Thiel College to host Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

GREENVILLE, Pa. - June 13, 2019 - PRLog -- Nearly 200 members of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will converge on Thiel College from June 13–15 for the organization's annual synod assembly.

As part of the gathering, a new bishop will be elected to replace retiring Bishop Ralph Jones H'05. A celebration of Jones' service will be held June 13 in Sharon. Jones was awarded an honorary degree from Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) in 2005.

"We are excited to be hosting the assembly. It is a wonderful opportunity for our supporting synod members to see and experience the ELCA campus and remind others of the value of the College as a regional asset," Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Mike McKinney '02 said. "The College is a great option to serve as a host site for meetings and conferences."

As part of the event, Thiel College graduate Rev. Albert Gesler Jr. '56 will be recognized for 60 years in ministry.

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod comprises 78 congregations and 19,115 baptized members across 11 counties.

About Thiel College

Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 25 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 900 students. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.