2005 Churchwide Assembly
Orlando, Florida

[At-Large || Central || Eastern || Mamuee Valley || North Central || Southeast || Southwest || Toledo]

John B. Mawhirter
Serving: Zion, Sandusky

Congregational Service: Senior Pastor - Zion, Sandusky; Pastor – St. Paul, Haskins; Pastor – St. Paul, Coldwater

Synodical or Churchwide Service: Former Eastern Conference Dean; voting member of 2003 Churchwide Assembly; former board member of Churchwide Division for Congregational Ministries

Community-Related Service: Chaplain – Sandusky Fire Department; member of Sandusky – Erie County Community Foundation Board; member of Erie County FEMA Board; clergy representative – Erie County United Way

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I bring a caring heart and willing spirit to this important gathering for the ELCA’s future witness. Having confronted difficult issues in my current setting for ministry, I will prayerfully listen and share my insights with all.

Stephen E. “Wally” Seibel
Serving: St. John’s, Fremont

Congregational Service: Pastor in rural, medium size town and urban communities, intentional interim pastor; military chaplain

Synodical or Churchwide Service: Eastern Conference Dean; Board Member, Church Renewal Center; Board Member, NJ Synod Camp

Community-Related Service: Fremont Ministerium; past service EMT/Emergency Squad Member; firefighter chaplain; jail chaplain; Schweinfurt Community Family Advocacy Board; Fort Devens AIDS Council

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Having spoken with congregation members and clergy, I believe I am able to fairly represent the position of the majority of the people in my conference and to speak for their interests in the direction the ELCA will take in the future.

EASTERN CONFERENCE – LAY MALE:
ELECT ONE

Roy Gibbs
Member: Good Shepherd, Vickery

Congregational Service: Church Council (past offices: president; vice president; mutual ministry; finance; evangelism; adult Sunday School teacher; Sunday Worship assistant

Synodical or Churchwide Service: Delegate to NE Ohio Synod meetings; synod committee for Y2K

Community-Related Service: Have served 21 years as a community representative meeting with the Ohio EPA and a local hazardous waste deep well injection facility (currently vice chairman); township advisor to Fremont FFA; member of Sandusky County Emergency Planning Committee; Farm Bureau member

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I have owned, managed and operated a full-time farming operation for 30 years. I have been active in my local congregation at every level of leadership. My most rewarding experiences are adult Sunday School teaching and men’s weekly prayer group. I have been called by the Holy Spirit to teach and spread the Gospel and to lead the Church in the direction that strictly follows the Word of God.

Douglas C. Morris
Member: St. John’s, Fremont

Congregational Service: Deacon – partial term

Synodical or Churchwide Service: None

Community-Related Service: Church choir member, St. John’s, Fremont; actively assist in youth mission trips and other activities; treasurer and den leader for Grace Lutheran Pack 307, Fremont

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I have 20 years of business experience in non-profit industries, specifically long-term care and elderly housing. I am aware of issues facing the elderly and orphans of society. I am willing to be actively involved in the life of the church.

Thomas R. White
Member: Trinity, Monroeville

Congregational Service: Church Financial Secretary; Sunday School teacher; VBS teacher

Synodical or Churchwide Service: None reported

Community-Related Service: Ohio Reads; Mayor, Village of Monroeville; Monroeville Youth Club; substitute teacher, Monroeville Schools and Christile Lane MRDD

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Word Alone Member