ELCA REGION 8 STEERING COMMITTEE

The synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are grouped in regions as a partnership between groups of synods and the churchwide organization for the purpose of exercising mutual responsibilities. According to the ELCA Constitution, the functions of regions shall be a means for coordinated responses by synods and the churchwide organization to mission and program opportunities within the region.

Region 8, of which we are part, includes the following synods: Northwestern Pennsylvania, Southwestern Pennsylvania, Allegheny, Lower Susquehanna, Upper Susquehanna, Delaware-Maryland, Metropolitan Washington DC, West Virginia-Western Maryland.

The Region 8 Steering committee consists of the bishops and vice presidents of the eight synods. The committee meets annually and on occasion more often when need arises. The Committee met in December, 2022 at Sequanota, Lutheran Camp and Conference Center in the Allegheny Synod. The committee discussed business and strengthened ties as a region, considering our joint work and shared finances. The accounts for Region 8 are managed at the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod office. The committee has been faithfully chaired by John Auger, vice president of the Delaware-Maryland Synod. His term came to an end in 2022 Jen Lau, vice president of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, was elected chair of the steering committee.

Region 8 employs the Rev. Beth Martini in a part-time position of Region 8 Coordinator of Shared Ministries. Rev. Martini is the point person for the First Call Theological Education (FCTE) retreat held annually in November. This retreat welcomes all ministers for continuing education and support in the first three years following ordination. Additionally, the Rev. Martini carries out the desires of the Steering Committee, such encouraging communications and sharing of continuing education opportunities.

The Region 8 Steering Committee will meet again at Sequanota in September, 2023.

Rev. Beth Martini, Coordinator of Region 8 Shared Ministries and Mr. John Auger, chair, Region 8 Steering Committee in 2022 and Ms. Jen Lau, chair of the Region 8 Steering Committee in 2023