TLLC Church Council 2014 Nominees

Transcription

1 TLLC Church Council 2014 Nominees

2 Each year the congregation of TLLC elects new leaders for the upcoming years. The nominees for those positions are selected by a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is comprised of a combination of out-going council members and other at-large members of the congregation selected by the Church Council. The Nominating Committee for this year consists of Kelly Condon, Pastor Armin Steege, Stephanie Skogen, Pascha Copeland, Pastor Steve Troisi, and Jan Richards as the Chair. The Nominating Committee began our work in October The process began by discerning what gifts and characteristics would be the best fit for Council leadership. Then the committee pray-fully began compiling names and accepting nominations from the congregation. The Nominating Committee identified a large number of potential nominees for the three open at-large Council positions and six potential nominees for the one open Council President-Elect position. Every person on these lists were contacted and invited to be open to serving if elected by the Congregation at the Annual Congregational meeting. As part of this process, the Nominating Committee understood that the election of council leadership by the congregation is an important responsibility of the congregation at the Congregational Meeting. Therefore, the committee discerned that allowing the congregation to elect leaders from a ballot seemed to be a better fit for the current climate of the congregation. This is a change from years past, when the nominating committee would present an equal number of nominees to match the open number of positions. Of those contacted to serve a 2-yr term as an at-large Council Member, 6 have agreed to appear on the ballot for the 3 open positions: Laura Bell, Len DiSanza, Jay Ellwanger, Amy Hines, Myron Pilat, and Julie Shannon. Julie Shannon has completed a 2-yr term on church Council and has remained open to serving a second term appearing on the ballot as an Incumbent. Of those contacted to serve a 2-yr term as Council President-Elect directly followed by a 2-yr term a Council President, one has agreed to appear on the ballot for the 1 open position: Doug Nelson. The Nominating Committee also received and accepted three recommended nominees from the Child Development Center Board for the three open positions on the CDC Board. Laura Sykes has been nominated as the TLLC member parent to serve on the CDC Board, Norma Neal as the TLLC member nonparent, and Marzi Asadifar as the non-tllc member CDC Parent to serve on the CDC Board. The Council approved the final slate of all the nominees. Each of the nominees has provided some brief biographical information and a picture. We ask that each member take a few moments to review this booklet prior to the Annual Meeting on January 26 following the 10:45 a.m. worship service where we will be electing our new leaders for upcoming years.

3 The Nominating Committee presents this ballot of nominees in the full confidence of the giftedness of each and every one of these nominees. Our congregation is so very blessed to be filled with many very faithful and talented leaders. Respectfully Submitted by the Nominating Committee, Jan Richards, Chair Kelly Condon Stephanie Skogen Pastor Armin Steege Pascha Copeland Pastor Steve Troisi

4 2-year term Council Member Laura Bell I am married to Jim. I have two children from a previous marriage: Carolyn Richards, age 35 and Michael Cocozza, age 32. Carolyn and her husband, Brandon, have two children, Matthew and Abigail. Occupation: I retired two and a half years ago after more than forty years in education. I began my career as an elementary school teacher in New Jersey. After I moved to California, I resumed teaching at a private school and later was appointed principal of that school. I was then named Head of School a few years later and remained as Head for several years. During that time I served on traveling teams of educators that evaluated other private schools throughout California. Prior to relocating to Texas I served as principal of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School in the Los Angeles area. After moving to Texas, I returned to teaching and worked part time at Brushy Creek Elementary School until I retired. How long have you been a member at TLLC? Since What ministries/groups have you participated in at TLLC? Office volunteer for over six years Eucharistic Minister for nearly five years TLLC Lenten Devotionals contributor Monday night Bible study and Wednesday Bible study, couple s Bible study On the Board of the Mary Martha Friendship Group and member for seven years Usher every month at the 10:45 service and communion assistant whenever possible What strengths would you bring to the TLLC Church Council? My primary strength is my ability to work well with others. I feel it is important to be open minded and creative as we work together to tackle challenging issues. I also feel I have the skill-set to help TLLC as it strives to meet the needs of the congregation, as well as the larger community. As Head of School for many years, I was able to create an environment that encouraged teachers and students to excel. Balancing the needs and wants of all the constituencies required me to exercise good judgment while still being compassionate. What excites you most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council? It would be exciting to serve on the Church Council as we continue to find ways to meet the needs of our congregation and also make meaningful connections to the greater community. The impact TLLC can have in the lives of others is powerful! With a dynamic new pastor, this new chapter in the life of our church promises to be amazing. I think it will be exciting to see where God is leading our community of faith!

5 2-year term Council Member Leonard DiSanza Wife, Sally Patricia; children, Catherine and Samuel How long have you been a member at TLLC? My wife Sally Patricia and I joined during Both our children, Catherine and Samuel, were born, baptized, and confirmed at TLLC. My daughter was also married at TLLC. What ministries/groups have you participated in at TLLC? Usher: 29 years as an usher and also served as head usher Staff Support: Two terms and also served as chairperson Nurture: One term Adult Education: One term New Member Mentor: Served along with Pat for one term Stephen Ministry: Served as an active minister for 13 years and a trainer for 10 years Middle School Mentor: Served for 2 years Adult Forum: I was the chairperson and lead the forum for 4 years Associate Pastor Call Committee: Member of the committee for 2 years TLLC Water to Thrive: Chairperson for 3 years Drama & Divine Drama: Over 23 years involved in skits, plays, & monologues Men s Small Group Breakfast: I have participated for 5 years since inception Camping Ministry: Participated in 22 trips over 11 years, also helped in planning Men s Softball, Basketball, Bowling: Participated over numerous seasons What excites you most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council? Over the past thirty years I have been asked to run for office/serve on Council numerous times and have always declined due to work and family concerns. If however at the present time the church is interested in my participation with Council then I will happily serve in that capacity.

6 2-year term Council Member Jay Ellwanger Wife, Christina; children, Jonas (7), Berit (5), and Annika (2) Occupation: Attorney & Adjunct Professor at UT Law School How long have you been a member at TLLC? 11 years What ministries/groups have you participated in at TLLC? I have served as a Confirmation Mentor, volunteered on the Social Services Committee, and served on the Governance Task Force. I have also provided pro bono legal counsel to TLLC. What strengths would you bring to the TLLC Church Council? I currently serve on the Executive Committee of two volunteer boards, including a national pan-lutheran non-profit called Wheat Ridge Ministries. My experience with Wheat Ridge has given me a deeper perspective of Lutheran ministry efforts throughout the nation and the world, as well as exposing me to modern perspectives on ecumenical leadership. These volunteer efforts have also taught me to work within the Carver Model of board governance and to take a meaningful role in an organization s visioning process. Additionally, I have found that, at times, it is very helpful to have an attorney as part of a board of directors or other governing body. However, my biggest strength is my unwavering support for this church, its people, and our mission! What excites you most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council? What excites me most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council is the opportunity to utilize the skills I ve gained through my professional career as a teacher, speaker, listener, and advocate. It is my humble hope that I will be given the opportunity to further my commitment to volunteerism for the benefit of the church that I love, and to play a role in shaping the future of TLLC for my children.

7 2-year term Council Member Amy Hines Husband, Larry Hines; children, Emily and Brandon Occupation: Health insurance brokerage assistant and school and church volunteer How long have you been a member at TLLC? Seven years 2007 What ministries have you participated in at TLLC? Team Leader for Worship & Music Ministry, Love Gives to Grow, Bible study, Block Party, Trunk or Treat, Divine Drama, Choir, Worship Music Leader, Musicals. What strengths would you bring to the TLLC Church Council? Leadership skills, my spiritual journey, visioning and planning, collaboration, optimism. What excites most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council? I was drawn to Triumphant Love by its warm and inclusive atmosphere, in addition to its passion for knowing God. I look for engaging worship, music and spiritual development opportunities, and get excited about the possibilities for actively drawing out our members' passions and strengths in making our church an example of Jesus' love and service to humanity. My vision for TLLC is that of a place where children and teens want to engage in experiencing God together and becoming the kinds of adults we hope them to be, a haven of comfort for the struggling and weary, and a home for celebrating our joys together.

8 2-year term Council Member Myron Pilat Wife, Diane Occupation: Retired - Marketing How long have you been a member at TLLC? 28 Years What ministries/groups have you participated in at TLLC? Served on previous TLLC Church Council Resurrection Garden Committee Nurture Committee What strengths would you bring to the TLLC Church Council? Management Budgeting Long Term Planning Marketing What excites you most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council Involvement in the direction of this growing congregation for the future generations.

9 2-year term Council Member Julie Shannon Parents, Don & Ellen Welker Occupation: Online Merchandising Manager for ECI Red Cheetah, Inc. How long have you been a member at TLLC? Member since August Visited TLLC when visiting my parents for over 25 years. What ministries/groups have you participated in at TLLC? Financial Task Force Mary Martha Friendship Group Monday Evening Women s Book Group Bible Study Youth Ministry Current Member-At-Large of Council What strengths would you bring to the TLLC Church Council? Leadership skills My Journey of Discipleship Completed Healthy Congregations workshops 1-3 Financial knowledge Planning skills Discernment Collaboration skills What excites you most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council? I have served on Council during most of the interim time with Pastor Skip and now for a few months with Pastor Steve. I am excited about the shift in direction that is taking place in the congregation. I believe that TLLC can become a great missional church and I would like to continue to help lead that transition.

10 2-year term Council President-Elect Doug Nelson Spouse Suzi Nelson Daughter Lindsay Nelson Daughter & Son-In-Law Erin and Anthony Bruno Occupation: Director of Strategy GENCO Distribution Systems Previously Executive Director of Fulfillment (Dell) and Sr. Quality Manager (IBM) How long have you been a member at TLLC? Member since January 1977 (charter member) What ministries/groups have you participated in at TLLC? Current Director of Adult Faith Formation Leader Audio/Video/Lighting Task Force TLLC Men s Quartet, Chicago Folk Service, Sr. Choir Director Monday Matters Study Group (15+ years) TLLC Church Council and TLLC Vice-President Leader - Worship and Music Committee; Social Ministry Committee Leadership stewardship drives and adult retreats What strengths would you bring to the TLLC Church Council? Leadership and group facilitation skills Planning (tactical and strategic) Experience with and knowledge of TLLC challenges Collaboration skills What excites you most about serving as a member of the TLLC Church Council? Our church, like all traditional denominations, is challenged to be more relevant to a contemporary society. I believe that one of the keys to increasing relevance is broader and deeper engagement. There are resources within the ELCA and the broader Christian community that could enable greater degrees of faith engagement, no matter where one is in their faith journey. I am especially excited about supporting Pastor Steve and the congregation in the exploration of new ways to increase the engagement of our members and visitors; leading to deeper, more active, and more fulfilling faith lives.

11 CDC Board nominee (church member / CDC parent) Laura Sykes Spouse, Mike; children, Mary Patton (4) and Walker (1) Occupation: Stay at Home Mom, and Bookkeeper/ Owner for Deep South Plastics, Inc. How long have you been at the CDC? Mary Patton started CDC as a "Butterfly" in September 2010, and is currently a Penguin (4th year at CDC) and Walker started as a "Puppy" in September 2013 (1st year at CDC). Strengths: Balanced perspective as parent of older and younger enrolled students, strong interest in church's support for CDC. Why I am excited to serve on the board: The school has been a critical part of our lives for almost 4 years and expect it to remain that way for at least another 4. I am excited to have an opportunity to give back a small portion of what I have received by having my children there. Moreover as a church member I believe I will always wish for the CDC to be a strong partner to the church (we came to TLLC by way of CDC). I think the school is doing great things and I hope to help strengthen and execute the plans the board has already made. CDC Board nominee (church member / non-cdc parent) Norma Neal Husband Jim, 2 adult children and 2 teenaged grandsons Occupation: Child Development /Work/Life Specialist Strengths: Over 40 years experience in the Early Care and Education arena and a life long child and family advocate Why I am excited to serve on the board: I feel that I have a unique perspective not only as a Child Development professional but as a parent whose children attended a Lutheran elementary school.

12 CDC Board nominee (non-church member / CDC parent) Marzi Asadifar Occupation: Physician who is currently a full-time mom and recently started Mary Kay business How long have you been at the CDC? since Sept 2013 Strengths: A different point of view given my medical background and being a single mom Why I am excited to serve on the board: Hopefully helping out and making TLLC EVEN a better place (it's already a wonderful place!) for my son. CDC Board nominee (unfulfilled position church member / non-cdc parent) through May 2015 Amanda Koellhofer Husband Dan; 2 sons Henrik and Caleb How long have you been at the CDC? This is the boys 4th year. Occupation: CEO of Koellhofer household and community affairs. Strengths: Passion for CDC and TLLC, organization, working well with others, and getting things done. Why I am excited to serve on the board: The potential for the CDC and the joy and passion the leadership and teachers have for the families.