The bishop has primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations; provides pastoral care and leadership for the synod, its congregations, and its rostered leaders (pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses); oversees and administers the work of the synod.

Pr. Ziel serves as ecumenical officer on behalf of the bishop; she works with congregations in the Bethlehem-Easton and Lehigh Mission Districts, oversees administration of office and support staff, and provides help to congregations with constitutions, pensions, and health benefits.

Pr. Bennethum works with congregations in the West Berks Mission District; he relates to the Witness and Service Ministry Team, and synodical social ministry organizations. He also serves as deployed staff with the ELCA Program Unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission for stewardship.

Hazleton office: PO Box 803, Conyngham PA 18219-0803
570-788-1893; 570-788-2686 (fax)

Pr. Garbe works with congregations in the Hazleton-Leighton and the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Mission Districts; he relates to the Leadership Development Ministry Team, the companion synod program, and city ministries.

Pr. Handwerk works with congregations in the East Berks, Northern Lehigh Valley, and the Schuylkill Mission Districts; he relates to the Interim Ministry Committee, union congregations, and F.A.R.M. (Farm Advocacy Resource Ministry).

Ms. Matthias-Long oversees the synod Resource Center; she relates to the synod associates in ministry and other lay rostered persons; she also serves as staff liaison to the Worship and Spirituality Ministry Team and to youth ministry.

Ms. Schelly is responsible for the financial management of the synod; she relates to the Finance Committee of the Synod Council and oversees the buildings and property at the Wescosville synod office.

Pocono office: 9 North Ninth Street, Stroudsburg PA  18360-1723
570-421-8429; 570-421-8410 (fax)

Pr. Simmons works with congregations in the Pocono Mission District; he relates to Pocono Area Leisure Ministry, oversees matters related to congregational construction and development, and relates to campus ministry; he also serves as deployed staff with the ELCA Program Unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission for mission development.

Ms. Weiser oversees synod communications, including Partners in the Spirit, Synod News, the weekly E-News email that goes to rostered leaders and congregations, and the synod website; she also relates to the Connection Building Ministry Team and is the coordinator for the annual synod assembly and bishop's conference.

David R. Strobel, bishop

Priscilla Schlenker Kinney,
vice president

Barbara-Anne G. Taylor, secretary

David Hinrichs, treasurer

Sandy Eck

Debbie Frey

Carol Moyer

Mary Perun

Anne Taylor

Joanne Rush
(Pocono office)