We are thrilled to announce a special homecoming on Sunday, September 7th—Bishop-elect Rev. Stephen Robert Herr will be joining us at Holy Spirit for worship on his very first Sunday serving as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
This moment is especially meaningful for our congregation because Bishop-elect Herr began his journey of faith right here at Holy Spirit. He is a son of this congregation, and as far as we know, the only member to have answered the call to ordained ministry. We celebrate his new role with deep joy and a shared sense of pride.
Rev. Herr was ordained on July 2, 1994, and brings with him over thirty years of leadership experience in parish ministry, campus ministry, and broader church governance. He currently serves as pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gettysburg.
His leadership within the ELCA has included service on the ELCA Church Council, Executive Committee, and as chair of the Legal and Constitutional Review Committee. He has also contributed to the Future Directions Task Force and served on Synod Councils in both the Lower Susquehanna and Southwestern Pennsylvania Synods. Locally, he has served as Dean and Secretary of the Gettysburg Conference and is a dedicated supporter of outdoor ministry through the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania.
We can’t think of a more fitting place for Bishop-elect Herr to begin his new ministry than here, among the congregation where the first seeds of his faith were sown.
So mark your calendars and plan to join us on Sunday, September 7th, for a service of worship and celebration. Stay afterward for a time of fellowship, as we welcome our new bishop and longtime friend back home.