August 14, 2025 in Bishop, Bishop messages
August: We Are Renewed in the gift of Baptism
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
A Message from Bishop Bryan Penman
Dear beloved in Christ,
As August arrives, the air begins to shift ever so slightly—school supplies fill store shelves, calendars get updated with new schedules and families prepare to return to more regular rhythms of daily life. There’s something about this season that invites reflection. A turning of the page. A beginning again.
In the church, we mark our beginnings at the waters of Baptism. Whether we were splashed as infants or immersed as adults, we carry those waters with us. We are marked with the cross of Christ forever—and that mark shapes how we live, how we love, and how we move through the world.
This fall, as life picks up speed again, I want to invite you to consider: What spiritual rhythms shape your daily living? When the calendar fills up and the pace of life quickens, it becomes even more important to ground ourselves in the practices that give life.
In Baptism, we make promises—not just once, but every day we rise and remember we belong to God. So how might we live them more fully this season?
- How do we live among God’s faithful people? Maybe it’s returning to worship regularly or connecting with a small group. Community is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
- How do we hear the Word and share the meal? Could you carve out time each week to read Scripture or join a Bible study? Or simply come to the Table on Sunday and let grace nourish you?
- How do we proclaim Christ through our words and actions? A kind word, a generous gesture, an act of forgiveness—they preach louder than most sermons.
- How do we serve all people? Look around. Where is God calling you to show up—with hands ready, and a heart open?
- How do we strive for justice and peace in all the earth? This world is aching. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice, your vote, your presence at the margins.
Yes, life is busy. I get it. Kids to school, work deadlines, appointments, aging parents, news cycles. It’s overwhelming.
But here’s what I know: Tending to your spiritual life won’t drain you. It will ground you. It may be the very thing that saves you when everything else seems to fall apart.
So this fall, fall back into church.
Fall back into rhythms of grace.
Fall back on Jesus—and see just how strong those arms can be.
With you on the journey,
+The Rev. Bryan Penman
Bishop, Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
November 8-9, 2025
Bear Creek Camp
Grades 6-9
Designed for middle school students grades 6-9, we’ll explore concepts that are core to our faith. Come spend 24 hours in the mountains with us and learn how Jesus changed everything. Registration opens Sep 1, spaces are limited. Check out the linked flyer for event details. Contact Karolin Brechbill () or Janet Hilsmier () for more details.
November 22, 2025
Faith Alive Worship Learning Lab
Save The Date!
Open to all who want to learn more about including children in worship.
This workshop will center on the role of music in worship.
March 20-22, 2026
Tuscarora Lutheran Youth Retreat
Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center Mt. Bethel, PA
Grades 6-12
Tuscarora Lutheran Youth Retreat (formerly know as Harvey Cedars) is a weekend retreat for 6th – 12th grade youth and their leaders. This retreat fosters relationships between youth of different churches to unify the Lutheran churches and youth of the South Eastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. This retreat is also unique in the fact that it is run by the pastors and leaders of our youth groups so we depend on our adult leaders who attend with their youth to help make this retreat possible. We ask our adult leaders to be a part of small groups either through teaching, assistant teaching, or being an extra pair of hands in the classroom.
April 11-12, 2026
Box City
Christ, Harleysville (Kulpsville)
Grades 6-12
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about homelessness and raise funding to support sheltering efforts. During the event, youth will hear real-life stories about homelessness, discuss and learn about this social issue in fun ways, and experience what it’s like sleeping without proper shelter.
