Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eastern Salisbury celebrated its 260th anniversary recently. In order to celebrate this occasion, the church welcomed Bishop the Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Zeiser, to preach.

Zeiser was ordained in 1979 and became bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod in 2008. When visiting smaller congregations, like the Jerusalem Church of Eastern Salisbury, Zeiser explained he has the same goals for these churches as he does for all churches.

“My desire is for congregations to commit to ministry in their neighborhoods and communities,” Zeiser said.

The ELCA has also had some changes this summer, one of which included the decision to declare ELCA churches as sanctuary churches. When asked about this decision, Zeiser said, “I think that congregations in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod have been sanctuaries for immigrants since they were founded and that spirit has never gone away.”

Following the service, the church held a celebratory lunch, which was catered by Bruce and Sherri Scheifele. Congregants could choose from chicken, beef, potatoes, vegetables and fruits, as well as a variety of desserts.

Both the service and the lunch provided congregants with the opportunity to enjoy fellowship while celebrating the life of the church.