The Rev. Karla Leiby is the pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northumberland, PA. Karla graduated from United Lutheran Seminary in May of 2021 with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Town and Country Ministry and a certificate in the study of Ecology and Theology. Prior to seminary, Karla was an active Authorized Lay Worship Leader serving the synod from 2009 until attending seminary in 2018.
In addition to being a pastor, Karla is also a registered nurse having served in a variety of clinical and management positions over the past 30 years. She continues to use her nursing skills as a volunteer at children’s camps.
Karla lives in Bloomsburg, PA on the family farm with her husband Matthew and a menagerie of pets. She enjoys time with her two grown sons and their families, especially her grandchildren Hadley and Holt. In her spare time, Karla enjoys time with her horses, quilting, camping, and reading.
Karla currently serves as Chair of the USS Candidacy Committee, a member of the Synod Relocation Task Force, and as a Chaplain/Nurse at Camp Mount Luther. Her passion for ministry includes a variety of activities with children and youth, grief support programs, and caring for God’s creation.
In her role as Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Formation, Karla draws on her past experiences in leadership, education, and innovation to assist the synod it continuing to provide great leaders for God’s Church in the Upper Susquehanna Valley.