Dear Sisters and Brothers,
May 29 through 31 will be important days in the life of our Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod
as we gather in Assembly at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, PA to elect a new bishop to guide us in our mission. Janie and
Ken Agren and I will serve as voting members at this historic gathering.
St. Andrew’s is one of nearly 300 congregations in the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod; Bethlehem-Easton is one of nine mission districts; and you are one of 165,000 baptized members. This
synod’s bishop has primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament ministry in our congregations. S/he provides
pastoral care and leadership for the synod, its congregations and rostered leaders (pastors like me, Associates in Ministry like Gwen
Krapf, and deaconesses). The bishop also oversees and administers the work of the synod. By the way, the word “synod” comes
from the Greek words syn and hodos which literally mean “walking together”.
It is a challenging time for our synod as we
look at diminishing financial resources and struggling congregations. At this critical juncture we will need a new bishop who
sets a clear vision and direction for our mission together, energizes people in hope and ministry, and makes some very difficult decisions
about priorities. Please bring your hopes and dreams for a new bishop to Janie, Ken, or me. This will aid us as, with
the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we discern who to choose on the five ballots for bishop at the Assembly. If you would like to attend the
Assembly as a visitor, just let me know!
As we look at the gifts and challenges of our wider mission, be reminded that you are
one of the 5.1 million baptized members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia is one of our 8 seminaries; Muhlenberg College is one of our 28 colleges and universities; St. Andrew’s is one of our
11,000 congregations; St. Andrew’s Nursery School is one of our 1,513 early childhood programs; I am one of our 17,694 pastors (and
one of 3,140 female pastors). We are all walking together to proclaim the risen Christ to Palmer and Bethlehem Townships… and to the
world!
Do pray for our synod and each voting member to its Assembly this month!
With you in discernment,
Pastor Laura