Synod Council Nominees
Position: Synod Secretary
Nominee: Norma Gensler
Congregation: St. Paul, Huntington, WV
Residence: Huntington, WV
WV-WMD Synod Secretary since 2013. Active member of St. Paul Lutheran, Huntington — served on Church Council for many terms over a 45 year membership, Chair of the Fellowship Committee, liturgical deacon as well as reader, SPLC quilters guild Office Manager for Camp Luther for 10 years BA and MA from Marshall University in English, French, and Gifted Education Taught High School English for 25 years until retirement in 2012
Position: Synod Treasurer
Nominee: Brian Crawford
Congregation: Grace (Bethlehem), Wheeling, WV
Residence: Wheeling, WV
Active member of Grace (Bethlehem) and, before consolidation, Edgwood. Retired Provost West Liberty University. Former Dean of Liberal Arts and Chair of the Department of social and behavioral sciences. B.A. in Geography, Indiana University of PA; M.S. in Earth Science, California University of PA; Ph.D. in Physical Geography, Indiana State University. Retired USAF captain, 15 years of service.
Nominating Committee Nominees
Position: Synod Council – Mon Valley-Mountain – Clergy
Nominee: Ruth Bullwinkle
Congregation: St. John’s, Davis, WV
Residence: Davis, WV
M. Div. from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Ordained since 2013. Pastor of St. John’s, Davis since 2013. Member of Synod Council. Dean of the Mon-Mountain Valley Conference since Dec. 2020.
Nominee: Tony Setley
Congregation: St. Paul, Morgantown, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
MDiv, LTSG 2015
Pastor, Peace Lutheran – Port Clinton OH, 2015-2017
Chaplain, Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU, 2017-2021
Battalion Chaplain, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 2013-Present
Pastor, St. Paul – Morgantown, 2021-Present
Position: Synod Council – Ohio-Kanawha – Laity
Nominee: Andrea Jane Brock
Congregation: First Lutheran, Parkersburg, WV
Residence: Parkersburg, WV
Lifetime member of First Lutheran, participating in numerous youth, study and fellowship programs, as well as various terms serving on Church Council in various capacities including most recently five years as Council President. Just re-elected to fill a recently vacated seat on the Church Council. Is currently completing first 3-year term on WV-WMD Synod Council.
Was active member of Parkersburg Jr. Women’s Club (community service club), various committees and positions. Numerous civic involvements, ie early downtown “Facade Committee” , development of Parkersburg entry signs, beautification, etc.
Educational training and/or employment that would be helpful in this responsibility: BS-J from WVU with advertising/marketing major, art and business minors.
Business experience: 45 years in Account Management, Media Director and Vice President of major 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 McDonalds’ promotion, including the early years of Ronald McDonald House(s) promotion
Nominee: Rachel Gensler Hall
Congregation: Trinity, Charleston, WV
Residence: Charleston, WV
MA in education, teaches 6th grade English, as a youth was active in synod-wide LYO, was a youth delegate to the ELCA Assembly when held in Philadelphia (not sure of the year), instituted a children’s ministry program at Trinity (pre-COVID years)
Position: Synod Council – Potomac – Laity
Nominee: Richard Losh
Congregation: St John, Martinsburg, WV
Residence: Martinsburg, WV
I have been an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Martinsburg, WV for over 42 years. During that time, I have served on the church council for several terms and I am currently serving in that role. I am currently on the Board of Trustees. I served on the Board of Directors for the Mustard Seed which was a learning center sponsored by the church. I have served on several standing committees. I have also served on several temporary committees such as the Constitution Revision, Transition team, and Call committee. When our children were younger, my wife and I assisted with the youth group by going on several trips with them. In 2019, I attended the Synod Assembly as a voting member and would like to become more involved on the synodical level. I currently am member of the Board of Directors for the Lutheran Campus Ministry at West Virginia University and have been involved in several pastoral calls. On the professional level, I was a licensed Pharmacist for 40 years. I worked as a community pharmacist and a hospital pharmacist. For the last 25 years of my career, I had the honor to work with our country’s veterans at the Veterans Administration hospital at the Martinsburg WV VA. Ten of those years were working as an Oncology Pharmacist. I have been married for 43 wonderful years to Cheryl Agee Losh. We have three children and three grandchildren.
Nominee: Elizabeth Viens Rini
Congregation: St. Peter’s, Shepherdstown, WV
Residence: Shepherdstown, WV
Recently retired as nursing professor at Shepherd University 45 years as RN. Active member at St. Peters since moving to WV in 2016 including one term on Congregation Council. Long time member at Grace Evangelical Lutheran in Winchester including multiple terms on Congregation Council and attending VA Synod.
Position: Synod Council – Upper Ohio – Laity
Nominee: Sue Hoffman
Congregation: Messiah, Moundsville, WV
Residence: Wheeling, WV
Has served on church council and served as Treasurer. Has also served as a Synodical Lay Worship Leader for 12 years. Is able to meet in person and by Zoom, and is responsive to email and phone calls.
Nominee: Nancy K. Weeks
Congregation: Grace (Bethlehem), Wheeling, WV
Residence: Wheeling,, WV
I am currently employed as a School Psychologist/Special Education Director for Shadyside Local School District. My educational background includes a B.S. Degree in Elementary/Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and an Ed.S. Degree in School Psychology. I also have certification/endorsements in Educational Leadership with licenses as Elementary Principal, Supervisor, and Asst. Superintendent. I was a member of Edgwood Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheeling from the age of 8 until that congregation consolidated with Zion Lutheran to become the current Grace Lutheran Church in 2016. I served as a member of Parish Council during the consolidation and have been on Church Council for Grace Lutheran since its beginning. For the past 3 years I have served as President of Church Council and currently co-chair for our call committee. My current involvement includes serving as Worship Assistant, Lector, Leader In Prayer, as well as, Usher when scheduled. I was first elected to Synod Council in 2018 and have grown in knowledge from this experience. I served as co-chair for synod assembly planning in 2019 when it was held in Wheeling. I would welcome the opportunity to continue my service to this synod. I believe strongly in our Lutheran theology and tradition.
Position: Synod Council – At-Large – Laity (Male)
Nominee: Bruce Dalton
Congregation: St John’s, Davis
Residence: Davis, WV
Member of St John’s, Davis since early 2000’s. Former teacher and school administrator in GA. Former member of synod council. Currently serves on synod finance committee.
Nominee: John S Perry
Congregation: Christ the King, Huntington, WV
Residence: Huntington, WV
Education: I graduated from Pocahontas County High School in 1996. While I do not have a Bachelorette I have spent several semesters at Marshall University exploring various degrees. I started with Computer Science in 1996 before it was removed as a course of study in 1998. I returned in 2001 and thought maybe I would go into the medical field as a Radiology Technician, but it wasn’t for me. Since then I have concentrated on work and my family.
Church Life: I was raised in the Presbyterian Church and converted over to Lutheranism about 10 years ago after having attend CTK for about five years. While a member of Marlinton Presbyterian I served as Treasurer for my youth group and also served as the youth council member for a couple of years in the late 90s. Since becoming a Lutheran I have served two terms on our church council and attended several WV WMD synod assemblies during my tenure. I have also lead worship for both CTK and St. Paul’s in New Haven on occasion.
Training: I have had the privilege of attending many of the Lay Worship Leader weekends within the Synod and also once was able to go to Gettysburg for their week long program about six years ago.
Experience: I will be honest, I have never held an at large position with either the ELCA or WV PCUSA but I feel that with 12 years on the council of both churches I am up to the task.
Employment: I currently work for Directv as they have become their own company again as of 08/26/21. For 6 years prior I worked for AT&T after their original purchase of Directv and for Directv before that going back to March of 2007. Within the company I have done, primarily, customer service functions from billing to customer retention. I spent 4 years as part of their Agent Support Team as well. Prior to that I spent time managing the Hill Billy Hot Dogs location on 3rd Avenue in Huntington, working as an technical support agent for Dell’s Inspiron business customers, and also IT for Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort.
Position: Synod Council – At-Large – Laity (Female)
Nominee: Sara Pemberton
Congregation: Christ the King, Huntington, WV
Residence: Winfield, WV
Sara grew up in a Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregation. Served on several ministry teams including worship and fellowship, taught Sunday school and helped lead the youth group. She began attending ELCA services in the early 2000’s. She and her husband joined Cross of Grace, Hurricane in 2016, where she served on the worship, property, fellowship, and outreach ministry teams and church council, taught Sunday school and served as an assisting minister. She transferred her membership to Christ the King February 14, 2021. She assists the counting team and is looking forward to serving her new church home in other ways. Sara graduated from Bluefield College with a degree in behavioral science. She is an eligibility worker for the Department of Health and Human resources in Kanawha County, focusing on long term care Medicaid. She has a daughter, stepdaughter and stepson, She and her husband live in Winfield with his son and five rescue cats.
Nominee: Mary Sanders
Congregation: St John’s, Red House, MD
Residence: Oakland, MD
Current synod council member. Former congregational council member. Diaconal candidate. Still sings loudly and off key, even if worshipping from home.
Position: Synod Council – Youth
Nominee: Mackenzie Lyons
Congregation: St. John’s, Davis, WV
Residence: Davis, WV
Mackenzie is a confirmed member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Davis, WV. She is a senior in high school.
Nominee: Rachel Shockley
Congregation: St. Paul, Morgantown, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Rachel is a senior in high school. She is an active member of St. Paul’s in Morgantown. Rachel is very bright and is currently pursuing entrance into college.
Position: Synod Council – Young Adult
Nominee: Laurel Muhly-Alexander
Congregation: St. Mark’s, Clarksburg, WV
Residence: Bridgeport, WV
Laurel has served on Synod Council in the youth position. She is currently attending WVU. Laurel is competent and enjoys being involved in the workings of the larger church.
Nominee: Ethan Stiles
Congregation: St. Paul, Morgantown, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Ethan is a young leader on staff at Camp Luther and a thoughtful contributor to conversation. He would offer valuable perspective on life as a Lutheran young adult on our synod territory.
Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy (Not First-Call)
Nominee: Thomas Darr
Congregation: Christ, Vienna, WV
Residence: Vienna, WV
I have served 21 years as an ordained pastor, I have completed the training for intentional interim training in 2016 as well as redevelopment training in 2015. I am currently in a new call at Christ Lutheran Church in Vienna, WV,
Nominee: Karen Erskine-Valentine
Congregation: St. Peters, Shepherdstown, WV, & St. James, Shenandoah Junction, WV
Residence: Shepherdstown, WV
Pastor Karen serves as Dean of the Potomac Conference and as pastor of St. Peter (Shepherdstown) and St. James (Shenandoah Junction). She is also presently the Director-in-Training for Camp Luther. She has years of experience in church leadership and in helping congregations navigate conflict.
Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy (Synodical Call)
Nominee: Benjamin S. Erzkus
Congregation: Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU
Residence: Morgantown, WV
I am an ordained pastor of six years. During my time in parish ministry I have had the holy moments of having to make difficult decisions with parishioners and other clergy. I think these experiences will help me if I am chosen to serve on the Consultation Committee.
Nominee: Philip Van Dam
Congregation: Grace (Bethlehem), Wheeling, WV
Residence: Wellsburg, WV
Phil has been a pastor for 19 years and has excellent knowledge of theology, church history, family systems, and other relevant fields. Phil has served both Lutheran and Episcopal congregations in a variety of settings and has the diverse experience needed for this committee. Phil holds an MBA and has experience in management and administration. He is a good listener, posseses analytical skills, and is certified in level 1 motivational interviewing.
Position: Consultation Committee – Clergy (First-Call)
Nominee: Daniel Warntz
Congregation: Grace, Petersburg WV
Residence: Petersburg, WV
Pr. Warntz has been involved in the church for almost 50 years. Starting as a church organist when he was sixteen years old, he served as Director of Music and Worship for 32 years and served on the Synod Council in the Allegheny Synod, was a delegate from the Allegheny Synod to the 2013 Churchwide Assembly as a lay male and served as an authorized Supply Worship leader for the Synod before entering Seminary. He is a 2018 graduate of Luther Seminary and served as an Interim Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN until being called to Grace Lutheran in Petersburg, WV where he is currently serving. He is the Director of the Petersburg Interfaith Food Pantry, the Grant County Hospital Chaplain Coordinator and the Vice-President of the Grant County Ministerium Association.
Nominee: Michael Wright
Congregation: St. John’s, Red House, MD
Residence: Oakland,, MD
M. Div. from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, OH. Pastor of Aurora-Red House Parrish. Former young adult member of Synod Council.
Position: Consultation Committee – Laity (Mountaintop)
Nominee: Marvin E. Beckman
Congregation: St. John’s (Meadow Mountain), Swanton, MD
Residence: Swanton, MD
BS and MBA Degrees, Frostburg State University
Retired, State of Md., Finance Officer/Asst. Director for Administration, Anne Arundel County Dept. Social Services
Completed variety of training sessions, workshops and seminars during career with State of Maryland including a 13-week Leadership Development Program
Worked several part-time jobs following retirement including Office Manager at Bartlett House (a homeless shelter in Morgantown) and Program Coordinator for After School Programs in Garrett County.
Church council member, served in all offices of council and presently council president
Board of Directors, Community Lutheran Partners, completed 2 terms, served as secretary, currently contact person for STUFF closet in Mountaintop area for CLP
Served 12 years as church secretary for Bittinger Lutheran Parish and Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Teacher Sunday School and Vacation Bible School many years
Many community activities, including Maryland 4-H All Stars, County fair photography department superintendent
Election judge since 2008, and Garrett County Extension Advisory Committee
Vietnam-era veteran, U. S. Army 1970-1973
Nominee: John Cooper
Congregation: St. John’s, Davis, WV
Residence: Davis, WV
John is a mostly retired lawyer. He is very knowledgeable in legal matters and has contacts, if he needs information beyond his expertise. John is very sensitive to issues of equality and justice. He is a lay worship leader at St. John’s in Davis and an active member of the congregation.
Position: Consultation Committee – Laity (River Valley)
Nominee: Brian Felici
Congregation: St. Mark (Elm Grove), Wheeling, WV
Residence: Wheeling, WV
Education: BS from West Virginia University, Master in Healthcare Administration for George Washington University
Employment: Retired after many years as a Hospital Administrator / CEO
Church Life: Past Congregational President of St. Mark, Wheeling and Good Shepherd, New Martinsville; Served two terms on Synod Council; Past Treasurer of Community Lutheran Partners, Inc.
Experience: The candidate is experienced in conflict resolution through his work and congregational experiences.
He brings a wealth of congregational and synodical leadership that would be helpful when the committee is called upon in a conflict situation.
Nominee: Lawrence William Springer
Congregation: St. Pual, Morgantown, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Veteran ( US Army 8 years)
Bachelors Degree in Business Administration WVU
Retired from Monongalia County Emergency Medical Services as Executive Director
Currently work part time with Monongalia County Sheriffs Department
Past President and Vice President of Church Council
Current Chairperson of parking committee and property committee Active with St Paul Lutheran Church for approximately 30 years.
Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy (Eastern Female)
Nominee: Sally Bartling
Congregation: Trinity, Keyser, WV
Residence: Keyser, WV
Camden County College Blackwood, NJ, Associate of Science Degree 1973. Dickinson College Carlisle, PA, Bachelor of Arts Degree 1983.
Nominee: Karen Erskine-Valentine
Congregation: St. Peters, Shepherdstown, WV, & St. James, Shenandoah Junction, WV
Residence: Shepherdstown, WV
Pastor Karen serves as Dean of the Potomac Conference and as pastor of St. Peter (Shepherdstown) and St. James (Shenandoah Junction). She is also presently the Director-in-Training for Camp Luther. She has years of experience in church leadership and in helping congregations navigate conflict.
Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy (Western Female)
Nominee: Courtney Erzkus
Congregation: Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Pastor Courtney is a gifted clergywoman who offers a breadth of experience in the Church. She would be a valuable member on the discipline committee. Pastor Courtney brings with her the gift of listening deeply and a desire for justice.
Nominee: Patrice Weirick
Congregation: St. Paul, New Haven, WV
Residence: New Haven, WV
Bachelor of Science degree – Fairmont State University 1977
Master of Science degree – WVU 1979
Master of Divinity degree – Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Capital University 2005
WV State Worker’s Compensation (Rehabilitation Counselor) 1979-1981
WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (Huntington Branch Office) 1981-1984
WV Division of Rehabilitation Service (WV Rehabilitation Center) 1984-2001
Center Township Lutheran Parish – Monaca, PA (Faith & Van Kirk Lutheran Churches) 2005-2017
St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Haven, WV 2017 – present
While pastor in SWPA Synod I served in the following: Education Committee, Board member for Pittsburgh Campus Ministry, Pastoral Convocation Committee (Worship Planner), Dean of Conference, Board member for Lutheran Social Services, Board Member and Interim Director for Crossroads Men’s Shelter, Lead pastor of local Monaca Area Ministerium
Since coming to WV-WMD Synod I have served in the following: Board member for Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU, Synod Mutual Ministry Committee, Mason County Ministerium, Bend Area Ministerium, Worship team for Pastor Convocation.
Position: Discipline Committee – Clergy (Male)
Nominee: Matt holbert
Congregation: Grace, Fairmont, WV
Residence: Fairmont, WV
Previous service on said committee. 15+ years ordination. Kinda scary…
Nominee: Michael Wright
Congregation: St. John’s, Red House, MD
Residence: Oakland,, MD
M. Div. from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, OH. Pastor of Aurora-Red House Parrish. Former young adult member of Synod Council.
Position: Discipline Committee – Laity (Female)
Nominee: Heather Ack
Congregation: Trinity, Keyser, WV
Residence: Keyser, WV
HR director at Northrup Grumman
Nominee: Pamela Pritt
Congregation: New Hope, Minnehaha Springs, WV
Residence: Minnehaha Springs, WV
Having served on both Synod Council and the ELCA Church Council, Pam Pritt offers a breadth of experience that is a rare gem! In approaching any disciplinary situation, Pam brings with her many years of her professional experience as well as a deep rootedness in Lutheran polity and theology. She would be a valuable voice on the Disciplinary Committee.
Position: Discipline Committee – Laity (Male)
Nominee: Shawn Gilmore
Congregation: Grace (Bethlehem), Wheeling, WV
Residence: Bellaire, OH
Treasurer at Grace Lutheran Church and also serves on the Building Committee. Served in the military on numerous disciplinary boards determining the appropriate action to be taken on service members on their actions taken, that were not up to military standards – and is willing to offer his gifts for our synod’s ministries.
Nominee: Lawrence William Springer
Congregation: St. Paul, Morgantown, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Veteran (US Army 8 years). Bachelors Degree WVU in Business Administration. Retired from Monongalia Emergency Medical Services as Executive Director. Currently work part time for Monongalia County Sheriffs Department. Active Member St Paul Lutheran Church for approximately 30 years. Past President and Vice President of Church Council. Currently Chairperson Parking Committee and Property Committee.
Position: Churchwide Assembly – Clergy
Nominee: Linda Muhly
Congregation: St. Mark’s, Clarksburg, WV
Residence: Clarksburg, WV
Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School 1992; served St. Johannes for 16 years, St. Mark’s for 13 years as Pastor; Past Member of Synod Council, Consultation Committee, Dean of MVMC; teacher in Senior Camp of Camp Luther; trained Recovery Coach; Chair and board member of various community entities, 4-H leader for 20 years
Nominee: Philip Van Dam
Congregation: Grace (Bethlehem), Wheeling, WV
Residence: Wellsburg, WV
Phil has excellent knowledge of the church-wide structure and keeps abreast of current issues facing the ELCA and other church bodies. Phil currently serves an Episcopal parish but has served Lutheran parishes in the past. This give him an excellent perspective. He has been a pastor for 19 years.
Position: Churchwide Assembly – Lay Male
Nominee: William Bradley
Congregation: Grace, Fairmont, WV
Residence: Fairmont, WV
Nominee is a Novice in the Order of Lutheran Franciscans and active in Congregational and Street ministry. Nominee has published in Living Lutheran and is very knowledgeable about the ELCA as an organization. Nominee would well represent the Synod due to his experience in other church wide groups (OLF).
Nominee: Bruce Dalton
Congregation: St. John’s, Davis, WV
Residence: Davis, WV
Bruce is a retired school principal/administrator. He and his wife moved to Canaan Valley about 20 years ago, because they fell in love with the area on their honeymoon almost 40 years ago. Bruce is an active member of St. John’s in Davis. He is a worship assistant and one of the lay worship leaders. He has taught confirmation. He has served on Synod Council in the past and is running again this year. Bruce is very passionate about his faith and the ELCA.
Position: Churchwide Assembly – Lay Female
Nominee: Norma Gensler
Congregation: St. Paul, Huntington, WV
Residence: Huntington, WV
WV-WMD Synod Secretary since 2013
Active member of St. Paul Lutheran, Huntington — served on Church Council for many terms over a 45 year membership, Chair of the Fellowship Committee, liturgical deacon as well as reader, SPLC quilters guild Office Manager for Camp Luther for 10 years BA and MA from Marshall University in English, French, and Gifted Education Taught High School English for 25 years until retirement in 2012
Nominee: Mary Sanders
Congregation: St John’s, Red House, MD
Residence: Oakland, MD
Church avoider, pew warmer, seminarian: I have experienced multiple levels of church. This is a level I haven’t unlocked yet.
Position: Churchwide Assembly – Youth or Young Adult
Nominee: Makenzie Hudson
Congregation: Faith, Franklin, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
I have a bachelors in English, with a minor in communication. Currently, I am working as a graduate assistant for the WVU Libraries in Morgantown. Previously, I’ve been the secretary and vice president of a youth organization. I have also been a church member since I was 8-years-old.
Nominee: Grace Riegel
Congregation: St. Paul, Morgantown, WV
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Undergrad college student majoring in Russian and international studies. Regular church attendee both at home and at college. Active in church service: acolyte, teaching VBS, various other volunteering.
Position: Churchwide Assembly – Person of Color and/or Primary Language Other than English
Nominee: Benjamin S. Erzkus
Congregation: Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU
Residence: Morgantown, WV
Ben brings the perspective of a young adult, Appalachian, Korean pastor with a deep appreciation of our Lutheran theological heritage. He is thoughtful and intentional with his words and actions. Ben currently serves as chaplain at the Lutheran Campus Ministry at West Virginia University, having previously served in rural, small town, and suburban congregations in Nebraska and Pennsylvania. He graduated from Frostburg State University (BSW ‘10) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (MDiv ‘15). Among the most important gifts he would bring to the role of Churchwide Assembly delegate are his desire to faithfully and intentionally discern the call of the Holy Spirit and a recognition of the surprising things that can mean for the Church. Also, he really likes drinking coffee and talking with people, and that’s gotta be important for Churchwide, right?
Nominee: Tiana Tauber
Congregation: First, Parkersburg, WV
Residence: Parkersburg, WV
Tiana Tauber has participated in Camp Luther and is involved at First Lutheran Church Parkersburg as a reader. She is a junior in High School at Parkersburg Catholic and plays volleyball and basketball.
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