The 101st Convention of the Eastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was held June 20–21, 2025, on the campus of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Tonawanda, N.Y. The convention theme was “Born Again to a Living Hope” drawn from 1 Peter 1:3. The Rev. John L. Pingel, district president, presided. The Rev. Jason Christ served as convention chaplain, the Rev. Ron Breight as election committee chair, the Rev. Sean Walters as credentials committee chair, and Mr. Gordon Tresch, Esq. as convention manager. The Rev. Christopher Esget, East-Southeast Region vice-president, served as Synod’s representative and presented to the convention at several junctures in the convention proceedings. Among those who addressed the convention were Mr. Jon Allen, who chairs the Eastern District board of directors; Dee Gyb, president of the Eastern District LWML; the Rev. Nycholas Grieg, who brought
greetings from Pioneer on the Lake; Deaconess Susan Knowles, who represented Ambassadors of Reconciliation and spoke of her call to serve as director of deaconess formation at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne; and the Rev. Robert Marshall, who spoke on behalf of Lutheran Heritage Foundation. The Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher and the Rev. Dr. John Brunner, former district presidents, brought greetings to the convention. Rev. Dr. Brunner in his address paid tribute to the late Rev. Dr. David Belasic, who preceded him in the district presidency. The Rev. Dan Galchutt served as keynote speaker for the convention and presented several times on the subject of invincible hope, based on the convention theme. The Rev. Stephen Gewecke, New Jersey district president, served as banquet speaker. The Servant of Christ award, recognizing exceptional service to Christ and His people, was presented to three recipients: the Rev. Barry Keurulainen; DCE Sue Steege; and Mr. Rick Porter. The Rev. John L. Pingel was elected to a second term as Eastern district president. The Rev. Jeff Nickel of Buffalo was elected first vice-president; the Rev. Dr. Ed Grime nste in, Pittsburgh Region, was elected second vice-president; the Rev. Robert Wiedmayer of Rochester was elected third vice-president (he subsequently took a call to the Southeastern District and the Rev. William Dorow was appointed to the vacancy); and the Rev. John Zimmerman, Philadelphia Region, was elected fourth vice-president. Circuit visitors for the 11 circuits were elected in circuit caucuses. The major focus of the convention was the invincible hope (1 Peter 1:3) we have as Christians, based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. President Pingel in his sermon at the opening service spoke to the fact that the church has experienced many a so-called cultural shift across 20 centuries and has not only survived but prospered. God’s Word is still true and His Holy Spirit attends the Means of Grace. Congregations large and small have every reason to be confident and hopeful about the future. Rev. Esget affirmed this message in his closing sermon and then presided over the installation of elected officers. LCEF regional vice-president A.J. Sinisgalli was introduced to the delegates and appreciation was extended to Mr. Rick Porter who held that position for 17 years. A number of overtures were approved at the convention, among them (the first four being addressed to this Synod convention): • To Appoint a Task Force to Improve District Representation on Synod Boards, Boards of Regents, and Commissions
- To Address Uses of Artificial Intelligence
- To Bring Resolutions with Strong District Support to the Convention Floor
- Thanksgiving for the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed
- To Approve a Circuit Realignment (Niagara Circuit and Niagara South Circuit)
In his convention address, President Pingel spoke to the accomplishments of the past three years and also cast a vision for the future. Among the accomplishments: Small Church Clarity, facilitated by Revs. Billy Brath and John Glover, has been conducted in all four regions of the district; Regional Listening Sessions, hosted by district staff, conducted in all four regions; increased assistance to small churches and church workers; initiatives aimed at revitalization and re birthing of existing congregations; increased op-port unities for continuing education for church workers across the district; and increased efficiency in the call process. Among future endeavors will be the establishing of Lutheran Braille Centers in all four regions; increased stewardship education throughout the district; facilitating partnerships between congregations as a means of continuing Word and Sacrament ministry; the targeting of areas which have potential for future mission establishment; with the addition of a full-time education executive to district staff, increased interaction and support of schools throughout the district with the goal of financial stability, growth in numbers, and support of workers; with increased interaction with congregations, increased financial participation of congregations in support of district endeavors. Staff serving the Eastern District office, in addition to the district president, include Mr. Bruce Sutherland, executive assistant, Stewardship and Discipleship; Mrs. Ruth Marzano, administrative assistant to the district president; Mr. Kevin Gundell, education executive and assistant to the president; Mr. John Fretthold, business manager; Rev. Peter and Stephanie Johnson, Communications. Mr. A.J. Sinisgalli, regional vice-president, LCEF, maintains an office at district headquarters. Challenges affecting the Eastern District are similar to those found across the Synod. Cultural winds opposing the Gospel are strong. Many congregations face decreased funding and declining membership. Nevertheless, God’s Word and Sacraments remain efficacious. God’s Word continues to be proclaimed—grace and peace. People continue to be brought to saving faith in Christ and sustained in that faith through Word and Sacrament ministry.