Metropolitan New York Synod

08/06/2026

On a Friday night in Patchogue, a village on Suffolk County’s South Shore, the sidewalks are packed — restaurants spilling over, bars buzzing, a downtown very much alive with young people. But Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Patchogue wasn’t seeing those same young people in worship. Young adults in their 20s and 30s were part of the wider community — so how could the congregation include them, too? When Pastor Claire Repsholdt started at the church, she went out into town and asked young adults directly: what do you want from a faith community, and what keeps you coming back? That inquiry spawned Gather Long Island, a network of people from all over Nassau and Suffolk County asking questions about their faith together.

In this six-minute Faces of Faith video, members share what keeps them coming back: seeing other young adults in the room, finding a space that affirms who they are, and belonging to a community that meets them wherever they are — karaoke night, a backyard barbecue, or a deep conversation about faith. Pastor Repsholdt’s charge to the wider church is simple and direct: go out, and ask young people what they want, from young people themselves.

08/05/2026

Pastor Patty Avila joined the Worship Service for Peace at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Baldwin, led by Rev. James Smith, which is open to all churches across Long Island. The service is held every second Sunday of the month at 5 pm.

08/03/2026

To support your congregation's ongoing property maintenance, we're offering seasonal checklists for your reference — please share and post them wherever is helpful in your building. Download a printable version here: https://www.mnys.org/assets/1/6/mnys_seasonal_church_building_maintenance_checklists.pdf. Proactive maintenance keeps church assets looking their best, keeps structures safe, and helps minimize operating costs, while also supporting future planning for capital needs.

Please note this isn't an exhaustive list — some buildings carry additional considerations depending on their age, use, or designation. Historic landmark regulations, for example, are an important factor for congregations whose buildings carry that status.

08/01/2026

This past year has been an adventure! One year ago, I began serving as the Bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod. Over the last year we have worked together to strengthen our bonds, heal any hurts, dream together and learn how we are woven into this connected tapestry of service and support through our faith in Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the year, I looked to a quote from Bishop Mariann Budde’s book, “How We Learned to Be Brave”: “I am convinced that we all have the capacity to live within a narrative of great adventure, no matter our life circumstances.”

I have had difficulty sleeping some nights not because I was anxious or afraid, but because I was so excited for the next day!

The Holy Spirit is doing great things through the people and communities of our synod. Our pastors are hard-working and lead by serving, supporting, preaching, visiting, working for justice, and praying for the people God has entrusted to their care. Our deacons are doing unique ministries of Word and Service through food distribution, mentorship, visitation, and so much more. Our committed members and newcomers show up, week after week, living out their vocations of faith as Kitchen Table Saints.

We are growing in Evangelism, Discipleship, Financial Stewardship and in our work of Children, Youth, Young Adult and Family ministries. We are doing this together.

There is so much more to come, including the year ahead that will be full of ways to gather, worship, and learn together, as well as a comprehensive first year report which will be released in early fall. I am energized, excited, and filled with hope for all we will do together this next year. We have embarked on a great adventure together!

Remember, Jesus loves you and I do too.

— Bishop Katrina Foster

08/01/2026

Disability Pride Month may be coming to a close, but inclusion is a year-round calling.

We celebrate the voices and contributions of people with disabilities, and we give thanks for the many ways in which they better our communities and our church.

07/29/2026

Rest grant her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.

We are saddened to announce the death of one of SEPA's former bishops, Rev. Dr. Patricia Davenport. You may read more here: https://conta.cc/4h39xEM

07/29/2026

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued his third in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled “All Together in One Place."

Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.

Read his latest message, "Choosing Reconciliation Over Division in a Multifaith America," here: elca.org/news/all-together-in-one-place-3

07/29/2026

Recently, Pastor Nicole Schwalbe visited St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Port Jervis, which welcomed a drum circle to their worship service, and hosted a repair cafe in the afternoon after worship.

07/27/2026

For poor and working-class families diapers can consume 3–5% of their income. The Baby Steps Baby Pantry was founded ten years ago to meet Newburgh’s need for free baby supplies. What needs do you see in your own community that you feel called to address?

Our recent Faces of Faith video visits the pantry on distribution day as their volunteers reflect on showing Christlike love in their community. Click the link in our bio to watch the full story. Each Faces of Faith video comes with a discussion guide — scroll through the post to see a few questions to reflect on together with your congregation or community.

07/25/2026

Thanks to all who joined us in worship and fellowship on Thursday evening for our second summer revival! Special thanks to Trinity Lutheran Church of NYC and Pastor Alyssa Kaplan for hosting, and to Pinecrest LLM for sharing their musical talents during worship.

If you’re looking for more revival, our final one of the season takes place August 20 in Westchester. Can’t wait to see you there!