Rocky Mountain Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America God s Work. Our Hands.

Transcription

1 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly - Border Conference Lay Female Name (First, MI, Last): Susan Mitchell Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Retiree Conference/Geography: Border Conference Congregation Membership: Peace Lutheran Church How Long? 10 years_ God has given me many gifts to share, and as a baptized Christian, that has always been my sense of call to try to be present in the midst of need whether it is in my local congregation, synodically or through the churchwide expression. This nomination would give me the opportunity to reach out with my vote and touch lives of other beyond Las Cruces or the Rocky Mountain Synod. I hope to work with issues confronting us in our Synod, specifically AMMPARO Migrant Children and Justice for Women. I have lived in the territory of the Rocky Mountain Synod for 10 years as a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I serve as an assisting lay minister, Bible study leader, and was a board member of Border Servant Corps for 6 years. I am currently a Border Conference representative to Synod Council and serve on the Executive Committee of Synod Council. I have worked with many of the congregations in the Border Conference in these roles and am particularly interested in sharing my concerns for social justice on the US/Mexico Border with ELCA Churchwide as a voting delegate at the 2019 Assembly. a. Rocky Mountain Synod Council Border Conference Rep. _ from 2013 to Current b. Rocky Mountain Synod Women of the ELCA Treasurer from 2012 to 2015 c. Bible study leader at Peace Lutheran Church, Las Cruces from 2010 to Current

2

3 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly, Colorado Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): Carrie A Baylis Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: _Associate Pastor Conference/Geography: Southeast Colorado Conference Congregation Membership: _First Lutheran, Colorado Springs How Long? _8 years God calls us to serve our church in many different ways, and when the church calls we should be open to answering. The churchwide assembly would be an opportunity to hear the voices of many throughout our church coming together and exploring how we can be church better together. It would be a gift to experience this expression of the ELCA at churchwide assembly. I believe this is a critical time to lean into the future of our church understanding that the past is prologue and the future is hope. Having the opportunity to engage in the conversations at churchwide assembly and carry them back to engage our Rocky Mountain Synod in cooperation with implementation of our strategic plan is place where I feel God is calling me to lead and serve. It is a gift to be able to take in large amounts of information, process all of it, and then pick out the pieces that matter most to the context in which you are serving. I am often able to reframe what people are hearing and help to apply it in the contexts in which we serve. In the time during and following the churchwide assembly I would be able to work with the Office of the Bishop to bring useful information back to our Rocky Mountain Synod in both print and presentation. a. Rocky Mountain Synod Youth Gathering Planning Team from 2014_ to current b. Behavioral Interview Training ELCA Domestic Mission Unit from 2017_ to current c. RMS Comprehensive Ministry Review Team from 2015 and 2017

4 Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly, Colorado Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): Emily J. Cardin Clergy Occupation: Ordained Minister to Word and Sacrament Conference/Geography: Metro West Congregation Membership: Glory of God Lutheran Church How Long? 3 years I relied on the synod support to provide individual congregational funding and weekly visitors for the prison ministry for 9+ years. I am passionate about the benefits of being a part of the RMS and the ELCA for all we can do beyond our one congregation. Being God s hands in the neighborhood, the state, the synod and the world. What we do matters so beyond our walls. I have been a part of the LAM-CO for over 6 years and I support the public church and our involvement in the world as God s people. I worked as a statewide chaplain for the State of Colorado and bridged the gap between government and church weekly. I am active in the Partnered in Faith task force bridging WRPD and the faith communities on the art and gifts of neighboring. I am active in the Feed the Future Program at our neighborhood elementary school. I believe in working beyond our walls of church and being called to the church in the world. I am called to serve God s people in all areas of our daily life. a. Current Chair of LAM-Co from 2016 to 2018 b. LAM-Co from 2012 to present c. Pastor of New Beginnings Church (prison ministry) from 2004 to 2013

5 Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly Colorado Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): Leta C. Arndt Behrens Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Clergy, Pastor Conference/Geography: North Colorado Congregation Membership: Our Saviour s ELCA How Long? 8 years I feel called to be a part of the larger body of the church through attending this assembly to represent the Rocky Mountain Synod because as a dean I am well connected to the RMS and would like the opportunity to broaden that connection with churchwide. As a pastor, being involved at a larger level enhances my ministry and call in my local setting. I am pastor for the RMS and have been for 10 years. I have served previously in a variety of ways in other synods. I have been a conference dean for almost three years and I am passionate about how we connect and integrate our ministries from local congregation/ministry to synod to churchwide. a. North Colorado Conference Dean from January 2016 to present b. Rocky Mountain Synod Middle School Youth Gathering Chair/Team member from 2009 to 2018 c. Chair of FoCoLu Ministry Board from 2014 to 2018

6 Position Nominated for: CO Clergy At Large for 2019 National Assembly Name (First, MI, Last): Eric J. Allert Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Lead Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church Conference/Geography: Metro South Conference Congregation Membership: Christ Lutheran Church Highlands Ranch, CO How Long? 2 years As a nominee, the opportunity to represent this beautiful community of faith at the National Assembly is a hopeful vision to embrace. I truly believe that the best days of the ELCA can remain ahead of us when led by the Spirit of God. But we must not only vision with God we must also walk and serve with God - acting with boldness as a gathered church that genuinely strives to achieve Christ s commission for the world and relational love for the neighbor. As a life-long Lutheran of 40 years, raised by 2 Lutheran pastors, and since called to serve as rostered clergy for the past 12+ years, I have been blessed to witness the heart of the church beat for the disciple experiencing both great joy as well as aching depths in sorrow. As an ordained clergy I have served in a solo call, a specialized associate call, and now as lead pastor of a large congregation. My experience in ministry leadership in these specific roles, and my serving God in several other lay staff positions and synodical volunteer efforts, along with my sustained hope for the ELCA, can provide wisdom of the (semi-recent) past, perspective of the present, and promise for the continued work of the church s future together. a. Rocky Mountain Synod Reference & Counsel Committee from 2017 to now b. Grand Canyon Synod Rio Salado Conf. Young Adult Min. Steering Comm. from 2013 to 2016 c. Grand Canyon Synod Rio Salado Conf. ELCA Youth Gathering Liaison from 2014 to 2015

7 Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly, North New Mexico Lay Female Name (First, MI, Last) Terry E Cole Lay X Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Retired teacher Conference/Geography: N NM Conference Lay Female Congregation Membership: St Paul Lutheran Albuquerque How Long? 40 years In keeping with being church better together, I feel called to participate in the churchwide expression of our church body. Serving on Synod Council has opened my eyes to the amazing ministry being done around our region. I would love to learn what is being done around the nation and especially around the world. I have served on an ELCA Committee in the past (Global Missions) and am excited about many developments since then the YAGM program for example. I would love to talk with other synod representatives about their companion synod relationships and share our Madagascar connection. I would love to share the work of our synod and bring back ideas for our continued work together. This is the third time I have tried to become a voting member hopefully third time is the charm! As a teacher, I have experience in sharing information and would welcome the opportunity to share this experience. I have given workshops on our Companion Synod program to churches and groups around the synod. I serve as a liaison to Camino de Vida, a mission start congregation for the immigrant population in Albuquerque (joint PCUSA/ELCA). As a Stephen Leader, I have trained Stephen Ministers and also led adult education programs for our congregation on various topics (Grief, Cancer). As a former lay youth leader, I feel competent in working together with youth representatives to help them share their experience in ways that work for them. As chair of our Worship and Music Committee, I have been involved in worship planning and am eager to experience new ways to worship. a. Synod Council from 2014 to 2018 b. Companion Synod Committee from 2005 to 2018 c. Stephen Ministry Leader from 2005 to 2018

8 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly NNM Lay Female Name (First, MI, Last): Cynthia Z. Biddlecomb Lay Roster Occupation: ELCA Deacon Conference/Geography: Northern New Mexico Conference Congregation Membership: Lutheran Church of the Servant, Santa Fe_ How Long? _7 years Churchwide Assembly is where our Church grows and determines its future. In 2019 that body will decide, among other things, on the entrance rite for incoming Ministers of Word and service, as well as on the Women and Justice Social Statement. It would be god for some of our RMS Deacons to be present, and I am one Commissioned as Associate in Ministry 1993 Churchwide Assembly Voting Member 27 years in congregational ministry in the areas of Christian Education, Spiritual Gifts Ministry, Lay Leadership support and administration (Sierra Pacific, SW Minnesota and Rock Mountain Synods) Currently under call of the Synod Council to serve as Parish Administrator at an Episcopal church a. _Chair of the Call COmmittee from 2/2018 to current b. _Co-Dean, Northern New Mexico Conference from 2006_ to _2009_ c. _Rocky Mountain Synod Board for Church and Society from _2003_ to _2006_

9 Position Nominated for: 2019 Utah Assembly, Utah Conference Lay Male Name (First, MI, Last): Michael R. Stoker Lay X Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: _Retired Conference/Geography: Utah Conference, Rocky Mountain Synod Congregation Membership: St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, Utah How Long? 23 years I have always felt called to serve at St. Matthew s and also to serve the Rocky Mountain Synod and the ELCA. As a congregation in redevelopment, we owe much to those who have trained us, provided grant monies and cheered us on. It is important to me to be involved in the wider church and be part of the overall mission. Many times, prior to redevelopment, I struggled with decisions to take a leadership role and time and again, felt God called me to serve in our unique ministry in Utah. During the time frame we didn t have a Pastor, I reached out to the Utah conference to ensure we had supply pastors for our congregation. Our congregation deeply values worship and this experience taught me the importance of hearing God s words in my life and the lives of others. While under redevelopment and looking for a Pastor, I had the pleasure of reaching out to Bishop Gonia to find a redevelopment Pastor and to begin the process of redevelopment for our congregation. These experiences taught me the value of collaboration and open conversation to build relationships with others and understanding that the outcome depended on God s response. a. Council Member at Large Facilities Management: from July, 2016 to July, 2018 b. Council President and Redevelopment Search: from September, 2012 to July, 2016 c. Council President: from July, 2004 to July, 2011

10 Position Nominated for: Utah Conference Lay Male Name (First, MI, Last): Richard H. Weber Lay X Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Retired, Utah Adult Probation & Parole Supervisor Conference/Geography: Utah Conference Congregation Membership: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Holladay,UT 22 yrs How Long? My whole life has been service oriented, trying to be an example of sharing God's generosity to all. I recognize that an individual that joins with others can make change to better all. Volunteer in social service and community outreach programs through work and church. Officer on the boards of organizations including Thrivent Financial regional chapter, Lutheran Social Service of Utah, and Community Shares of Utah. Voting Member at Rocky Mountain Synod Assemblies. Delegate to the Churchwide Assembly (1999) that provided the opportunity to see the bigger picture of the ELCA and its members in action. Attended ELCA Global Mission events. a. Current congregation, Our Saviour's from 1997 to 2018: various years on Church Council as liason to Stewardship, Worship & Music, and Christian Education; College Scholarship Committee; Sunday School Teacher & SS Superintendent. b. Rocky Mtn. Synod Anti-Racism Team from 1997 to 2000 c. Rocky Mtn. Synod Campus Ministry Committee from 2009 to 2011: University of Utah Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry representative

11 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly (Wyoming Clergy) Name (First, MI, Last): Joshua S Bruns Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Conference/Geography: Wyoming Congregation Membership: Covenant Lutheran Church, Wheatland How Long? Eight Years In my time in the Rocky Mountain Synod, I have seen much of how we connect as congregations and as a synod on Candidacy Committees, Reference and Counsel, and through Synod assemblies and Theological Conferences. But my experience of Churchwide is lacking. I feel it would be useful to me to see close up another way of how we are connected across this church, and I would love to share the ways we are connected home in Wyoming. I have spent 8 years now in my current call, and that stability gives me a sense of the community I live in, and how they approach issues. I would bring that local knowledge and voice to churchwide. Having served on Reference and Counsel, as well as heading other local boards (such as the local DV advocacy organization), I have some knowledge of plenary rules and order. a. _Reference and Counsel (chair, 2018) from 2015 to 2018 b. _Rocky Mountain Synod Candidacy Commitee from 2012 to 2018 c. _Rocky Mountain Synod World Hunger from 2010 to 2013

12 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly: At Large Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): Chad M Kohlmeyer Lay Lay Roster Clergy X Occupation: Conference/Geography: Boulder/Broomfield Conference Congregation Membership: Atonement, Boulder How Long? _09/2008 I deeply value many of the gifts our Churchwide representation offers us as a synod. I would both receive the gift of the Assembly and offer our delegation gifts that I bring to ministry and the perspective I have in the Rocky Mountain Synod. The congregation I serve is also committed to supporting many of the ministries of the Churchwide representation, and so is also part of my sense of call. Having been a part of the Rocky Synod for a total of 10 ½ years I believe I can represent the membership of the Synod faithfully and bring a diverse perspective of the gifts and challenges we face together in ministry. In nearly 13 years of ordained ministry I have yet to participate in a Churchwide Assembly and would also enjoy attending this gathering of the church. a. RMS Global Missions Board from _2010_ to _2012 b. President, Outside Board of New Beginnings Worshipping Community at the Denver Women s Correctional Facility from _2017_ to _present c. Co-Dean, Boulder/Broomfield Conference from 03/18 to _present

13 Position Nominated for: _2019 Churchwide Assembly At-Large Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): _Ryan W. Roberts Lay Lay Roster *Clergy* Occupation: _Pastor & Father Conference/Geography: _North New Mexico Congregation Membership: _Cross of Hope, Albuquerque How Long? _4 months_ I am deeply invested in the three expressions of the church found in the ELCA. I believe that it is important to remain mindful that we are each individually members of each expression and that each is fully the church while not exclusively the church. I have learned a great deal about the congregational and synodical expressions; now, I hope to learn about the churchwide expression by direct experience. It is critical to the future of our church that folks hear stories to make the remote feel personal and the dispersed feel united. As a novice in the fledgling Order of Lutheran Franciscans, I hope to bring a perspective to all three expressions that is both ancient and novel. Briefly describe your skills and/or experiences that would be an asset to the area you are I have served the church in ongoing ways at both the congregational and synodical levels. I have followed the events of previous churchwide assemblies on a daily basis through both video and written reports. I stay apprised of churchwide activities and promote them in my congregational and personal relationships. I have a quirky passion for parliamentary procedure, following the flow of plenary sessions and helping motions to get their work done; after all, I share a name with the rules creator! I also love to travel to new places with groups of semi-strangers to explore, discuss, collaborate, and go deeper. a. _Board Member, Ecumenical Institute for Ministry from 1/2018 to Present b. _Albuquerque Area Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Planning Team from 6/2016 to 1/2017_ c. _Candidacy Committee Member, Delaware-Maryland Synod from 9/2011 to 3/2016_ Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly, Deacon

14 Position Nominated for: Name (First, MI, Last): Gordon L. Sandquist Churchwide Assembly, At Large Clergy Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: pastor Conference/Geography: Metro South Congregation Membership: Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit How Long? 3 years After serving in the church for more than 30 years; serving on synod council in The Central States Synod; and currently serving on the Better Together Team; I feel called to participate in the church in a larger setting. I feel called to bring my own personal sense of mission in both the local and synodical levels and share that wisdom and sense of discernment at the national expression of our church. God is always calling us to get clear on how to be the Kingdom of God. I sense that living in that sense of curiosity helps us to lean into the future God intends for our church at all levels. I have been in ministry in all different kinds of settings. I have served in young mission churches, old wealthy congregations, small country churches and a couple of suburban congregations. Those experiences have given me the ability to relate to the perspectives of many different people in our church. That might be important when making decisions that affect all people. Secondly, I have been consistently wondering, learning and discerning the best ways to be church in a world that is constantly changing. I would bring some of the latest learning to some of those conversations as we both celebrate who we are and look to how God calls us forward. a. Sky Ranch Camp Board (President ) from 1996 to 2000 b. Central States Synod Council from 2008 to 2014 c. Rocky Mountain Better Together Team from 2016 to present

15 Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly At Large Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): The Rev. Nicolé Raddu Ferry Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Pastor Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church Conference/Geography: North New Mexico Conference Congregation Membership: Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church How Long? 6 years It would be an honor to serve as a voting member to the Churchwide Assembly in 2019 as a presence from the Rocky Mountain Synod. Acting as Church Better Together empowers our Churchwide expression to do those things God calls us to do with the strength of a larger church body. We can gather and do so much more for the world Very honestly this sense of call from God came from one of my lay members who looked at me during this gathering and said: You need to be on this ballot because there are no women on that ballot. As the first female pastor of my current call I have been very mindful of the need for most female voices in our larger church presence. Having Bishop Eaton is an amazing witness and I would like to step into those places where that opportunity exists. I have education and experience as a clinical social worker as well as a ELCA pastor. Understanding the dynamics of systems thinking and as one immersed in an active congregation will serve me well for this role. I am currently serving as a co-dean for the North New Mexico Conference walking with our congregations and their pastors, I am a servant for our Candidacy Committee walking with our candidates who feel called to serve the entire church, I serve on the board of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp walking with the staff to imagine what God is up to in Church Better Together outside of our congregations in outdoor ministry. My connection to these various areas of ministries will allow me to take a broad understanding of our Synod to the Churchwide Assembly. I also was very blessed to be a part of the Synod Strategic Planning team and am thrilled that our current vision is so connected to the larger church in articulation and actin and would honor communicating that connection and determine how we can move deeper into this collective work. a. Candidacy Committee from 8/2013 to present b. Co-Dean for North New Mexico Conference from 5/2016 to present c. Board Member Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp from 2/2018 to present

16 Name (First, MI, Last): Erin A Power Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Life Conference/Geography: Metro West Congregation Membership: _Highlands, Denver CO _How Long? 7 ½ years In my call, much of my role is fostering connections between leaders, synodical ministries, congregations, churchwide ministries, and our global partners. I value the work we do as all expressions of the Church Together and am passionate about adding my voice and leadership to the conversations and work that is happening through our churchwide body. In my role of communications director and global church liaison, I intentionally am connected to what is happening in our various expressions of the church. I believe my knowledge and experience in synodical leadership equips me to present in churchwide conversations and decisions in a unique way. Having spent a great deal of time in conversation with my Word & Service colleagues in both the Rocky Mountain Synod and the other synods of Region 2, I hope to offer our distinct voice to the wider church body, in particular to the Word & Service Entrance Rite conversation. a. CU-Boulder Campus Ministry Mentor from _2014 to _Present b. _Highlands Church Council from _2012 to _2014 c. Family Promise Congregational Coordinator _ from _2012 to _2014

17 Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly, Person of Color, Clergy Name (First, MI, Last): Christine Higueria-Street Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Redeveloper Pastor Conference/Geography: Utah Conference Congregation Membership: St. Matthew s Lutheran Church How Long? 2yrs 6mon God has called me through the wider understanding of what it means to be church together. As a woman of color, my life experiences the good and the bad have given me a certain lens to see the hand of God working in the world. I also see that there is an ongoing need for justice in our world and the church has an important part in speaking out and taking action where there is injustice even within our own household. As a leader in the church, I work to bring people together collaboratively, seeking other s gifts for ministry. In the last two years, I have been able to help the good people of St. Matthew s turn their ministry focus around from inward to outward thinking and actions. As a redeveloper, I encourage the congregation to try new things and to think outside of the box especially when it comes to understanding fairness and just practices as people of faith. I currently serve on the Congregational Ministries Board and feel that I have more to contribute as part of this ministry team on behalf of the synod. a. Pacifica Synod Council from April 2014 to July 2015 b. Congregational Ministries Board from Sept 2017 to Present c. Redeveloper St. Matthew s Lutheran Church Taylorsville, UT from August 2015 to Present

18 Position Nominated for: _ At Large Person of Color Lay Female Name (First, MI, Last): _Angela C. Chacon Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Conference/Geography: _Border Conference Congregation Membership: Peace Lutheran How Long? 3 years I am looking for new opportunities for service and this conference will increase my knowledge of the Lutheran faith and give me new perspectives and broaden my scope. I am detail-oriented, organized, empathetic, trained Victim Advocate and Resiliency Trainer, middle school teacher, retired AF Sergeant with many years of leadership, FOIA Manager, Privacy Act Manager, SharePoint Administrator, Education and Training Manager. I also serve as a Eucharist Minister. a. _Choir Member from 2015_ to _present_ b. _Preschool Board Member from 2015_ to _present_ c. _Worship Assistant from 2015_ to _present_

19 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly (Youth Female) Name (First, MI, Last): Sophia E. Behrens Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Student Conference/Geography: Northern Colorado Congregation Membership: Our Saviour s Lutheran Church (Fort Collins) How Long? 8 years I have a calling to live my baptismal promises by working for justice in my community and world. I see the church as a vehicle where I can live out these promises and do good deeds. Churchwide assembly would assist me in getting a bigger idea of what the church does as a whole and how the Rocky Mountain Synod fits into that which helps my call in wanting to serve the bigger church on both a synodical and national level. My skills include having a youthful voice and perspective I can bring into churchwide assembly and passion for the being the present and future of church leadership. I found the perspective of not only me as a youth, but other young leaders as well through attending the Youth Leadership Summit twice as a participant and now by serving on the team that plans it and by going to the RMS Youth Gathering for the past six years. In addition, I know how to speak about my voice through my experience of going to the ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering in DC this past January. Going to churchwide assembly would help me to again voice my opinion and grow in my faith. a. Serving on the RMS Hunger Network from January 2017 to Present b. Preschool Vacation Bible School Director from 2015 to 2017 c. Worship Coordinator for Synod Day at ELCANYG from October 2017 to July 2018

20 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly: At Large Youth or Young Adult Lay Male Name (First, MI, Last): Joseph A. Schmidt. Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Supply Technician Lead Conference/Geography: South-East Conference, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Congregation Membership: Grace Lutheran Church How Long? 3.5 Years Growing up being told I d never make it, I went against the odds and showed that though faith, courage, and perseverance anything can be accomplished. I find myself now a congregational president at the age of 28, advocating for all who don t fit the mold of Christian, those who are looked down on for being different. My mission as a young adult is spread God s word throughout the world to those who were told like I, they will never make it. Attending the 2019 Churchwide Assembly will give me the additional tools to teach other young adults and give me a deeper understanding of being a Christian. After medically separating from the Army in Sep of 2016 I found myself looking for a way to continue serving the community. I have deeply embedded myself in the life of Grace Lutheran chairing committees to include Church Council, In the Neighborhood for Good Team, and as a Volunteer Coordinator for Family Promise of Colorado Springs. Additionally, I volunteer with the American Legion advocating for the welfare of veterans and their families. a. Congregational President, Grace Lutheran Church from 01/18 to Present b. _Chair, In the Neighborhood for Good Team from 05/16 to 01/18 c. Assistant Lay Minister, Grace Lutheran Church from 01/16 to Present

21 Position Nominated for: Churchwide Assembly Youth Male Delegate Name (First, MI, Last): Luke Britsch Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Student Conference/Geography: SE Colorado Congregation Membership: Ascension How Long? 4 years I would like to learn more about the work of the church in the world. I am considering a calling into ministry and would like to see how the church functions and impacts community. I am very involved in our congregation s youth group. Excellent with people. Accel at school. I am a fierce advocate for diversity and acceptance in Colorado Springs. a. Speaker at Easter Vigil service from 2018 to b. Volunteer at VBS from _2015 to _2017 c. Participant in multiple youth gatherings and mission trips from my whole life

22 Position Nominated for: Youth Council Name (First, MI, Last): Wyatt, Austin, Smith Lay Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Student Conference/Geography: Metro West Conference Congregation Membership: All Saints Lutheran How Long? 14 Years Briefly describe your sense of God calling you into mission and service in the Synod through this I come from a congregation that could be compared to the widow of 2 coins.we are a small congregation that is only able to give the gift of ourself and thats what I have to give, is myself. I am hoping to be able to contribute to the greater church by being our representative for our national gathering ~ Because we are church better together. Briefly describe your skills and/or experiences that would be an asset to area you are As a youth I can provide insight on what youth are going through in the world today~especially in for those of us in a Rural setting List three current or past congregational and synodical service activities a. All Saints Lutheran youth representative from _2016 to Current b. Chairman of Education from 2016 to _Current c. Attending _Synod_ Assumably As a voting member for the second time from _ to

23 Position Nominated for: 2019 Churchwide Assembly: At Large Young Adult Lay Male Name (First, MI, Last): Austin McDowell Lay x Lay Roster Clergy Occupation: Student, University of Utah Conference/Geography: Utah Conference Congregation Membership: Our Saviour s, Holladay UT How Long? 11 years I love every opportunity I get to interact with other Lutherans from different backgrounds. At home in Utah, it s relatively uncommon; here at the Synod Assembly, I ve loved the opportunity I ve had to meet and talk with and be around other members of the same church body. I feel that representing the RMS at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly would be, for me, a new way of living among God s faithful people. As a future candidate for ministry and a proud Lutheran, I feel a call to go learn, experience, and be a part of the church in this new way. I am a member of a relatively small congregation, from an outlying conference of an outlying Synod of the ELCA. I was born and raised Lutheran in Salt Lake City, and now as a young adult there I continue to be a part of the church. As such, I can lend a unique perspective to the Churchwide Assembly the perspective of a lifelong Lutheran who s lived in a context where ecumenism is critical, few people know what a Lutheran is, and congregations are small but proud. I hope to bring this experience to the Churchwide Assembly on behalf of all the members of the Rocky Mountain Synod, especially those who live out their faith in contexts where it s not at all typical. a. Congregational Council, Worship and Music Liaison from 2016 to present b. Confirmation Teaching Assistant from 2016 to 2018 c. Guest Speaker at, Representative on Holladay and SLC Interfaith Councils from 2017 to 2018