Vitae of Nominees

Report of the Nominating Committee
Synod Assembly 2018

Fifty-four nominations for sixteen positions are here presented. The following information has been gathered through the on-line candidate information form. In some cases, the nominee has completed his/her own form. In other cases the form was completed by someone else (usually the person making the recommendation to the nominating committee. The answers to the questions have not been edited. The precise wording of the four questions on the candidate information form is as follows:

• Past and present responsibilities in the local congregation:
• Christian service for synod, conference, churchwide agencies, and other Christian and community service (past and present):
• Educational training and/or employment that would be helpful in this responsibility:
• What gifts does the nominee bring to this responsibility?
  

Nominees are listed by position to be elected (in the order listed below) and then alphabetically within that position grouping. The following positions are to be elected:

• Consultation Committee – Laity – Six year term
• Consultation Committee – Clergy – Six year term (two to be elected)
• Discipline Committee – Clergy – Six year term (two to be elected)
• Discipline Committee – Laity – Six year term (two to be elected)
• Synod Council – Clergy – Mon Valley-Mountain Conference – Three year term
• Synod Council – Laity – Ohio-Kanawha Valley Conference – Three year term
• Synod Council – Laity – Upper Ohio Valley Conference – Three year term
• Synod Council – Laity – At Large
• Synod Council – Youth – At Large – Two year term
• 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Female
• 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Youth or Young Adult
• 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Person of Color or Primary Language is other than English
  

Nominations from the floor are allowed under the rules. When the Nominating Committee reports in assembly, the chair of the assembly will open the floor for additional nominations. The following bylaw applies: “B9.08 Members of the Synod Assembly who desire to make nominations from the floor shall have prepared beforehand and be ready to distribute copies of vita information sheets, similar to those provided earlier by the Nominating Committee for those nominees.” Such vita information sheets shall be handed over to the chair of the assembly at the time the nomination is made.

The members of the Nominations Committee are Ms. Pamela Pritt (PC, chair), The Rev. Karen Erskine-Valentine (PC), The Rev. Jerry Kliner (MVMC), Ms. Mary Sanders (MVMC), The Rev. Phil Van Dam (UOVC), Ms. Nancy Weeks (UOVC), Ms. Patricia Schillings (OKVC), and The Rev. Carl Ames (OKVC).

Consultation Committee – Laity – Six year term

Mr. John Harney

• Position: Consultation Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Grace, Fairmont WV (6635)
• Occupation: Administrative Law Judge Retired
• In the congregation: Lay Worship Leader
• Beyond the congregation: Lay Worship Leader; Sunday School Teacher; Commander VFW Post 7048; President, Sons of the American Revolution, Las Vegas Chapter; President, Nevada Highway Patrol Association
• Education/Experience: BA UNLV Communications and History; Graduate Degree in Small Group Counseling from NTSI; Certified Instructor, National Safety Council Phase III (Behavior Modification)
• Gifts for the position: Generally works well with others and is a problem solver.
  

Mr. William (Pete) Hinkle

• Position: Consultation Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Saint Thomas, Charles Town WV (6026)
• Occupation: Retired
• In the congregation: Past Church Council President (multiple terms); past confirmation instructor
• Beyond the congregation: Consulted during recent activation of consultation committee
• Education/Experience: Served as an officer in the Army
• Gifts for the position: Organized; objective; good listener
  

Consultation Committee – Clergy – Six year term (two to be elected)

The Rev. Jacqueline Campbell

• Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint Mark, Clarksburg WV (6632)
• Occupation: Retired ELCA pastor
• In the congregation: Currently supply pulpit as needed, and served on Reformation Committee at St. Mark’s, Clarksburg. Formerly served an Internship at Christ, Mozart (2005); carried out all responsibilities as pastor of Hatfield Ferry Lutheran Parish (2-point rural parish), SWPA Synod (Feb. 2007- Dec. 2009) and Church of the Covenant, Grafton (Federated Lutheran/Presbyterian) Jan. 2010 – retirement in June 2016
• Beyond the congregation: Currently supplying pulpits in Lutheran and Presbyterian Congregations in WV-WMD Synod and WV Presbytery; in 2018 conducted programs for annual WV Presbytery Festival of Faith, Charleston, and St. Mark’s Women’s group; participated in Outdoor ministry programs for youth and adults at Camp Luther (2005) and Lutherlyn, SWPA (2001, 2004, 2007-2009); led Cub Scout “God and Me” program in Taylor County (2014); prior to ministry, served as Mon Power corporate liaison with WV 4-H program (1976-1996)
• Education/Experience: Master of Divinity, LTSG, 2007; Bachelor of Science, Consumer Science, WVU 1973; Bachelor of Science, Journalism, 1974; various positions in marketing, customer relations at Mon/Allegheny Power 1976-2003.
• Gifts for the position: Pastoral experience in rural and small church ministry
  

The Rev. Diane Day

• Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint Thomas, Charles Town WV (6026)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Ministry of Word and Sacrament; leadership; visitation; listening with confidentiality; teaching; preaching and the list goes on…
• Beyond the congregation: Secretary of our conference half; involvement in local ministerial association; service on Synod Council of previous Synod.
• Education/Experience: Graduate of Gettysburg Seminary; ordained in the ELCA
• Gifts for the position: Diane is a conscientious listener, has the ability to keep confidence, and is able to read and understand people as individuals and within a group dynamic. She is not afraid of conflict or confrontation, but has a gentle, integral way of dealing with the conflict/confrontation. She is trustworthy. She has the ability to help to discern the truth in a situation and help others to understand to whole of that situation.
  

The Rev. Linda Muhly

• Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint Mark, Clarksburg WV (6632)
• Occupation: clergy
• In the congregation: Pastor of St. Mark’s for 10 years; Pastor St. Johannes for 16 years
• Beyond the congregation: member of Synod Council; teaching staff for Camp Luther; Chaplain for Civil Air Patrol, Clarksburg Squadron; former Consultation Committee member; chair Open Heart Ministry Board
• Education/Experience: MDIV Vanderbilt Divinity School
• Gifts for the position:
  

The Rev. Randolf Richardson

• Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Trinity, Charleston WV (6604)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor
• Beyond the congregation: Discipline Committee; Reference and Council; mentoring program; Camp Luther; Rea of Hope board; RCCR board
• Education/Experience: A.A.; BA; BS; JD; MDiv
• Gifts for the position: Experience
  

The Rev. Philip Van Dam

• Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Grace, Wheeling WV (31157)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor of local congregations; member of session; clerk of session
• Beyond the congregation: Worship Committee Chair Southern Ohio Synod; President: North Coast Lutheran Council (ALC, LCA, LC-MS); Co-founder Belmont County PAL (Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans)
• Education/Experience: M.Div.; MPA (Public Administration)
• Gifts for the position: Patience, an ability to see new solutions.
  

Discipline Committee – Clergy – Six year term (two to be elected)

The Rev. Matt Day

• Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint John, Martinsburg WV (6035)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Matt is the pastor of St John Lutheran in Martinsburg. He is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, with all of the duties and responsibilities of that office.
• Beyond the congregation: Matt is on the board of Camp Caroline Furnace, representing our synod. He is an important part of our conference team, creating events, opportunities, service, and activities for our churches to be involved in together. He serves on the board of our Berkeley County Congregational Cooperative Action Project (C-CAP; Loaves & Fishes).
• Education/Experience: Graduate of Gettysburg Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. He serves as a pastor.
• Gifts for the position: Matt cares deeply about the church, in both its congregational and larger expressions. He has an open mind, but is able to make tough decisions when necessary. He is fair. He can see the larger picture and will do what needs to be done to support the health of the church body. Matt will ask for and expect the truth when serving on a board or committee, even if he is the only one willing to ask for it. In a disciplinary situation, I have every confidence that Matt will seek the truth in an open manner, be fair, and be able to make tough decisions that may need to be made.
  

The Rev. Matt Holbert

• Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Grace, Fairmont WV (6635)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor
• Beyond the congregation: Consultation committee; A/V; Chaplain; teacher at Camp Luther
• Education/Experience: M.Div, Bachelor of Theology; Mission Developer Certification
• Gifts for the position: Level head; problem solving; calm presence
  

The Rev. Kevin Mackey

• Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Huntington WV (6606)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor of St Paul, Huntington for three years
• Beyond the congregation: I serve as co-Dean with Emilie Theobold-Rowlands for the Ohio-Kanawha Valley Conference. Serve once a month as a Night Call Minister at St. Mary’s Medical Center; Member of Huntington Downtown Pastors’ Association
• Education/Experience: Special training for Night Call Minister at St. Mary’s Medical Center; Training as a Faith Leader in the Quick Response Team in Huntington
• Gifts for the position: Gift of compassion and good listening skills.
  

The Rev. Anthony Setley

• Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Morgantown WV (6640)
• Occupation: Clergyman
• In the congregation: None in the local congregation; currently under call as the Chaplain to the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU
• Beyond the congregation: Chaplain, Army National Guard
• Education/Experience: General training in the application of ethics and operating in a regulations based system, US Army.
• Gifts for the position: An interest in the just, fair, and prudent application of discipline
  

Discipline Committee – Laity – Six year term (two to be elected)

Ms. Kim Holbert

• Position: Discipline Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Grace, Fairmont WV (6635)
• Occupation:
• In the congregation:
• Beyond the congregation:
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position:
  

Ms. Alice Irvine

• Position: Discipline Committee – Laity
• Congregation: New Hope, Minnehaha Springs WV (10419)
• Occupation: Retired Board of Education Treasurer
• In the congregation: Congregation President; Treasurer for Pocahontas Power Packs (local backpack project); church musician
• Beyond the congregation: Treasurer, Mountain Lutheran Parish
• Education/Experience: As a Board of Education administrator, was involved in employee grievance proceedings
• Gifts for the position: Alice can see clearly through the issues and define a path for resolution
  

Dr. Brandon Mitchell

• Position: Discipline Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Saint John, Moyers WV (10422)
• Occupation: Dentist
• In the congregation: Current President of the congregation; past service as Vice-President and Chair of Board of Property
• Beyond the congregation: Supporter and alumnus of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position: Brandon would bring an open mind and many years of church leadership experience to this committee. He would not hesitate to make the hard decisions should a disciplinary case come to the committee.
  

Mr. Richard Ridder

• Position: Discipline Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Trinity, Keyser WV (6638)
• Occupation: Retired classroom teacher
• In the congregation: Church Council; Trinity/Mt. Calvary Gov. Bd.; Choir Director; Worship Committee; Reformation 500 Committee
• Beyond the congregation: Synod Assembly delegate
• Education/Experience: BSEd., Classroom teacher 34 years; Mineral Co. BoE; 5th Grade Curriculum Comm. Ch.; Pres. Keyser Primary/Middle Sch.; faculty senate
• Gifts for the position: Good listener, good insight, creative problem solver, willing to listen to all sides of a conflict and then make a decision
  

Mr. Matthew Rowlands

• Position: Discipline Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Christ, Vienna WV (6618)
• Occupation: Inventory Accountant
• In the congregation: Serve as the interim organist for Christ Lutheran Church, Vienna (2016-present); board member of the Vienna Sanctuary of Light House (2012-present)
• Beyond the congregation: Active with community events related to Faithlink, in the Mid Ohio Valley and serves as the congregation representative for the Emergency Response Team in Vienna, WV.
• Education/Experience: B.A. Degree in Accounting and Business Administration, Thiel College, Greenville, PA, 2009
• Gifts for the position: Matt’s faith in God is evident in how he lives this out in his daily life. Supervising in a management role, Matt is able to hear and consider all information before rendering a course of action for the situation.
  

Mrs. Nancy Weeks

• Position: Discipline Committee – Laity
• Congregation: Grace, Wheeling WV (31157)
• Occupation: School Psychologist
• In the congregation: President, Congregation Council; Secretary, Congregation Council; assisting minister; leader In prayer; lector; usher; Confirmation Class teacher; liaison to Witness/Outreach Committee; Chair of Transition Team; Co-Chair of Call Committee
• Beyond the congregation: Synod Delegate in 2017 and several previous years
• Education/Experience: M.S/Ed.S School Psychology; M.A. Special Education; B.A. Elementary Education; Administrative Certification; Principal; Supervisor; Asst. Superintendent; Superintendent
• Gifts for the position: True desire to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this time and place
  

Synod Council – Clergy – Monongahela Valley-Mountain Conference – Three Year Term

The Rev. Ruth Bullwinkle

• Position: Synod Council – Clergy – MVMC
• Congregation: Saint John, Davis WV (6633)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor
• Beyond the congregation: Pastor Bullwinkle serves as an Intermediate Teacher at Camp Luther, serves at her local Food Pantry and is involved locally in ecumenical relationships. She also works in relationship with Blackwater Falls to provide worship services in the park through the summer months.
• Education/Experience: M.Div, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
• Gifts for the position: Pastor Bullwinkle will bring a unique perspective to the Synod Council. She is an engaged listener with a keen sense of discernment. Pastor Bullwinkle is a careful steward of both Creation and resources.
  

The Rev. Jacqueline Campbell

• Position: Synod Council – Clergy – MVMC
• Congregation: Saint Mark, Clarksburg WV (6632)
• Occupation: Retired ELCA pastor
• In the congregation: Currently supply pulpit as needed and served on Reformation Committee at St. Mark’s, Clarksburg. Formerly served an Internship at Christ, Mozart (2005). Carried out all responsibilities as pastor of Hatfield Ferry Lutheran Parish (2-point rural parish), SW PA Synod (Feb. 2007- Dec. 2009) and Church of the Covenant, Grafton (Federated Lutheran/Presbyterian) Jan. 2010- retirement in June 2016
• Beyond the congregation: *Currently supplying pulpits in Lutheran and Presbyterian Congregations in WV-WMD Synod and WV Presbytery. In 2018 conducted programs for annual WV Presbytery Festival of Faith, Charleston, and St. Mark’s Women’s group. Participated in Outdoor ministry programs for youth and adults – Camp Luther (2005), Lutherlyn – SWPA – (2001, 2004, 2007-2009). Led Cub Scout “God and Me” program in Taylor County (2014). Prior to ministry served as Mon Power corporate liaison with WV 4-H program (1976-1996).
• Education/Experience: *Master of Divinity, LTSG, 2007. Bachelor of Science, Consumer Science, WVU 1973. Bachelor of Science, Journalism, 1974. Various positions in Marketing, Customer Relations, Mon/Allegheny Power 1976-2003.
• Gifts for the position: Pastoral experience in rural and small church ministry
  

The Rev. Richard Egtvedt

• Position: Synod Council – Clergy – MVMC
• Congregation: Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry MD (30659)
• Occupation: Pastor/Developer
• In the congregation: Serving for three years as a pastor/developer; growing leadership and discipleship; moved the congregation’s meeting space several times; and developed ecumenical relationships with United Methodist and Roman Catholic churches for worship homes.
• Beyond the congregation: I am a Centurion Connection Representative for the WV-WMD Synod where I serve as an advisor to congregations on how we can better support veterans across our synod. I served the Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Director, Federal Chaplaincies as his representative to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). National Chaplain Center to hear about and to approve the VA’s Rural Clergy Training Program which is now known as the Community Clergy Training Program. I ran the second-ever train-the-trainer session and held a subsequent 1.5 day training session which is designed to help clergy, medical, mental health, and friends of veterans to better understand how they can better help and support veterans in need. I serve as the veteran’s representative to two county-wide organizations,the Garrett County Commission on Aging and the Homelessness Committee. I am a board member and treasure for a 20 unit, Department of Agriculture subsidized senior citizen and disabled housing facility in Accident, MD known as “Town View Village.” I’ve been helping the board to examine what we have been doing and to plan for future needs based upon today’s requirements. I am working with “Leading Age Maryland” to engage with several Lutheran social service agencies to develop market-rate, senior-friendly housing within Garrett County.
• Education/Experience: I have 26.5 years military experience as an intelligence officer in planning, listening, and resolving issues and planning for future financial ($3B program), and programmatic needs. Multiple liaison assignments requiring me to work with and between organizations.
• Gifts for the position: Proven leader with the ability to listen, a keen analytical mind, deep desire to help others, and a drive to be open to finding ways to fulfill God’s will in a broken world.
  

The Rev. Casey Lieneman

• Position: Synod Council – Clergy – MVMC
• Congregation: Church of the Covenant, Grafton WV (6637)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Pierce, NE (2012-2016); pastor at the Church of The Covenant in Grafton, WV since June of 2017.
• Beyond the congregation: Currently part of the clergy Continuing Education (CE) Task Force in the WV-WMD Synod. Leading the Winter 2019 CE focus on media, evangelism, and the church. Actively involved with the WV Presbytery (due to my current call serving a combined ELCA-PCUSA congregation at the Church of The Covenant in Grafton). Served on Evangelism Task Force for Nebraska Synod (ELCA) from 2014-2016
• Education/Experience: Undergraduate degree obtained in Secondary Education. MDiv Degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Experience working in sales and marketing (2016-2017).
• Gifts for the position: A passion for evangelism and growing the church both spiritually, but also numerically. A belief we can and must focus on evangelism and highlighting the gifts, theology, and teachings of the Lutheran Church that can bear witness in our world today. Creativity and focus on using various media to reach and attract people to the faith. Just as Martin Luther used a new mode of media 500 years ago (printing press), we too need to use the new tools of our day. An education background and teaching license has been helpful in passing down the faith.
  

Synod Council – Laity – Ohio-Kanawha Valley Conference – Three year term

Miss Andrea Brock

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – OKVC
• Congregation: First, Parkersburg WV (6609)
• Occupation: Retired advertising executive
• In the congregation: Member of Church Council for 15 years, currently completing 5 years as President of Council
• Beyond the congregation: Lifetime member of First, participating in many youth, study and fellowship programs, as well as numerous terms serving on Church Council in various capacities. Was active member of Parkersburg Jr. Women’s Club (community service club), various committees and positions. Numerous civic involvements supporting advertising/PR activities, i.e. early downtown “Facade Committee,” development of Parkersburg entry signs, beautification, etc.
• Education/Experience: BS-J from WVU with advertising major, art and business minors. Account management, media director and Vice-President of 4A advertising agency. Involved with account services; provided strategic media planning and implementation for clients involved in manufacturing, retail, fast food,
  financial services, professional services, hospitality and others, both domestically and internationally. Client experience included years of involvement with McDonald’s’ promotion, including the early years of Ronald McDonald House(s) promotion.
• Gifts for the position: Leadership, management, ability to work with people, and willingness to get the job done.
  

Mr. John Perry

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – OKVC
• Congregation: Christ the King, Huntington WV (13210)
• Occupation: Customer Service Representative
• In the congregation: Currently serving as a Member of Council and as the Chair of the Stewardship Committee. Past responsibilities included Lay Voting Member to Synod Council.
• Beyond the congregation: I am one of the Rostered Lay Worship Leaders for the Synod.
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position: A strong sense of stewardship and a desire to see the church grow. Also as someone who was on the outside looking in, I have a different perspective than most as to the younger generation’s sense of disenfranchisement in regard to Christianity as a whole.
  

Mr. David Stuart

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – OKVC
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Huntington WV (6606)
• Occupation: retired
• In the congregation: Church Council member and committee chair, liturgical deacon, Sunday School Superintendent
• Beyond the congregation: Active with the social ministry and Christian education of St. Paul in Huntington
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position: David is devoted to helping others. He is an asset to our worship as well as local communities.
  

Mr. Brady Williams

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – OKVC
• Congregation: Cross of Grace, Hurricane WV (30546)
• Occupation: Student
• In the congregation: No positions held, but currently helps out with anything the church may need.
• Beyond the congregation:
• Education/Experience: Three years of customer service experience and currently enrolled at West Virginia University. I am also the team lead for a software team that is working on NASA’s RockSat-X college program, and I am the president of the Epsilon Sigma chapter of Phi Mu Alpha.
• Gifts for the position: I will be going into my senior year of college this coming Fall. I believe I can bring a unique perspective and skill set and a drive to help the church and synod in anyway I can.
  

Synod Council – Laity – Upper Ohio Valley Conference – Three year term

Mrs. Paula McDonald

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – UOVC
• Congregation: Christ, Wheeling WV (6612)
• Occupation: Retired RN
• In the congregation: Church council; council president; Sunday school teacher; VBS teacher; lay reader; communion assistant; eucharistic minister and ladies circle member
• Beyond the congregation: Council representative
• Education/Experience: Registered Nurse
• Gifts for the position: Caring and giving
  

Mrs. Nancy Weeks

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – UOVC
• Congregation: Grace, Wheeling WV (31157)
• Occupation: School Psychologist
• In the congregation: President, Congregational Council; assisting minister; leader In prayer; lector; confirmation Instructor; usher; liaison to Witness/Outreach Committee; Chair of Transition Team; Co-Chair Call Committee
• Beyond the congregation: Synod Delegate 2017 as well as several times prior
• Education/Experience: M.A. and Ed.S. School Psychology; M.A. – Spec.Ed.; B.A. – Elem.Ed.; Administrative Certificate – Principal; Supervisor; Asst. Superintendent and Superintendent
• Gifts for the position: True desire to more fully serve the Lord Jesus Christ in this time and place.
  

Synod Council – Laity – At Large

Mr. Luther Giffin

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – At Large
• Congregation: Salem, Fairplay MD (2571)
• Occupation: Utility 2 assembler at the Volvo Power Train Assembly Plant
• In the congregation: Member of the church council, president for six years; maintenance coordinator for the church; serves on all committees of the congregation including youth programming and Veterans’ ministry coordinator. He has been leading the congregation through a crisis ministry program.
• Beyond the congregation: Potomac Conference Houston Youth Gathering coordinator; active supporter of Camp Luther; Congregational Veterans Visitation member for the VA hospital; has been a voting member for the Synod Assembly and attended four Synod Assemblies; active on the conference 2018 Synod Assembly Planning Team and serves as chairperson of the UAW Local 171 Veterans Committee.
• Education/Experience: Attended four years of Technical College; Retired non-commissioned officer US Army; Volvo Power Train Assembly, Utility two (Hagerstown MD); One of 14 individuals trained to go to any of 218 assembly points in the assembly plant, to train and relieve other assembly line personnel.
• Gifts for the position: Brings to this position the gift of listening to all involved, gathering appropriate data, and then makes/takes leadership. Excels in commitment to group tasking, either as leader of the team or as a member of the team. Motivating theology is that Christ is the head of the Church (In conference, synodical and national expressions) and, as such, the ministry of the church is larger than the local congregation or any one individual. He supports all who are in ministry with prayer, and discernment, as the Holy Spirit gives him an openness to support new ministry opportunities.
  

Mr. Jim Nichols

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – At Large
• Congregation: Grace, Fairmont WV (6635)
• Occupation: Retired Professional Fire Fighter
• In the congregation: Serving as Council President for a third term, communion assistant, usher, past Sunday School Supt. and served as chairman of Call Comm.
• Beyond the congregation:
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position:
  

Mr. Matthew Sampson

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – At Large
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Morgantown WV (6640)
• Occupation: Retired
• In the congregation: Worship Assistant, 2008-present; Church Council, 2012-2015; President of Church Council, 2013-2015; Sunday School teacher, 1 yr; member of Parking Committee, 2011-present.
• Beyond the congregation: Board member, Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU, 2009-present. Community service: Assistant Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 52, 2012-present; volunteer counselor at American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, 2010-present.
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position:
  

Miss Mary Sanders

• Position: Synod Council – Laity – At Large
• Congregation: Saint John, Red House MD (6626)
• Occupation: Environmental Inspector
• In the congregation: Currently serving on Church Council; past council member; VBS director; assorted committees; lay leader at St. John’s and St. Paul’s-Aurora; Synod Assembly representative. I also cue the organist when the Bishop asks for an “A.”
• Beyond the congregation: Past and current synod council member.
• Education/Experience: As an inspector, I deal with unpleasant situations, foul smells and surly people. However, that has rarely been my experience with synod council.
• Gifts for the position: A sense of humor, willingness to do the job and ability to learn.
  

Synod Council – Youth – At Large – Two year term

Miss Carley LaPole

• Position: Synod Council – Youth – At Large
• Congregation: Trinity, Martinsburg WV (6023)
• Occupation: High School Senior
• In the congregation: While in middle school, Carley developed and organized the Children’s Church which she continues to lead. She is a regular lector on Sunday mornings. She often plays piano with a group of musicians for worship on Sunday morning. She has helped organize many different church activities.
• Beyond the congregation: She is an active 4-H member, involved in many community activities through the program and helps lead and teach younger campers at summer camp. She is involved in various organizations through school in leadership and service.
• Education/Experience: She is about to begin her senior year at Musselman High School in Inwood, WV.
• Gifts for the position: She is a great listener; she has the gift of encouragement for others; people look to her for leadership and she has a great deal of compassion.
  

Miss Laurel Muhly-Alexander

• Position: Synod Council – Youth – At Large
• Congregation: Saint Mark, Clarksburg WV (6632)
• Occupation: student
• In the congregation: Laurel is an active, confirmed member at St. Mark’s in Clarksburg. She is engaged in the youth ministry, also serving at Trinity’s Table (Charleston). She regularly plays saxophone for worship, serves as an acolyte and lector. She has also served as a teacher at Vacation Bible School.
• Beyond the congregation: Laurel is a longtime camper at Camp Luther. She is an active participant at her home congregation and engaged in youth activities at the Synod and Churchwide levels. She plans to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX this summer. She is a vibrant member of the Body of Christ and a budding theologian.
• Education/Experience: Laurel is strong in her academic studies and achieved a scholarship to spend a year abroad studying in Mexico for the 2017/18 school year. She also serves in the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet commander. She also won a competition and statewide recognition for “No School Spirits,” a PSA video.
• Gifts for the position: Laurel is a responsible young adult who loves Jesus, serves her community in multiple facets, and is mature beyond her years. Laurel is flexible and creative in problem solving. In addition to these gifts, she brings with her an enthusiasm and joy that cannot be bridled.
  

Miss Mary Roush

• Position: Synod Council – Youth – At Large
• Congregation: Saint Paul, New Haven WV (6607)
• Occupation: Student
• In the congregation: Member of “Luther League” Youth group, Communion Assistant, worship vocalist, volunteer for the Women’s Group community meals
• Beyond the congregation: Joyfully attended Camp Luther every year that was eligible
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position: Leadership, sensibility, maturity
  

2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy

The Most Rev. Ralph Dunkin

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Trinity, Wheeling WV (6615)
• Occupation: Happily Retired
• In the congregation: Bishop Emeritus and Council President
• Beyond the congregation: Chairperson Wheeling Human Rights Commission; Conveyor of Impact (local drug prevention agency); President in training for local Master Gardener Program
• Education/Experience: Former Bishop
• Gifts for the position: A good sense of humor
  

The Rev. Richard Egtvedt

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry MD (30659)
• Occupation: Pastor/Developer
• In the congregation: Serving for three years as a pastor/developer. Growing leadership and discipleship, moved the congregation’s meeting space several times, and developed ecumenical relationships with United Methodist and Roman Catholic churches for worship homes.
• Beyond the congregation: I am a Centurion Connection Representative for the WV-WMD Synod where I serve as an advisor to congregations on how we can better support veterans across our Synod. I served the Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Director, Federal Chaplaincies as his representative to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Chaplain Center to hear about and to approve the VA’s Rural Clergy Training Program with is now known as the Community Clergy Training Program. I ran the second-ever train-the-trainer session and held a subsequent 1.5 day training session which is designed to help clergy, medical, mental health, and friends of veterans to better understand how they can better help and support veterans in need. I serve as the veteran’s representative to two county-wide organizations. The Garrett County Commission on Aging and the Homelessness Committee. I am a board member and treasure for a 20 unit, Department of Agriculture subsidized, senior citizen and disabled housing facility in Accident, MD known as “Town View Village.” I’ve been helping the board to examine what we have been doing and to plan for future needs based upon todays’ requirements. I am working with “Leading Age Maryland” to engage with several Lutheran Social Service Agency’s to develop market-rate senior friendly housing within Garrett County.
• Education/Experience: I have 26.5 years military experience as an intelligence officer in planning, listening, and resolving issues and planning for future financial ($3B program), and programmatic needs. Multiple liaison assignments requiring me to work with and between organizations.
• Gifts for the position: Proven ability to listen, a keen analytical mind, deep desire to help others, and a drive to be open to finding ways to fulfill God’s will in a broken world.
  

The Rev. Jessica Felici

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Calvary, Brandywine WV (16003)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor of a five-congregation town & country parish; Word & Sacrament ministries; preaching; teaching; special emphasis in Confirmation ministry & Youth ministry
• Beyond the congregation: Currently serves on the WV-WMD/SWPA Shared Candidacy Committee as Secretary; Registrar and Spiritual Director at Camp Luther; Synod ELCA Youth Gathering Coordinator, and current and past chair of Synod Assembly Elections Committee. Past service on board of Mountain Hospice; former program director at Camp Kirchenwald (PA), former youth director at Palm Lutheran Church, Palmyra, PA & Zion Lutheran Church, York, PA.
• Education/Experience: Certification in Youth Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, 2008; M.Div from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, 2012
• Gifts for the position: Jess brings many gifts to the church at all its expressions. She is a passionate pastor and is committed to her role in the larger church. Jess understands the issues and challenges that face the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. She is gifted in articulating Lutheran Confessional theology and how it should guide Churchwide issues and decisions. Jess is a great person to represent our synod at this very important gathering of the church.
  

The Rev. Ronald Kreiensieck

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Salem, Fairplay MD (2571)
• Occupation: Clergy
• In the congregation:
• Beyond the congregation: Mission Developer for two congregations; Navy Chaplain, 15 years, retired; Interim pastor 4 congregations (two on Synod territory, two in Sierra Pacific Synod); Board member Community Lutheran Partners; Member of Synod’s Centurion Connection Team; Member conference planning team for 2018 Synod Assembly; active in ministries of the Potomac Conference of the WV-WMD Synod; participant in the Northern Virginia Conference of the Virginia Synod; and the Washington conference of the Maryland-Delaware Synod.
• Education/Experience: Graduated from Sacramento State (California) University; graduate of Pacific Lutheran Seminary (Berkeley California); completed ELCA mission developer training; completed National Association of Interim Pastors (NALIP) training; completed Navy Chaplain School retiring after 15 years with rank of Lieutenant Commander; campus contact pastor for Utah University-Logan Campus; volunteer police chaplain; Community Disaster Team member; first mental health crisis team responder.
• Gifts for the position: He brings a wide range of working with individuals and institutions in proclaiming the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with a ministry of presence. He has given the gift of experiencing ministry in rural, urban, suburban, town and country, governmental chaplaincy and institutional chaplaincy. These experiences have given him the gift of being able to listen to a large cross-section of ELCA members, from youth to senior saints, throughout the church. He uses the gift of discernment, along with prayer for the Holy Spirit’s guidance while participating in many ministries, as indicated in educational experience, that witness to the loving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout all the expressions of this church, national – synodical – conference – congregational.
  

The Rev. Kevin Mackey

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Huntington WV (6606)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Currently pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Huntington and has been in this position for three years.
• Beyond the congregation: Presently serves as co-Dean with Emilie Theobald-Rowlands of the Ohio-Kanawha Valley Conference. Past Dean of Conference in SWPA Synod.
• Education/Experience: Pastor ordained for 32 years
• Gifts for the position: Be accountable to the church and synod. A true desire to be church together in all its expressions – churchwide, synodical and local congregation.
  

The Rev. Timothy Spence

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Grace, Wheeling WV (31157)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor; chaired Upper Ohio Conference Reformation 500 Program Committee; led congregations through successful consolidation
• Beyond the congregation: Served on more than twenty Boards of Directors including several Lutheran social service agencies, including President of Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic and special advisor to the President of the Liberian Association of Maryland; founded three non-profits including Jefferson Area Lutheran Social Ministry; works with regional and churchwide organizations including Tri-Synod archives Board (including three terms as president) and ELCMA (including four years as treasurer)
• Education/Experience: BA, MDiv, STM, Certificate in Leadership of Faith Based Organizations, New Visions for the Long Pastorate and Natural Church Development
• Gifts for the position: Extensive pastoral and administrative experience; experience with Lutheran Services in America; experience in the larger church at various levels
  

The Rev. Emilie Theobald-Rowlands

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Christ, Vienna WV (6618)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Preaching and teaching the Word of God; administering the sacraments; serves as the pastoral advisory member to the Board of Directors for Vienna Sanctuary of Light House (2012-present)
• Beyond the congregation: Co-Dean of the Ohio Kanawha Valley Conference of the WV-WMD Synod (Nov. 2017-present); current member of the WV-WMD Synod Council; chair of the ELCA Appalachian Leadership Task Force (2016-present); secretary for the Board of Directors for Community Resources, Inc. (Parkersburg WV) (2016-present); member of the Advisory Board for Faithlink (Parkersburg WV) (2016-present); secretary of the Vienna Ministerial Association
  (2013-present); serves as Co-Chair of the Faith and Order Unit of the West Virginia Council of Churches (2018-present)
• Education/Experience: B.A. Thiel College, Greenville PA, 2004; M.Div. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia; completed the Chautauqua Clergy Leadership Program – 2 Year Cohort Group (2014-2016)
• Gifts for the position: I deeply care about the Church and about theology in the Church. What we believe matters and what we teach in the Church matters; I teach the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions with the people I serve and attempt to connect this with their everyday lives.
  

The Rev. John Unger II

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
• Congregation: Saint John, Harpers Ferry, WV (6030)
• Occupation: Pastor
• In the congregation: Pastor
• Beyond the congregation: ELCA Missionary – Worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India; ELCA – Church Growth and Planting; WV-WMD Synod Ecumenical- Interfaith Officer – LEIRN Executive Committee and Council of Churches Board; President, GRaCE (Greater Recovery and Community Empowerment) – Established Carpenter’s Apprentice (critical repairs to senior citizen homes) and the West Virginia Recovery Coach Association, and Jefferson County Recovery Resource Center; sponsor & Coordinator, Feed to Achieve Summer Program that feeds children and senior citizens; President, West Virginia Recovery Coach Academy that is helping to address the Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia.
• Education/Experience: B. A. Biology and Liberal Arts at WVU. M.A. Economics at University of Oxford, England. Studied at Georgetown University Law Center; Appalchian Studies; M.Div. WTS and LTSG; D. Min. in Church Leadership Excellence – WTS (expected 2019)
• Gifts for the position: Prayer, compassion, leadership, transformative teaching, pastoral care, inspirational preaching & worship, discernment & service
  

2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Female

Mrs. Debby Borrelli

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Female
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Morgantown WV (6640)
• Occupation: Metadata Librarian
• In the congregation: Church Council member and officer; congregation treasurer; SCS teacher and superintendent; choir member; lay worship assistant; WELCA member and bible study leader; Synod Assembly representative
• Beyond the congregation: WVU Chapel Board member and treasurer; Community Lutheran Partners board member and officer; Synod Youth Committee member; Synod Youth Gathering planning member and chaperone; Circle of Friends Morgantown community meal co-coordinator
• Education/Experience: local, regional and national conference attendee; MLIS Information Sciences; computer literate
• Gifts for the position: Willingness to personally report back on conference as requested by congregations; willingness to provide written report of conference
  

Mrs. Beth Johnson

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Female
• Congregation: Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry MD (30659)
• Occupation: Retired
• In the congregation: Presently chair of Evangelism and Hospitality Team; Webmaster; member of Worship and Music Team. Past Congregation President; Council Chair; Council Secretary for Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
• Beyond the congregation: Lay representative at three prior WV-WMD Synod Assemblies; congregational Thrivent Advocate; team member of the Students-in-Need Group at Garrett College, McHenry, MD; community service through Christian Crossing Ministry, Loch Lynn, MD
• Education/Experience: B.A. in Education from St. Olaf College, Northfield MN, 35 years involved with youth ministry and confirmation teaching; 50 years in church leadership; past Executive Director of Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, presenting organization of the Performing Arts,
• Gifts for the position: Administration; Faith; Leadership; Teaching
  

Ms. Pamela Pritt

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Female
• Congregation: New Hope, Minnehaha Springs WV (10419)
• Occupation: Senior Editor, University Relations, WVU
• In the congregation: President, New Hope Lutheran, 2001-2006; President, Mountain Lutheran Parish, 2006-2011; Musician, New Hope Lutheran, 2001-Present
• Beyond the congregation: Member WV/WMD Synod Council, 2017-Present; Member, ELCA Churchwide Council, 2011-2017; Ad hoc member, ELCA Women and Justice Task Force, 2012-2017
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position: I’ve been in leadership roles on boards and councils throughout my professional career.
  

2019 Churchwide Assembly – Youth or Young Adult

Mr. Devin Ames

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Youth/Young Adult
• Congregation: Christ the King, Huntington WV (13210)
• Occupation: Undergraduate College Student
• In the congregation: Council member; Property Chair; member of property committee
• Beyond the congregation: Synod Registrar for 2015 Youth Gathering; two year term as youth on synod council; attended Youth Leadership Summit in Detroit-2014; Youth Representative for Churchwide Assembly-2016; Class Representative on St. Olaf Student Congregation Council (Fall 2015-Spring 2017); Co-VP of Worship for St. Olaf College Student Congregation (Fall 2017-Present); support of St. Augustine’s House the Lutheran Monastery through time there and associate membership
• Education/Experience: ELCA Youth Leadership Summit-2014; confirmation mentor at local Lutheran Church
• Gifts for the position: Experience; dedication; Interest; a desire to be involved in all levels of the church; background from both time in the WV-WMD Synod and at St. Olaf College
  

Miss Elizabeth Martin

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Youth/Young Adult
• Congregation: First, Parkersburg WV (6609)
• Occupation: Graduate Student
• In the congregation:
• Beyond the congregation: As a student at WVU, undergraduate and graduate, she has been a leader at the Lutheran Campus Ministry; serving as President of the Lutheran Student Movement for the academic year 2017-2018.
• Education/Experience: As both a young adult and a leader in college ministry, Emmie knows first hand the importance of these groups to the Church and has a keen understanding of the issues relating to them. Moreover, as an accounting and finance major in undergrad (summa cum laude)
• Gifts for the position: Emmie’s gifts include a dedicated commitment to the worship of God in community and a disciplined spiritual practice. She also has been gifted with intelligence and a strong work ethic. She is a clear-headed and rational thinker who also maintains an inquisitive disposition and a desire to explore and engage new things as evidenced by her studying abroad in Spain during high school and in Wales during college.
  

Miss Elizabeth Nolen

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Youth/Young Adult
• Congregation: Christ the King, Huntington WV (13210)
• Occupation: Student
• In the congregation: Presently, nursery care; past- acolyte
• Beyond the congregation: Past synod council youth postion
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position:
  

Miss Katlyn Ruddle

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Youth/Young Adult
• Congregation: Faith, Franklin WV (10366)
• Occupation: student
• In the congregation: Katlyn is an active member of her home congregation where she serves as an assisting minister on a regular basis. She participates in youth activities and helps to chaperone confirmation events.
• Beyond the congregation: Katlyn served on the WV-WMD Synod Council. She has attended Camp Luther for many years. She plans to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston this summer.
• Education/Experience: Katlyn was confirmed in 2013 and has helped to teach Sunday School.
• Gifts for the position: Katlyn is a dynamic leader and passionate participant in the church at large. Not only would Katlyn serve at a churchwide assembly with joy, she would take seriously the responsibility laid upon her shoulders.
  

Miss Rachel Sampson

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Youth/Young Adult
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Morgantown WV (6640)
• Occupation: student
• In the congregation: Acolyte; lector; voting member; member of youth group; scheduled to attend National Youth Gathering in Houston, June 2018.
• Beyond the congregation: She has attended Camp Luther each of the past six years.
• Education/Experience: Confirmation class
• Gifts for the position: She interacts well with adults and likes to sing.
  

Mr. Ethan Stiles

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Laity – Youth/Young Adult
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Morgantown WV (6640)
• Occupation: Student
• In the congregation: Youth Acolyte, Assisting Minister; helps monthly with soup kitchens, food pantries, and a feeding program for the needy
• Beyond the congregation: LYO Board; LYO Summer Gatherings; two ELCA Youth Gatherings as participant; Camp Luther camper & staff member
• Education/Experience: Wide variety of church experiences and governance particiaption
• Gifts for the position: Ethan is an exceptional counselor at Camp Luther. He is well liked by his peers and works well with others. When Ethan commits to a task, he does it to the best of his ability. I have no doubt that Ethan will bring these same gifts and qualities to service at churchwide assembly if elected to serve.
  

2019 Churchwide Assembly – Person of Color or Primary Language is other than English

Miss Subha Arthur

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Person of Color/Primary Language other than English
• Congregation: Christ the King, Huntington WV (13210)
• Occupation: Assistant Professor
• In the congregation:
• Beyond the congregation: Voting member, Churchwide assembly 2016
• Education/Experience: Ph.D, Assistant Professor at Marshall University
• Gifts for the position:
  

Mrs. Olga Bondiskey

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Person of Color/Primary Language other than English
• Congregation: Grace, Petersburg WV (10463)
• Occupation: Homemaker
• In the congregation: Church Council Elder; custodian; assisting minister; altar guild; lector; usher/greeter
• Beyond the congregation: Monthly Communion Service for Grant County Rehab and Care Center, Petersburg, WV.
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position: Strong faith, diligent, outspoken, honest, attentive
  

Ms. Caitlin Diehl

• Position: 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Person of Color/Primary Language other than English
• Congregation: Saint Paul, Morgantown WV (6640)
• Occupation:
• In the congregation:
• Beyond the congregation:
• Education/Experience:
• Gifts for the position:
  

Click here to submit a nomination online.