Dear Siblings in Christ,
I am pleased to welcome you to the 2025 Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly. This year's theme, "Forward Together in Christ,” centers us in our baptismal identity as disciples of Jesus, as Christians. That baptismal identity creates a unity among us, and the theme reminds us that together we are entrusted with a Gospel mission: To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbors as ourselves.
An exciting responsibility of this assembly is the election of the next bishop to lead our synod forward in that mission. The process has been well thought out and I am grateful to the Bishop’s Election Committee for their work preparing us for this important discernment in the life of our Synod. As people of faith, we know that the Holy Spirit is foundational to this process so we will surround the election with prayer and approach it with open hearts… together. I have been blessed to serve you in this call over the past six years. I have been lifted by your prayers and encouragement, and I know you will offer the same to my successor.
But the election of a bishop, while perhaps the most exciting action of this assembly, is not the only one, of course, and I hope it does not overshadow the good work we have done together since our last assembly. You will hear about and have opportunity to talk about some very meaningful Mission Moments, sharing news from a sample of the very faithful and innovative ministries around our synod. And the so-called “regular business” — elections, resolutions, budgets, reports, anniversaries, etc. — is also infused with the work and presence of the Spirit.
I am very grateful that Deacon Sue Rothmeyer, Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is our ELCA representative at this year's assembly and will be overseeing the bishop’s election. We welcome her and give thanks for her thoughtful leadership and the vital information she brings with her regarding the mission of our church.
Our assembly team has planned a wonderful event filled with meaningful presentations, worship, and time together. And they have done so, keeping our assembly to an every-other-year, two-day event to save money for both our congregations and the synod as a whole. We take our stewardship seriously.
All this, dear ones, is the work of the Church. As I have often and everywhere said, I believe that our synod (among others) is on the cutting edge of what it means to be Church. Since we believe in a God of abundance, I pray we approach these days together with a Spirit of unity, positivity and faith.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29
Yours in Christ,
+Bishop Paul Egensteiner