2005 Churchwide Assembly
Orlando, Florida

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

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE – CLERGY:
ELECT ONE

Jason P. Tyas
Serving: St. John, Celina

Congregational Service: Parish pastor; congregational council; oversight of committees and staff; pastoral care

Synodical or Churchwide Service: North Central Conference Secretary Treasurer 2000 – 2001; trained as a ministry advisor; delegate to youth and synod assemblies

Community-Related Service: Board of Directors of Otterbein Portage Valley Retirement Village (2000 – 2001); Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry volunteer; Celina Ministerial Association

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I feel the Spirit working within process of being contacted and asked to submit my name for nomination. I will, with the help of God, continue to open myself up to the movement of the Spirit.

Roger G. Phillips
Serving: Retired

Congregational Service: Lead prior study on sexuality in my last parish; multiple sessions examining Scripture and evaluating scientific community information

Synodical or Churchwide Service: None reported

Community-Related Service: Board of Directors for Mental Health Agencies, Dayton (Eastway Center – including term as president) and Crawford County; had discussions with staff in reference to previous sexuality study, specifically about sexual orientation and whether it is given, chosen, or both

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: I have all reviewed all material provided us by the ELCA on sexuality and participated in the workshop led by Bishop Lohrmann. I am open to the leading of the Spirit in the deliberations at churchwide as well as being faithful to the scriptures and the constitution of this church.

Arthur Wilde
Serving: St. Luke, Lima

Congregational Service: Pastor, 1996-present; formerly served parishes in Garden City, Sparta, and Eastpointe, Michigan.

Synodical or Churchwide Service: Synod Council, Synod Assembly Worship committee, SAM Advisory Committee, Synod Worship Committee (SE Michigan), Board of Lutheran Outdoor and Retreat Ministries of Michigan, dean of West Michigan Conference of AELC English Synod.

Community-Related Service: Lima Noon Sertoma

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: As a parish pastor for 36 years in a variety of setting, I bring the perspective of one who has attempted to remain faithful to the Gospel while reaching out effectively to a diverse and changing church and world. I am able to hear and weigh all sides of controversial issues and strive to find solutions in harmony with God’s Word.

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SOUTHWESTERN CONFERENCE – LAY MALE:
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.

John S. Liggett, Jr
Member: St. Matthew, Cridersville

Congregational Service: Have previously served on Church Council (Lima); pastoral support committee (Indiana); attended Lutheran retreats; served as both lay assistant and lay minister during services while pastor attended conventions (Zion, Lima)

Synodical or Churchwide Service: Served as both lay assistant and lay minister during services while pastor attended conventions (Zion, Lima); No ELCA experience.

Community-Related Service: Chairman and Board Member – Allen County Children’s Services; former Board Member – local Easter Seals; former Church Council (Zion, Lima); volunteer faculty – Medical College of Ohio through LAHEC; member Hogge Creek Toastmasters; counselor – Lima and Allen County Academy of Medicine.

Personal Statement:
Why you are qualified and what particular gifts you possess for this position: Although being well known as an individual who speaks his mind, I am also a well –rounded, educated person who is capable of studying an issue and coming to a reasonable and fair decision concerning the same. As board chair, I always strive to have issues settled by consensus and in a win-win fashion.

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.

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