Ministry Support Committee

10A—Ms. Sue Cording w Shepherd of the Hills, Elizabeth (northwest conference)

Occupation: English Teacher

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: High School Sunday School Teacher, Member of the Mutual Ministry Committee, Adult Bible Study Member, Lay reader for worship.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Actively involved in the Galena Federation of Teachers, current co-president Member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Honorary Society of Women Educators.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I have served on this committee for two years and am willing to continue my service. The pastors who care for the spiritual needs of the congregations in our synod need care themselves. They need to be provided with retreats and experiences to enrich their spiritual and physical lives. They need prayerful support and assurance that their work is valued and appreciated. To the extent that I can deliver this support, I am willing to help.

My priorities for this ministry: The Ministry Support Committee needs to continue to advise the Synod on matters of spiritual development for pastors. We need to provide time and resources to encourage the right candidates to enter the ministry and to aid and direct them as they move through seminary to their first call. We also need to help those who are in their first call and to assist all pastors at every stage of their careers with adequate compensation, fair work expectations, and continuing education opportunities.

My faith statement: I believe that God loves His creation, and He reaches out to us in his word and sacrament, healing our brokenness and calling us into communion with Him. His infinite grace lifts from us the burdens of our sinful nature. Once we have experienced His redeeming love, we are compelled to share the good news of Christ and bring God's grace and renewal to others. I believe that God has a plan for each of us, and that we can gain understanding of God's will in prayer, worship, and Bible study. God has entrusted our pastors with the leadership of His people in all of these areas.

10B—Ms. Rhonda Peterson Dealey w Shepherd of the Hill, Lockport (east conference)

Occupation: Social Worker

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Children's Ministries, Music Ministries, Adult Education.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: School District Strategic Planning Task Force.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: Served on Candidacy Committee in Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod in 1990's, Served on Committee for Lay and Professional Ministries in Central/Southern Illinois Synod 2004-.

My priorities for this ministry: Support and development of well-prepared lay and professional leaders of the ELCA to further the work of God's kingdom in the world.

11A—Mr. Lee Harbison w St. John, Pearl City (northwest conference)

Occupation: Retired

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: I have been on church council many times and am currently President of our church council. Have twice been chair of building committees and in two different churches I have been Financial Secretary for a total of approximately 12 years. I currently Chair St. John's Ministry Support Committee. I have given the Sunday morning message on many occasions.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: In the past I spent 15 years on a local school board and am presently Vice-President of our local Property Owners Association.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: I have had a long interest in seeing that we have good candidates for the rostered ministries. I also believe they need to be supported and provided with help whenever the need arises, so they can effectively fulfill their ministry.

My priorities for this ministry: Recruitment and preparation of candidates for rostered ministries along with ongoing education.I have been on the Candidacy Sub-committee for about 10 years.

My faith statement: That I, through Christ, am able to spread the Word through example of my own living.

11B—vacant

12A—The Reverend Susan Eckhoff w St. John's, LaSalle (south conference)

Occupation: Retired and serve part time as Chaplain at Mendota Lutheran Home

Areas of special leadership and interest in the congregation: Presently calling on shut-ins at St. John's and fill in preaching as needed.

Areas of special leadership and interest in the community: Served on Putnam County Drug Awareness committee, served community in doing funerals and marriages of those not belonging to congregation.

Reason I wish to serve this area of ministry in the synod: Being involved in ministry support involves concern for both the congregation and pastoral leadership and their identification of ministry/personnel concerns. Guidance and mediation might help situations improve and boost morale.

My priorities for this ministry: To aid as needed in listening; helping with problem solving and setting attainable goals; to allow needs to be addressed in a fair way that will help all involved. Also, it helps to have an outside advocate for the welfare of all involved. Most of all, many need to keep aware of the church's purpose and mission of Jesus Christ; to share, tell, and live the Gospel.

My faith statement: I believe that God is in my life of the Church, and the world. He is continually redeeming us and guiding us in ways to tell and live the Gospel of forgiveness and new life that will affect us all. However, I as a baptized member of Christ's Church seek to live, saved and sent to do God's will is grace and mercy filled. Now, as always, leading me into new avenues of faith and ventures of Godly relationships with others.

12B—vacant