2007 Churchwide Assembly Voting Members

August 6-12, 2007 — Chicago, Illinois

21A—Ms. Karin Graddy w Bethlehem, DeKalb (northeast conference)

Occupation: Director of Education & Family Ministry, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rockford

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: I am an associate in ministry with a specialty in education. I have served as Christian Education director in two Northern Illinois Synod congregations since 1995. I am called to serve as part-time Communication Director for the Northern Illinois Synod.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: I serve on the NIS Congregational Life Committee and the Professional Leaders Conference planning committee. I have served as Christian Education Network leader for the Northern Illinois Synod. I served as meeting planner for an ELCA Leadership conference last November.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I have a great love for the church at all levels and wish to participate as a voting member to the Churchwide Assembly. As a Christian Educator, I am interested in the discussion that may occur at the 2007 Churchwide Assembly regarding the proposed ELCA Social Statement on Education.

My priorities for this ministry: Education is vital to all people for their entire lives. I look forward to studying all the issues that will be before us at the assembly and learning more about the great things our Church does in the US and world.

My faith statement: I am confident in the knowledge that God holds us tightly through all the ups and downs in our lives. We are saved by the great gift given to us through Jesus' sacrifice. I try to live each day in gratitude of those gifts.

21B—Ms. Mary Norman w Zion, Rockford (north conference)

Occupation: Retired

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Hospitality Committee, Assisting Minister, Small Study Group Leader, Long Range Plan Committee, Special Ministries Committee, Facilitator for Discovering your Dependable Strengths workshops, Choir.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Kiwanis Club, visits with nursing home residents, soup kitchen volunteer, RAMP (regional access mobilization project) advisory board.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I believe the Lord has called me to serve in this way, and that by responding to this call, my faith will grow. I will be better equipped to witness and my territory for witnessing will be expanded.

My priorities for this ministry: To discover through prayer, study and conversation, how to best use my strengths in the churchwide deliberations, and to witness accordingly.

My faith statement: GOD IS SO HUGE and I am so small! Yet I love and trust him. When I am able to give myself up to him and his love for me, I am then able to TRUST him to love me totally, to guide me, forgive me and my imperfection, answer my prayers--according to his schedule and plan, be with me through each day, to care for those I love and don't love. I look forward to the time when he will finally take me home to live with him and all the saints.

22A—Ms. Johanna Lund w Our Savior's, Rockford (north conference)

Occupation: Certified Life Coach

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Current Chair Adult Education Committee, Current Chair Special Gifts Committee, Past Congregation President.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Board member in organizations dealing with health and wholeness. Chair of multiple boards.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: It is imperative to use the gifts bestowed by our Creator.

My priorities for this ministry: To act responsibly as a Christ follower.

My faith statement: I believe in the Holy Trinity and in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

22B—Ms. Deb Martin w Nativity, Wonder Lake (northeast conference)

Occupation: Industrial Engineer

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Council president, evangelism and social ministry, asst. minister; Co-chair synod hunger appeal committee, synod coordinator for Mission Interpreters, synod ONE campaign leader.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Member local peace and justice group.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I've been a Lutheran all my life, but never attended churchwide assembly.  I have attended 2 ELCA global mission events and several ELCA hunger leaders gatherings.

My priorities for this ministry: Support the ELCA in our work to strenghthen members' faith, invite others, and share our resources around the world.

My faith statement: I am saved by grace alone and want to share the gifts God has given me in grateful response to God's great love.

23A—Mr. Jerry Johns w Bethlehem, DeKalb (northeast conference)

Occupation: Retired, but still writing and consulting

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Church Council, Stewardship, Teaching, Mission Gift Fund, Mission Endowment Fund. Member and chair at various times for all of these.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Food Pantry, Theatre, and Music.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: To help provide thoughtful input and direction. To raise appropriate questions.

My priorities for this ministry: For the ELCA to be responsive to God's will.

My faith statement: Trusting the Lord and extend His love to others.

23B—Mr. Jim Spring w Bethany, Leland (south conference)

Occupation: High School History Teacher

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Church Council President, Worship and Music Committee, Adult Sunday School teacher.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Teacher in town, heading drive for sesquicentennial celebration.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I was asked if I would be interested in this call. As a delegate from our congregation on a regular basis, I have discussions in which I have been blessed to participate, I have been very impressed with the way NIS has handled controversial issues. I look forward to representing this Synod in the same manner.

My priorities for this ministry: Proclaiming Christ, proclaiming Christ, and proclaiming Christ.

My faith statement: I know that my redeemer lives. Why would I want to keep that to myself?

24A—Mr. James Johnson w First, Lee (northeast conference)

Occupation: Architectural Project Manager, Farm Owner, Township Supervisor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Currently the Congregational Council President and Chairman of the Call Committee. Also currently serving on the finance committee, as a Trustee, and representing the congregation at the Synod Assembly. Including current service, congregational service has included: Church Council for fourteen years with three one-year terms as President, a Trustee for several years, a delegate to Pleasant View Lutheran Home for two years, a representative to the Northern Illinois Synod Assembly for five years, a Sunday School teacher for two years, Chairman of the Congregational Smorgasbord for five years, budget director for three years, Congregational Treasurer for eight years, and work on multiple committees.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Currently serving the second year of a three year term on the Social Ministry Committee of the Northern Illinois Synod (elected by the committee as Vice Chairman for the current year); Served one year as Records Director for Lee County Chapter of Thrivent; Served four years as a Shabbona Township Trustee; Currently in the third four-year term as Shabbona Township Supervisor; Charter member of the Lee, Illinois Lions Club; Co-Chairman of a fund raiser for local cancer victim; served eight years as a Director on the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Board.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: With our national church shaping the guiding policies and procedures that impact our synod and our congregations, I would welcome the opportunity to represent the Northern Illinois Synod, its congregations and its members in helping to shape the directions that are taken at the Churchwide Assembly.

My priorities for this ministry: When a previous Synod Assembly provided me with the opportunity to serve on the synod Social Ministry Committee, I defined my number one priority as focusing on the scriptures and making sure that all of my actions and my service to the committee are in harmony with the letter and intent of God's Word. To that end I have served on the Social Ministry Committee to the best of my ability by attending and participating in all meetings. Beyond the expected level of work, I have served the committee by volunteering more than once to take minutes when the committee secretary was unable to be at meetings and I have served the membership of the synod by seeking to make the resolutions process easier and more effective and by seeking to make the Social Ministry grants process available on the Internet. My priority for the Churchwide Assembly is simply that I will continue what I have begun on the synod level by placing special emphasis on working to be a conduit for all of the individual members of our synod to have their voice heard in the national decision making process.

My faith statement: My faith can best be summarized in excerpts from Deuteronomy 6:5, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind," coupled with Leviticus 19:18 "Love your neighbor as yourself."

24B—Mr. Trent Lange w First, DeKalb (northeast conference)

Occupation: Speech Language Pathologist

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: I am currently president of the counsil and chair of the call committee.  I have served as the youth group leader and a confirmation teacher.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: I am currently president of my neighborhood association.  I was a big brother for BBBS of DeKalb Co for 8 years.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I value the work of our church in our society.

My priorities for this ministry: I hope to represent my local church and help connect them to the national church.

My faith statement: I believe Jesus Christ is savor of all and has a plan for my life that I must follow.

25A—Mr. Robert Ramage w Trinity, Galesburg (southwest conference)

Occupation: Retired

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: (Past and Present) Congregation Council (President, Vice President, Secretary). Committees-- worship, Christian education, stewardship, social ministry, pastoral call committee, delegate to NIS assembly, voting member at ELCA churchwide assembly in Denver, taught confirmation classes, led adult Bible study class.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Local Red Cross Board of Directors. Local United Way Board of Directors. Leadership Greater Galesburg participant and Board member.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: Participation in the Diakonia program has led to a desire to become more active in the church activities beyond the congregation.

My priorities for this ministry: To listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit for guidance in discussion and voting on issues before the Assembly.

My faith statement: I am a redeemed child of God continuing my journey of sanctification as I strive to be a good steward of God's gifts.

25B—Mr. Jerry Johansen w (central conference)

Biography not available

26A—Mr. Jacob Esker w St. John's, Pearl City (northwest conference)

Occupation: Student

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: I am part of the Youth Group and take interest in that. I am also the Jr. High choir director.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Treasurer of S.A.D.D, Youth Director for Stephenson County Thrivent Board, Vice President of LYO NIS, National Honors Society, Varsity Choir / Showtime 24, 25 ,and 26, Concert Choir, and the All-State Choir in 2005 and 2006.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I would like to serve as a Churchwide Assembly voting member in order to come to understand the church as a whole, and how God works through people in order to do his works.

My priorities for this ministry: My priorities are to help decide the church’s direction. To help guide the church in the way God wants it to go.

My faith statement: My faith statement is that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I should then love and serve God to the best of my abilities, and to grow in my faith towards God. 

26B—Mr. Nathan Knowles w Immanuel, Earlville (south conference)

Occupation: Student

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Music (guitar, saxophone), Choir, Youth Group, Sunday School.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: High School Band, High School Golf Team, High School Baseball Team, LOMC Swing Choir Tour Camper.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I feel I can speak for the youth of the synod to help change what needs to be changed and keep what needs to be kept.

My priorities for this ministry: My priorities are to represent the youth of not only my congregation but all over the synod. Part of my summer schedule takes me to other churches in the synod. While there I often hear the views and thoughts of the youth in those congregations.

27A—The Reverend Marilyn Hanson w First, DeKalb (northwest conference)

Occupation: Pastor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: As head of staff in my current ministry setting, I delight in worship leadership, administrative tasks, personnel issues, and serving as a visionary leader for the congregation.  Making connections between the local congregation and greater church has always been an interest of mine as well.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Living in a college community, I am committed to seeking ways that the local congregation can be involved in the faith development of the student population. As such, I serve on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Campus Ministry.  I also have a strong interest in reaching out to the unchurched and working cooperatively with other faith traditions in the community.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I care very deeply for the ELCA and have always had a great interest in sharing my gifts with the larger church. I have served as a synod secretary and ELCA Church Council member, as well as served on a synod staff for nine years. I want to continue to have a voice in shaping the direction the ELCA heads in the future.

My priorities for this ministry: My hope is that the ELCA will continue to be a powerful witness to Christ throughout throughout this land and around the world.  We have a great message of hope to share with others and the resources for sharing them. I am committed to doing my part to ensure that we do this well.

My faith statement: I am a beloved child of God and a forgiven sinner, called to live out my faith in Christ through my words and deeds.  I seek to be a positive and encouraging voice for Christ in this world.

27B—The Reverend Marcia Strahl w First, Chadwick (northwest conference)

Occupation: Pastor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: My areas of special interest in ministry are worship, teaching, particularly adult education and stewardship. I have introduced healing services to both of the congregations that I have served which is important for both individuals and congregational issues.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: I serve as chaplain to the Whiteside County Composite Squadron, Civil air Patrol and am active in emergency services. I'm trained in Critical Incident Stress Management and serve on the Illinois Wing CIS Team. I have also served for 3 years as Congregational Service Team Director for the Carroll County Chapter Thrivent Financial for Lutheran and Chadwick/Milledgeville C.R.O.P. Walk Treasurer.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I am interested in serving the greater church, especially through the synod and I served 4 years on the synod council of the Northwest Michigan Synod. I currently serve the NIS on the Stewardship Sub-Committee. In 2005 elected to Consultation Committee.

My priorities for this ministry: I have never attended a Churchwide Assembly and appreciate the importance of the Spirit lead deliberations that occur there for the future of our church.

My faith statement: My senior year in seminary I chose Romans 5:36-5 as a description of my faith development "…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." This August I will be a 5 year cancer survivor. I am still a work in process and the Holy Spirit keeps filling my heart with God's love.

28A—The Reverend Kris Zierke w Our Savior's, Seneca (south conference)

Occupation: Pastor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Worship planning and leadership; music; youth; education; have directed church choir.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Have served on Domestic Violence Faith Committee and answered crisis line; Community After School Program Board and Volunteer; Community Center Committee member; have served on Food Pantry Boards, Welfare Reform Community Board and Board of Youth Runaway and Family Services.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: It is an honor to be a voting member at Churchwide Assembly to help shape the future of the ELCA.

My priorities for this ministry: My priority is to listen to the people and the Spirit to shape the direction of our church.

My faith statement: I believe that God has created, gifted and saved us through Jesus Christ so that we may share the Good News with all the world.

28B—The Reverend Krista Stokke w First, Granville (south conference)

Biography not available

29A—The Reverend Thomas Rogers, Jr. w Redeemer, Woodstock (northeast conference)

Occupation: Pastor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Since being called to Redeemer as my first call in 2000, we have worked diligently on congregational redevelopment. The main part of that has been keeping a missional focus, focusing on making Christ known from our place at the corner of Hickory and Dean Streets.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: I am a graduate of Leadership Greater McHenry County, a community leadership development course, and continue to work on my own leadership development. My goal is always to share learning with leaders here at Redeemer. I also serve as the youth exchange officer for the Rotary Club of Woodstock (Noon). In addition, I am involved in a weekly, ecumenical lectionary study and have been a proponent of community social justice issues.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: As the chair of the synod's Ministry Support Committee, I have learned more about how the church works and how it can work to benefit everyone. Attending the churchwide assembly will further widen my scope so that I might serve more effectively.

My priorities for this ministry: To serve our synod as a responsible voting member to the assembly and bring back as much as I can to benefit our ministry together.

My faith statement: Letting my light so shine that others may see my good works and give glory to God in Heaven.  I stay humble by striving to love God and neighbor.  I am called to bring “good news,” “liberty,” “sight,” and “freedom” by proclaiming God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

29B—The Reverend Don Knowles w Immanuel, Earlville (south conference)

Occupation: Pastor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: I serve as the sole pastor of a small town congregation.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Currently I am the chair of the Earlville Community CROP Walk Committee, President of the Mendota Lutheran Home Board of Directors, Publicity Coordinator for the Earlville School Band Boosters, Chair of the Synod Nominating Committee, and Clergy Consultant for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center. In the past I have served as a Little League coach and Cub Scout leader.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: In conversation with members of the congregation where I serve I hear the diverse needs of the people of my community as well as a wide variety of understanding of what it means to be God's people. As a voting member at the Churchwide Assembly I would hope to bring those views to the attention of wider church.

My priorities for this ministry: It would be intent to bring an open mind to the Churchwide Assembly, to listen to the opinions and ideas expressed, and in good conscience, help make decisions that will further God's kingdom.

My faith statement: I believe that for sake of all people Christ died for the forgiveness of sin. As redeemed children of God through Christ, we are called as individuals and as communities of faith to share God's radical love through our words and our actions.

30A—The Reverend Frank Moyer w St. Mark, Rockford (north conference)

Occupation: Interim Clergy

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Interim ministry with congregations working through crisis. Training/educating lay leaders in pastoral care with those in crisis.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Health ethics consultant; involvement with public education leadership.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: The ELCA 2007 Assembly will be focusing on critical areas that will shape the direction of the church. I believe my years of experience will be a value to that process.

My faith statement: Dynamic process of examining faith in dialogue with the scientific and technological advances of our age continues to affirm my trust in the love of God.

30B—The Reverend Wayne Derber w Calvary, Lee (northeast conference)

Occupation: Pastor

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: As a pastor, I am involved with all aspects of congregational life. I especially emphasize preaching the good news of the gospel, care for people in need, daily Bible readings and prayer, inviting others into a relationship with Jesus, helping others through words and deeds of compassion, and living out our faith in our daily life.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Co-chair of the synod's hunger committee, member of Bread for the World, help with local food pantry, recent president of the Mendota Lutheran Home Board, recent board member of Habitat for Humanity, member of the Foods Resource Bank committee, former dean of the South Conference, and member of the synod's nominating committee.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I feel that as a pastor for twenty-five years, I have a great deal of experience in pastoral ministry that would be beneficial in being a voting member to the Churchwide assembly. I feel that I especially understand issues of world hunger, rural ministry, and social justice.

My priorities for this ministry: I would emphasize what I believe to be the core teachings of the Christian faith: 1) following Jesus as Lord and Savior, 2) receiving salvation through faith as a free gift; 3) reaching out to bring others into a relationship with Jesus; 4) working for social justice; 5) caring for the hungry, poor, and outsiders; and 6) living out our faith in daily life.

My faith statement: I believe that God the Father has created us and sustains us from day to day. I believe that God the Son died to save us from our sins and rose again to give us eternal life. And I believe that God the Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with words and deeds of love, compassion, and justice.