April Message from the Bishop

Made In God's Image

Dear siblings in Christ,

Alleluia Christ is Risen!!

First, an apology that I haven't messaged in a while; I am finding myself in a season that feels busier than usual, but that's because we have amazing ministry happening across our synod. 

As we look ahead to this year’s Synod Assembly, I am grateful for the ways God continues to call us forward together as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. It is a season that invites both reflection and renewal—an opportunity to listen deeply for where the Spirit is leading us next.

This year, our Assembly theme is Imago Dei—the foundational truth that we are created in the image of God.

Together, we will explore what it means to bear that image not only in theory, but in practice—in our congregations, our communities, and our daily lives. To be marked by the divine is to be sent into the world as people who embody God’s justice, peace, love, and joy. This is not abstract theology; it is lived discipleship.

As part of this exploration, we will engage more intentionally with how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion shape the work of the Church. These are not external commitments we adopt, but expressions of our identity as God’s image-bearers. In that spirit, we will invite each congregation to discern one concrete way to “move the needle” in a justice ministry over the coming year—taking faithful, tangible steps toward the world God imagines.

This Assembly will also mark an important moment in our shared life as a synod, as I introduce for the first time our emerging core values: Healing, Justice, and Joy. These values are not simply aspirations; they are signposts pointing us toward who we are becoming together in Christ. They will help shape our common language, priorities, and practices in the years ahead.

I am excited for what God will do among us as we gather, learn, worship, and discern together. My hope is that this theme will not only guide our time at Assembly, but will take root in our congregations and communities long after we have been sent back out.

Thank you for the many ways you already bear God’s image in your places of ministry. I look forward to continuing this journey together.

In Christ,

+The Rev. Bryan Penman, Bishop

Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA