March 2026 Mission Support memo takes us into a two-day training on Facilitation Fundamentals by our ELCA innovation team. It’s a room full of ELCA staff from across the country, across churchwide units, in all levels of positions. A few people know each other, but everyone will leave knowing each other. They wonder what the pile of Post-it notes is all about but quickly realize it’s to collect each person’s imaginings and ideas that then help the group surface insights quickly, ensure everyone is heard, and allow people across roles and hierarchy to contribute equally. Read to hear how valuable folks are finding this approach. Also a tool for our synods is included in the memo, the Thank You Certificate, to celebrate our congregations generosity.
We cherish hearing about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.
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Budgeting Without Loosing Your Mind | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering
Apr 13, 2026 08:00 PM EST
Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar.
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ELCA Worship Resource: Worship Resources in a Time of War
As the United States has begun military combat operations in Iran, we are called to pray and ask for God’s mercy. A recent blog post highlights available resources.
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Presiding Bishop Curry Issues Pastoral Message on Gender-based Violence
It is hard to avoid the crushing news of the headlines and what they mean for individuals every day. Today, I am writing specifically to address the sexual and gender-based violence that is all too familiar to many of us. I know many of you who are survivors live with this trauma and that the news cycle of these stories can push you deeper into despair and anxiety. I want you to know that I hear you. I see you.
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Rostered Ministers Gathering
July 6-9, 2026
Indianapolis, Indiana
All ELCA deacons, pastors and bishops (under call, on leave or disability, or retired) and candidates approved for call are invited to a time of intentional connection when we can renew our strength, enjoy camaraderie with colleagues and reflect on the Holy Spirit’s work among us.
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As we prepare for another incredible camp season, you’re invited to a Fireside FUNraiser on April 18, 6–8 PM at Reformation Church in Media.
This free, open-house style evening for all ages will bring the spirit of camp indoors, with appetizers, desserts, s’mores, and plenty of camp vibes. At 7:00 PM, we’ll gather for a brief program featuring stories from BCC staff, alumni, and board members, along with an invitation to support campers through donations.
Come celebrate what camp means to so many and help make it possible for even more kids to experience it this summer.
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May Play Day/Open House
May 2
Join us Saturday, May 2nd at BCC for an open house day of fun!
Explore camp, meet staff, boat, hike, try out high ropes, and fellowship with our camp community. Cookout lunch is freely offered to all! Pre-registration is appreciated for planning.
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Lutheran Congregational Services
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
Eucharistic Visitors are members of the congregation who are selected by their pastor and trained to bring the communion meal from worship to ill and homebound members of their congregation who are unable to attend service.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
9:30AM-4:00PM
St. John’s Lutheran Church
826 Mahoning Dr. W, Lehighton, PA 18235
Saturday, May 23, 2026
9:30AM-4:00PM
Advent Lutheran Church
1601 Green Lane, West Chester, PA 19382
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Finding Your Inner Self
WELCA Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod
36th Annual Convention
June 13, 2026
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Breinigsville, PA
Registration - 9 AM Voting Member Orientation - 9:30 AM
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We're Hiring
Do you (or someone you know) have professional communications experience, a passion for justice and a call to serve God's mission in the world -- especially in the public square?
LAMPa is seeking a communications and advocacy engagement manager. Learn more here, including how to apply for this full-time position within ELCA Witness in Society.
Witness in Society encompasses some of the work and ministry the ELCA does in the public sphere, advancing justice and shining a light on peace and dignity. Witness in Society equips advocates across the ecology of the ELCA and engages them in advocacy activity coordinated from the ELCA’s federal hub in Washington, D.C. alongside the Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations in New York City; Lutheran state public policy offices (SPPOs) in California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; and more than 15 directly affiliated locations serving even more states; and through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is a State Public Policy Office within ELCA Witness in Society, a partnership of the ELCA, Pennsylvania’s synods, congregations, seminary and social ministry organizations. Its mission: In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, LAMPa advocates for wise and just public policies in Pennsylvania that promote the common good. LAMPa equips disciples to live into their baptismal call to strive for justice and peace.
This position will create, implement, and manage communications strategies for supporting productive relationships with internal and external partners as well as effective advocacy with policymakers. This position will equip Lutherans for public witness and advocacy campaigns that include voices from and encourage accompaniment of communities and individuals who are most affected by public policies, yet often neglected in policy formation.
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Citizens with the Saints
Join us on Monday, April 20, for a day of learning, community-building, inspiration, and advocacy. Gather with advocates from across the Commonwealth to be grounded in our faith and equipped to act together on issues that make a difference to the wellbeing of all.
Learn more and register here. Discounts are available for students, first-call leaders and congregations bringing teams of three or more. For scholarship inquiries, email LAMPa at lampa@lutheranadvocacypa.org.
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A framework for young people’s religious involvement
Three factors consistently emerge as anchors for why some young people remain connected to religious communities.
In 2025, Springtide Research Institute interviewed and surveyed young people, ages 13 to 25, from across the US to learn why some young people remain involved in religious or spiritual organizations. Across our study, three factors consistently emerge as anchors: parents, peers, and personal belief. Taken together, these three dimensions offer a framework for understanding why some young people remain connected to religious communities and what sustains their involvement over time.
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Muhlenberg Summer Institute
June 28 - July 11
This summer, Muhlenberg College will offer a two-week, on-campus pre-college program for rising sophomore, junior, and senior high-school students — the 2026 Muhlenberg Summer Institute. The Muhlenberg Summer Institute will provide hands-on, project-based opportunities in a variety of subjects including new media and journalism, entrepreneurship and economics, theatre, political science, and psychology. The program also includes a half-day Career Accelerator session aimed at translating the summer experience into future opportunities.
Full program details and registrationFor more information, contact: summerinstitute@muhlenberg.edu
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The NEPA Synod's Community Hub is a centralized platform for connection. It features upcoming NEPS congregation and partner events, job postings and items available/requested, making it easier to network and build relationships within our community.
Click the button below or visit the synod's Events webpage and click "Community Hub" to view all the upcoming congregational events.
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Job Postings & Items Available/Requested will remain in the synod's enews for four weeks as well as the synod's Community Hub for three months.
If you'd like to extend the posting, please email info@nepsynod.org or submit a new form.
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JOB POSTINGS:
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Financial Secretary (3/24) - Christ Lutheran Church in Allentown is looking for a Financial Secretary. The Financial Secretary receives and directs monies received by the congregation. He or she maintains the church’s bank accounts, prepares monthly financial reports, submits payroll, pays bills, maintains contribution records of the congregation, and maintains employee records. This position also assists the Property Team in managing the Parking Lot agreements and supports office staff as pertains to the role. Click here for full job description.
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Director of Music/Organist Job Opening (3/24) - St. John’s Lutheran Church located in Saint Johns, Pa. has a job opening for a Director of Music/Organist. Provides leadership and direction for our church music ministry. The position will serve as the organist/pianist for our worship services and special events. This position will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a diverse and inclusive music program that enhances our worship experience and supports the church’s mission in addition to vocal choirs. Click here for full job description.
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Part-time Director of Music/Organist (3/9) - Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bechtelsville is seeking Part-time Director of Music/Organist to nurture the spiritual growth of the congregation through leadership in worship and musical ministry. Currently the congregation is worshiping at one traditional worship service with a choir each week. This is a part-time position for 12 to 16 hours per week. Anticipated start date May of 2026. Click here for full job description
For more Job Postings, visit our Community Hub
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ITEMS IN NEED / AVAILABLE:
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AVAILABLE - Desk (3/17): Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Northampton (Kreidersville) is offering a free desk to anyone in need of a desk. This is a large metal desk with an desk hutch/file organizer. The organizer sits on top of the desk and has 6 separate dividers. The desk has a center drawer and 2 other drawers to the left. One is for hanging files. The desk measures 29" height, 30" width, 60" long. This items would have to be picked up with a pick up truck. It is heavy and sturdy. It is a great find especially for free. Please feel free to contact the church office at 610-262-9517 or by email at goodshepherdlutheran@rcn.com.
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Looking to promote an event, job posting or item available/requested?
Click the button below to submit your request or email info@nepsynod.org
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