Congregational Life Committee

7A—Mr. Douglas Wood w Faith, Rochelle (central conference)

Occupation: Maintenance/Custodian

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Serving as President of Church Council, Served as V.P. President and President. Serving as assisting Minister, Communion Asst. and Reader.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Have served for the past 15 years on the Blackhawk Area Council's Pinewood Derby Committee.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: To help strengthen my faith in Christ.

My priorities for this ministry: As in my congregation worship and getting more people to volunteer in our church.

My faith statement: Matthew 9:37 Then he said to his disciples: The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

7B—vacant

8A—Mr. Stephen Liezert w Faith, Rochelle (central conference)

Occupation: Director of Product Development

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Lay Ministry and Worship Committee, Parish Planning committee and Building Committee. I served on Faith's Re-Visioning Team. Am presently chairman of the Property and Management Committee.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Community Breakfast Program for the needy. Food Pantry. Thanksgiving baskets Program.

8B—Mr. Jeff Schneider w Our Savior's, Rockford (north conference)

Occupation: Manager

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Finance Committee for quite a few years.  Past Treasurer of the Church. Past Stewardship Committee leader and committee member. Current President of the Congregation.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Social ministry, Sports group leadership, Business groups.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I have experience in this ministry and would like to share ideas with other Congregations.

My priorities for this ministry: My priorities for this ministry and Congregational Life in general is to increase the opportunities for members to become more "connected" and engaged with their Congregation at the Church at large.

My faith statement: My faith is guided by John 3:16 - That Christ died for me and for all people. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

9A—Ms. Barb Schwamberger w Immanuel, Amboy (central conference)

Occupation: Retired

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: I am in the choir and serve as lector for my congregation, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy, IL. I have been nominated to serve on the church council. I have attended the Congregational Resourcing Event at Kishwaukee Community College the past two years. I was a delegate to the 2005 synod Assembly where I participated in the Assembly choir. I am interested in promoting justice issues in my congregation.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Currently, I am Victim Advocate and serve as a facilitator for Victim/Offender Conferences for the Lee County Juvenile Probation Department Balanced and Restorative Justice efforts. I also serve as treasurer and volunteer coordinator for the Franklin Creek Preservation Area Committee which administers the Grist Mill at Franklin Creek State Park. In relation to my interest in justice issues and since my daughter is gay, I have joined with another person to form a group of citizens who wish to act as an educational and advocacy resource for our northern Illinois rural area in the hope we can help our communities understand the justice issues facing gay and lesbian people in the daily lives.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I am interested in using the gifts and talents God has given me to serve in what ever capacity my church may need me to serve.

My priorities for this ministry: I have not served on any committee for the Northern Illinois Synod, and do not know what my priorities for Congregational Life Committee will be until I become a part of this committee.

My faith statement: My faith journey began when I was baptized a Lutheran and continued as I attended and was involved in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Franklin Grove, IL. I remember so well the church of my youth where I sang in the choir, played the organ, became confirmed, attended Luther League meetings and traveled to Texas to attend the Luther League Convention. As I reflect on this time in my life, it seems I was involved in a true faith community. For a time as a young adult, I did not attend a Lutheran Church. Then for a period of time I did not attend any church. But something was missing in my life, and although I tried to tell myself I was a good person who did good things, my faith needed my church. When I rejoined my Lutheran church community, it felt as if I had come home after taking a long detour that took me away from my Lutheran roots. I am glad to be home!

9B—vacant