Steven A. Graf
Member: Zion’s, Defiance
Congregational Service: Previous council president and church council member; chairman pastoral search committee; member worship and music committee; assisted in starting 3rd worship service planning and lay leader of this service; Sunday School teacher in past; current leader of Lutheran Men-in-Mission.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Attended several Synod Authorized Ministry classes (intend to continue when doesn’t interfere with work); synod assembly voting member two times and synod representative sent to congregations re: appreciation for synod mission support.
Community-Related Service: Former Scoutmaster BSA (Eagle Scout); former BSA district committee member; Habitat for Humanity Exec. Board and Construction Committee, Defiance County; board member Filling Home of Mercy; board member Crime Stoppers – Defiance/Paulding County.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Capital University graduate with degree in Public Administration; Synod Authorized Ministry classes to prepare as lay minister for small congregations unable to afford pastor – call to be a pastor has been strong; but, other things always seemed to interrupt plans for seminary; would like to find a way to encourage young people to not let other things get in the way of the call.
Dennis (Dutch) E. Rahe
Member: Trinity, Findlay
Congregational Service: Taught catechism, Sunday School, Bible Camp; trustee; and committees.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Attended lay conference meetings; attended SawMill leadership conferences.
Community-Related Service: Two mission trips to Honduras.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Hospitality; fact-finder; make decisions on the facts, prayer, faith and understanding. Two theology courses from Trinity Seminary.
Carolyn Richard
Member: Zion’s, Defiance
Congregational Service: Deacon and council; worship and music and outreach ministry teams.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: WELCA (Women of the ELCA) Secretary, Maumee Valley Conference Synod Delegate 2003
Community-Related Service: Path Center meals; Project Noel and Project Share (family Christmas giving); Habitat for Humanity
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Unit council and deacon activities; Maumee Valley Conference WELCA Secretary. I love God and His people and want to serve.
Richard J. Straub*
Member: Emanuel, Marion
Congregational Service: Board of Social Ministry; usher; started Lutheran Men in Mission 1988; responsible and guided fruition of parish nurse program at Emanuel.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Currently serving on synod council; served on Outreach Committee; President of Lutheran Men in Mission for Synod; served as Treasurer of LMM; served as President of LMM synod; and currently serving as ELCA Region 6 Director of Lutheran Men in Mission; served as S.E. Director LMM (Conference); currently serving on synod board of LMM; given over 4o temple talks around synod on LMM.
Community-Related Service: Served on Marion County Historical Board – also treasurer; active in Kiwanis 28 years; currently serving as Vice President Kiwanis Club of Marion. Served 8 years on Marion City Council. Publicity Chairman of Historical Society, Lutheran Men in Mission and Kiwanis.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Working with news media, radio and newspaper sales/ 37 years selling advertising. Calling on retail business, much contact with the public while on council and door –to-door contact solving peoples problems about the city and their neighborhood.
CENTRAL CONFERENCE – CLERGY:
ELECT ONE
Mark Brodbeck*
Serving: First, Findlay
Congregational Service: I have served in the parish for twenty years.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Currently, I am on Synod Council. I replaced Rev. Paul DeMoss when he voluntarily accepted the secretarial position. I am fulfilling his term.
Community-Related Service: I am currently an active member of local Rotary. I have participated in Red Cross blood drives. I have written several articles for our local newspaper. I have set on numerous committees dealing with medical care for senior citizens, Lutheran Social Services, ecumenical Bible studies, and have helped at several scouting events.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I currently serve on Synod Council. I replaced Rev. Paul DeMoss when he voluntarily accepted the secretarial position of the Synod following Alice Janick’s resignation. I am fulfilling his term. I look forward to continuing to serve the Central Conference in this position.
Linda B. Zaye
Serving: Saint John’s, McComb
Congregational Service: Pastor.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Task Force for Ministry to Gays and Lesbians, their Friends and Families; Central Conference Dean; Board for Congregational Ministries. LYO Board; Conference WELCA Boards.
Community-Related Service: McComb Community worship at Thanksgiving and Good Friday; Bridge Hospice Chaplain
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I am active in both conference and community and am aware of diversity of opinions on many issues. Mostly, I represent the views of the small congregations.
EASTERN CONFERENCE – LAY:
ELECT ONE
Jean Berger
Member: Zion, Gibsonburg
Congregational Service: Church council recording secretary; voting member to annual synod assembly; Junior LYO Leader
Synodical or Churchwide Service: None
Community-Related Service: None
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: My particular gifts involve listening to both sides of an issue and looking beyond my personal opinion to select the best solution for the group. But only with God’s help will I be qualified for this position.
Marjorie Wagner
Member: Trinity, Fremont
Congregational Service: Sunday School teacher; vacation Bible School coordinator; WOTC treasurer; church organist for 26 years.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Voting member to synod assembly; assembly minutes committee; member of Region 6 Center for Mission; voting member of ELCA Churchwide Assembly; member of Nominating Committee
Community-Related Service: 4-H advisor; election board worker; county political party central committee; treasurer of Sandusky County Sheep Association; Sandusky County Beef Producers secretary
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I try to live a Christian life, so when asked I am willing and able to serve my Lord and church. Only God knows what today will bring, but as long as He gives me breath, I am willing to serve my Lord and my church.
NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE – CLERGY:
ELECT ONE
James N. Lehman
Serving: Saint John, Port Clinton
Congregational Service: Trinity, Gaylord, Minnesota (1980-1985); Salem, Pemberville, Ohio (1985-1992); Trinity, Lewisburg, Ohio (1992-2002); Saint John, Port Clinton (2002 – current)
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Member of Education Committee NWOS; mentor of first-call group NWOS; Dean of North Central Conference; Mission Interpreter in Southern Ohio Synod
Community-Related Service: Board of Directors, LSS Miami Valley; Board of Directors, Mobile Meals, Port Clinton; PA announcer for Tri County North High School; Strategic Planning Team, Port Clinton City Schools; Chair, Ottawa County Long-Term Needs Team (Tornado 2002)
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Through my twenty plus years as a parish pastor I have been blessed in significant ways through the synodical expression of the church and I would relish the opportunity to serve to strengthen our work together. I believe my experiences have prepared me well to use my gifts to participate and provide leadership in mission.
John Moffett
Serving: Saint Paul, New Rochester
(Holy Spirit Shared Ministry)
Congregational Service: Youth advisor; treasurer; pastor of large and small congregation, rural and suburban congregations; Sunday School teacher
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Several committees.
Community-Related Service: Several boards of directors, e.g., Wood County Humanitarian Awards; announcer at school athletic games; veteran activities; public speaker at several events; school board member in Ohio and North Dakota.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Creative thinking, good listener, political experience, think outside the box; not satisfied with status quo.
Ron Staber
Serving: Saint Paul, Haskins
Congregational Service: 42 years parish pastor. Have served as conference secretary, VP, president, district stewardship, education, personnel committees.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: After 42 years as parish pastor plus two ALC National Conventions; constituting convention of the ELCA; NWOS conference committees.
Community-Related Service: On-call / night chaplain Saint Luke’s Hospital, Saginaw, MI; Associate Chaplain Saint Luke’s Hospital, Maumee, OH; Board of Directors of The Village of River Place Association Clergy Lecturer at Saint Luke’s, Saginaw.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I believe that 42 years of parish experience and the activities I have been involved with speak for themselves along with the fact that since my name has been submitted there is a willingness on my part to serve!
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE – LAY
ELECT ONE
Craig O. Klopfleisch
Member: Saint John, Celina
Congregational Service: From my youth I have been active in church. Congregational president; president-elect; committee and board chairs; most recently organ committee chair, raising $350,000 for a new pipe organ. As a young member, served as Luther League president and attended national events and district leadership conferences.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: I am currently attending SAM retreats and intend to enter the program soon. I have attended several synod assemblies as a voting member. As a student at Capital University I was involved in numerous church-related outreach programs.
Community-Related Service: I have been active in community service organizations such as Rotary, Optimists, Chamber of Commerce, etc. I served for five years as Mayor of Celina and was active in the National League of Cities, the Ohio Mayor’s conference and others. I have also served on a number of community boards, committees and councils.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Bringing a broad background in church and community service, I have the skills to be a contributing member who can represent the views of lay members of the SW Conference of the NW Synod. I offer an open and inquisitive mind, disciplined to research issues prior to making an informed decision, keeping in mind God’s will as revealed in His word.
Farrel Krall
Member: Zion, Chattanooga
Congregational Service: Life-long member; Sunday School teacher; council president for several terms; Chair of Evangelism Committee; Chair of Call Committee on two occasions; active in general activities of the congregation, i.e., Route 49 Cluster Group; 2003 Atlanta Youth Gathering Counselor with wife, Sharon.
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Member 1998-2002 Northwestern Division Board for Congregational Ministries; synod task forces; voting member to annual NWOS Assembly Meetings for many years; attended Denver churchwide assembly in 2000 as a visitor with wife Sharon as the voting member.
Community-Related Service: Elected member and President of Village Council for 8 years; 40-year charter member and President (3 terms) of Willshire Lions Club; active in many community affairs including Mercer County Jesus Video Program. Currently village coordinator for re-deployment of Willshire School Building; former President of the Willshire Business Association; former Boy Scout Scoutmaster and Little League baseball coach.
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Long-time interest and involvement in congregation, synod and churchwide activities; 40 years professional background in government / industry affairs for a large corporation and desire to “Make Christ Known” to the community at large.
David F. Miller, Jr.
Member: Trinity (Moulton), Wapakoneta
Congregational Service: Vice President of Church Council; Worship and Doctrine Board
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Churchwide assembly voting member; conference constitution task force; conference strategy team
Community-Related Service: City Council member, Napoleon, Ohio; Charter Review Commission, Napoleon, Ohio; Lion’s Club
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I feel that my experience in the church and the community, as well as my training as an attorney can be well utilized as a member of Synod Council.
Thomas J. Wiese
Member: Zion, Lima
Congregational Service: Church Council; President of Church Council; Long-Range Planning Committee Welcome Team; Grow Team; Serve Team; various committees including call committee
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Synod Nominating Committee; Synod Budget and Planning Committee; ELCA Churchwide Assembly voting member
Community-Related Service: Member of Lima area concert band; past president of same; currently on operating board
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: My service on various congregational and synod committees and attendance at synod and churchwide assemblies gives me a broad picture and knowledge of both the working of both the synod and churchwide. Working with others, setting attainable goals and reaching solutions to problems with information gathered are some of my strong points.
TOLEDO CONFERENCE – CLERGY:
ELECT ONE
Mary Lou Baumgartner*
Serving: Salem, Toledo
Congregational Service: 14 years of Word and Sacrament ministry
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Toledo Area Lutheran Coalition; Central – Downtown – North Mission Area Strategy Team; Coalition Steering Committee (two terms); Toledo Lutheran Colleagues Planning Task Force; Task Force on Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons; Northwestern Ohio Synod Council (2000 – 2004); Mission Partners Committee; Stewardship visitor; ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2001 and 2003; ELCA Horizon Internship Supervisor 1996 – present; Alumni-in-Residence, Luther Seminary 2001; member of churchwide urban summit 2003; missionary to Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1980 – 1985.
Community-Related Service: President, North Toledo Network; Steering Committee, North Corridor Coalition; St. Vincent’s Hospital Pastoral Care Advisory Team; Pastoral Education Advisory Council; Maumee River Crossing Task Force Land Use Subcommittee; Toledo Area Council of Churches Advisory Committee
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I am qualified through fourteen years in ordained service in this synod and four years of service on synod council. I bring gifts of theological training and experience, listening skills, and the perspective of years of service in urban communities.
James A. Dumke
Serving: Lutheran Homes Society
Congregational Service: Pastor of Saint James, Toledo; Saint John, Groton Township; Saint John, Union Corners; Bethlehem, Pemberville
Synodical or Churchwide Service: NWOS Synodically Authorized Ministries Advisory Committee; NWOS Board for Ministry; Ohio Multi-Synodical Candidacy Committee; Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Trinity Seminary
Community-Related Service: Board of Trustees, Lutheran Homes Society; adjunct faculty – Winebrenner Seminary; adjunct instructor in New Testament – Trinity Seminary; Faculty – St. Olaf College and Methodist Theological School in Ohio; Board and Chair – Otterbein Portage Valley; Corporate Board – Otterbein Homes; Pemberville Public Library Board; Pemberville Historical Society; faculty – Owens Community College
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: The church is a gift of God, given to nurture God’s people and to equip and challenge them for mission and ministry in the world. Through my experiences in parish ministry, college and seminary teaching and social service in both Lutheran and ecumenical settings, I believe God has equipped and is calling me to share in this work as a member of the NW Ohio Synod Council.
James R. VanBrussel
Serving: Retired; Part-Time – Lutheran Church of Our Saviour
Congregational Service: 32 years of working within a “council” atmosphere; listening, advising, cooperating, following through
Synodical or Churchwide Service: Currently serve on ADAM and prior years served as coordinator of area Reformation services; educational opportunities for clergy at Lakeside; plus, “dean” of former Portage Valley Conference.
Community-Related Service: Currently Vice-President Luther Home of Mercy Board of Directors; very involved with social concerns activities plus facilitate our Toledo area in its annual
Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I feel gifted in listening and discerning items or issues that need attention with commitment of always following through on any given responsibility.
