2016 Synod Western Iowa Synod Assembly Nominee biographies:

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1 2016 Synod Western Iowa Synod Assembly Nominee biographies: ****************************************************************************** My Conference: At large- Seeds of Faith Position nominated for: Synod Treasurer Name-Congregation- City: Michael R. Jacobson-Bethany- Emmetsburg Experience: I graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake in 2006 with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting. I work for a public CPA firm called Kiesling Associates, LLP for the past 10 years. My work experience deals with audit, corporate tax, partnership tax, and general accounting. I was the treasurer for Bethany Lutheran in Emmetsburg from I was the president of the board for Bethany in I am actively involved with multiple non-profit organizations with in Emmetsburg. Vision for the Church: My vision for the church is to expand our outreach within our local communities, through our synod, and the national church. Hunger, clean water, and clothing are still significant issues that affect millions of people every day. There are areas of the World that still don t know about Christianity. Our Ministries are also being impacted by an ever-changing society in which our schedules are full with work, activities and everything in between that we forget to take a moment to see what God is doing for us. Some of the problems we face can be solved by hard work and monetary funds while other areas will take a different type of commitment. My goal would be to work with the programs that are already in the place to help feed, provide fresh water, and keep people warm around the world. I would also look at new creative programs where we can bring people to our Ministry both young and the young at heart who have not experienced the word of God or have a hard time making it to our Services. My Conference: At large -Winds of Hope Position nominated for: Synod Council-lay female Name-Congregation- City: Julie R. Sievers- St. Mark Lutheran Storm Lake Experience: I have served on the Synod Council for the past 3 years and on the WIS Finance Committee. I have been the president of the St. Mark congregation and served as the chair of the call committee. I have also served on various committees, boards, and special projects of the congregation and my husband and I are active members of a small group. I am a member of the Buena Vista County Foundation, the Storm Lake Lake Preservation Association, and have worked with Boy Scout Troop 103. I work for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a Senior Environmental Specialist, working mainly with drinking water systems. Vision for the Church: The congregational and synodical ministries are closely related yet different in many ways. The congregation ministry has an impact on individual lives, strengthening faith and providing many ways to serve. The synod and greater church can also provide these opportunities but in a much broader way and provide opportunities that cannot be realized at the congregation level. All three levels are critical and work together to spread Christ s love, encourage and promote justice, and provide ways to faithfully serve. There are many challenges for the church and we need to carefully examine the current programs and continue the ones that make a difference locally and globally.

2 My conference: Winds of Hope Position nominated for: Synod council- Clergy at large Name-City-Congregation: Barbara J. Kopperud- Trinity Evangelical Lutheran- Sibley Experience: WISynod Council: 2 years, , filling in a vacancy from Winds of Hope. Solo pastor at Trinity, Sibley since 2013; ordained for 28 years. Currently serving as chair of Meals on Wheels in Sibley (5 churches represented) Coordinator of Winds of Hope monthly conference meetings for pastors Global Mission Committee/chair in SE MN Synod for 6 years Trained in Chicago/ELCA at the start of Companion Synods, through SE MN Synod Have served as a solo pastor, associate pastor, and lead pastor; mostly rural settings Vision for the Church: Called forward together in Christ is the new phrase in the ELCA, as we look at what it means to be church, to be Lutheran, to be church together, and church for the sake of the world. I find these words to be inspiring for ministry on every level, and look forward to finding ways to live out our calling as we follow Jesus. ***************************************************************************** My conference: Seeds of Faith Position nominated for: Synod council- Clergy at large Name-City-Congregation: Frederick F. Morlock (Peter)-Bethany/Lost Island- Emmetsburg Experience: I was ordained in 1994, and served two parishes as solo pastor from In 2003, I entered chaplaincy training and served in specialized ministry from that point until 2013; primarily in the area of long term care. I received the call to my current parish in early 2014 and have been here since. I have served in three very different synods thus far, and held Calls in some unique settings. Through these experiences I have gained an appreciation for a wide variety of ways to be the church in the world. This could provide a unique perspective on the Synod Council. Vision for the Church: Through my different experiences I have gained an appreciation of the importance of being church in the community. Visibility and engagement are key to being church in this time. In my current setting I am involved in many community organizations from Cub Scouts, to Community Theater and Kiwanis. The leadership of the congregations that I serve have been intentional in raising our visibility in the communities we serve and seeking ways to be out and about in mission in those places. We help with local food pantries; seek to provide care at life points for those who may not have a church background or experience. In addition Lost Island provides space for a Sharing the Dream store which helps to provide income for folks in Guatemala through the sale of fair trade goods. Bethany provides space and volunteers for Feed Our kids Emmetsburg which seeks to provide food support to food insecure kids in our community schools. Both congregations support a missionary in Papua New Guinea and other places. Both are also active in the companion synod program. Following Luther s understanding of the Freedom, and ability through Christ to be in service to our neighbor; I feel we as a church should always be looking outward for points of engagement where we can enter into our communities and the world at large to share the Gospel. We have a rich tradition and an even richer message; Let us go about the business of impacting the world with both of these things. ******************************************************************************

3 My Conference: Winds of Hope Position nominated for: ABC Committee Name-Congregation- City: Katherine (Katie) D.E. Russell- Hope Lutheran- Sioux Center Experience: I first attended a synod assembly as a graduate student as a favor for a friend to help count ballots. It was an amazing introduction to the synodical structure and process. Being among the first people to know who our Bishop would be was exciting! Having now served in four different Synods and regions of the ELCA, I bring with me a passion for how we are Church together in various forms. Vision for the Church: My hopes and dreams for the ELCA continue to center on what we have to offer the world with our understandings of scripture, theology, and the world. I am one who lifts up the three expressions of our church because it is the overlap and particularities of each that allow for us to engage our faith in, with and through our Lutheran lenses. We learn best about these similar and different roles by experiencing them through relationship and conversation. My hope is that we continue to teach our people how we are connected so that we all might reach out and engage from all three different expressions. My Conference: Winds of Hope Position nominated for: Nominating committee Name-Congregation- City: John A. Wolf- Bethlehem- Inwood Experience: Pastor in the ELCA for 28 years, in Western Iowa Synod for 14. Served as first dean for Winds of Hope Conference. Active in Synod programs. Served on Synod council. Formulated the nomination template now in use. Vision for the Church: I try to think big picture and long term. The Church is the whole body of Christ through the ages; we are all Baptized and gathered to be a part of that. ****************************************************************************

4 My Conference: Winds of Hope Position nominated for: Synod Council Name-Congregation- City: Erma S. Wolf- American Lutheran Hawarden Experience: I am serving in my fourth parish call, and am in the fifth year at American Lutheran and in the Western Iowa Synod. I am also serving under contract at a neighboring congregation which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and the United Church of Christ, the Associated Church of Hawarden. I am active in the Hawarden Ministerial Association, and currently serve as its convener. From I served on the ELCA Task Force on Ministry to and with Same Gender Couples and Their Families. I have been active in my conference, and facilitate a clergy text study group that meets weekly in Sioux Center. I have served in small town ministry, and in a growing suburban parish near Sioux Falls, SD. I am deeply involved in learning and understanding the mission and ministry priorities in this synod, and in our culture in this time of change and (too often) confrontation Vision for the Church: My vision is that the church continue to be what Jesus Christ has always called us to be: bearers of the good news of forgiveness, life, and salvation to all people and all nations, through witnessing to Christ Crucified and Risen. In a time of tremendous cultural challenges, we must keep that firmly before us, and not allow the crises of organizational preservation to distract us from what is truly important and primary. As congregations, synod, and national church, our primary question must be what Luther asked centuries before us: Does this push Christ? I am a person who daily prays for the ELCA and those who serve in it, and my vision for the church is that of 1 Corinthians 13. Whatever we may do, if we do not have love for one another as Christ has love for his body, the Church, then we are only noisy, annoying car alarms. I would strive to serve this synod with 1 Corinthians 13 as my guide. ****************************************************************************** My Conference: Seeds of Faith Position nominated for: ABC Committee Name-Congregation- City: Ann L. Goebel- Estherville Lutheran Estherville Experience: I am not sure exactly what this committee does, but here is an outline of some things I have done. My last work experience was as a Teacher s Associate for School System for 23 years. Church activities: currently Church president, secretary, Sunday School, various boards, transformation team. Community: I sit on City Council, a business women s organization, Chamber, Arts and Culture Committee. Past involvement: Boy Scouts, various extra school committees Vision for the Church: We are the body of Christ, called by the Holy Spirit to share God s love and foster Spiritual growth. This is our vision statement and I feel that our church in transformation follows this inside our building and outside in the community. Local activity, meals on wheels, TV and Radio broadcast ministry, military bible sticks, community Christmas project and others. Second offering (Good Samaritan) fund support various community agencies, organizations that can use a helping hand. World ministry to support Tanzania well project and missionary there. CAD project Mission support of the ELCA through Western Iowa Synod. Attendance at the Synod events etc. **************************************************************************

5 My Conference: Hands of Hope Position nominated for: Clergy-Synod Council Name-Congregation- City:James H. Mossmann-St. Paul Lutheran & Presb. Rockwell City Experience: Twice past conference Chaplain Past Synod Worship Committee Chair Past ABC committee member Past co-chair 2013 Bishop s Election taskforce (Under ABC committee) Member of the new synod Transformational ministry taskforce Current Doctor of Ministry candidate in Congregation Mission Leadership at Luther Seminary. Serving Western Iowa Congregations since 1995 Vision for the Church: The church is, more than anything, the community created and led by the Holy Spirit to complete God s mission of the reconciliation of all things to himself. Today s church is experiencing rapid, disorienting change in which familiar institutions and traditions are often unsustainable or ineffective. The church must ask, What is God doing? What does God want to be doing? in the midst of change. My Conference: Hands of Hope Position nominated for: Nominating Committee Name-Congregation- City:Diane D. Vavak -St. Paul Lutheran & Presb. Rockwell City Experience: I have been the co-vice-president and co-president for our WELCA at St. Paul s Church. I am currently serving as co-vice-president again. One of my favorite positions was being Cluster Coordinator. I have also served as WISWO secretary for four years. I am a member of the Church of the Damascus Road and have served as vice president for about 6 years. I am currently on the Rockwell City-Lytton reentry team which helps former inmates reenter the community. With all the positions I have served in I have made many contacts with others in many positions in the different churches in our Synod. I feel this is invaluable for being on this nominating committee. I feel God is leading me to this position. Vision for the Church: My vision for our church is to expand our ministry especially to the youth and those who are shut in. I look for the Synod to strive to help congregations that are struggling whether it is financially or spiritually. The national church s vision is to help those in need including those fleeing from violence and hunger. *****************************************************************************

6 My Conference: Living Waters Position nominated for: Nominating Committee Name-Congregation- City: John Glant-St. Luke Lutheran. Sioux City Experience: Church Council President, Call Committee, and Foundation Committee: St. Luke Lutheran Church, Sioux City Western Iowa Synod Lay School graduate Vision for the Church: I believe in the Western Iowa Synod s ability to sort out people who would best serve the church. I also believe in the Triune God to bring people to a better understanding of the Lutheran faith, and uphold the values of our seminaries to teach those who would answer the call to serve congregations to bring about that greater understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. My Conference: Living Waters Position nominated for: ABC Committee Name-Congregation- City: Rick Pridie - St. Mark Lutheran Sioux City Experience: 40 years as a supervisor in the Clerk of District Court 6 years with LifeServe Blood Center 25 years in the 185 th Air National Guard Vision for the Church: Most churches seem to struggle with membership and involvement. It seems that using a team effort with other churches in the area is a logical and fruitful way to combine resources so that it is beneficial for everyone.

7 My Conference: Living Waters Position nominated for: Synod Council- lay female Name-Congregation- City: Maja Knutson - St. Mark Lutheran Sioux City Experience: Brought up at University Lutheran Church of Hope (ELCA), Minneapolis Graduate of Augustana College/University, Sioux Falls, SD ESL Masters Degree University of North Dakota Assisted home congregations in music ministry (now St. Mark in Sioux City) Have participated in synods where I ve lived: Florida/Bahamas Synod, St. Paul Area Synod, LaCrosse Area Synod, and South Dakota Synod Vocation/Employment: Teaching Assistant at Head Start Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc., and Head Start Child & Family Development Centers, Inc. in Storm Lake, Iowa Vision for the Church: I am excited to serve the Western Iowa Synod. I would like to see the ELCA work toward bridging the gap between various denominations. I hope the Church will work towards further inclusion of GLTB folks in the near future and I would like to be available as a resource from our community. ********************************************************************************** My Conference: Rivers of Grace Position nominated for: Nominating Committee Name-Congregation- City: Lowell R. Hennigs-Emanuel Lutheran Council Bluffs Experience: Parish pastor for 32 years in Iowa And Nebraska. Vision for the Church: I pray that we will be faithful in our stewardship of the Gospel in the framework of Lutheran theology. ******************************************************************************

8 My Conference: Abundant Fields Position nominated for: Synod Council- Clergy Name- Congregation- City: Brian D. Jack- Salem Lutheran. Creston Experience: My primary experience related to the position I ve been nominated for is that I continue to personally experience how God qualifies the unqualified to participate in His work in the world. I am entering my third year of ordained service to the congregation of Salem Lutheran in Creston, IA. My primary focus continues to be the constant connection between daily life and the preached word, whether from the pulpit or in private encounters. My undergraduate degree is in small business management with a wide variety of blue collar work experience. Vision for the Church: Congregational ministry Witnessing to the gospel message in daily life through word and sacrament in order that it s recipients are equipped and encouraged to share freely the forgiveness of sins gifted through Jesus Christ. Synod To encourage and equip congregational leaders to facilitate the vision noted above. Likewise, as a larger church body: forgiving, aiding, and bearing with one another in Christ. Aiding in developing a broader sense of who our neighbors are. National To preach Jesus Christ Crucified for you, for the forgiveness of sins. As it is difficult for anything (including a church body) on a national level to speak directly to the individual, it is perhaps most pertinent here to focus on the preached word as it has been handed on to us (1 Cor. 15:3). How that gospel of the coming kingdom then manifests in the hearing of each local context can then be received as a gift rather than prescription.