NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2015 REPORT SLATE A -- 2015 CONGREGATIONAL NOMINATIONS:

Nominee – xx = No. of congregational nominations received by named nominee.

EASTERN DISTRICT PRESIDENT CANDIDATES David Bernard - 1 Chris Wicher – 37

EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATES Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia John Pingel – 9 William Dorow Jr. – 1 Robert McCanless - 3 Murray Brindle - 2 Charles Whited -4 Carl Prostka - 2 Douglas Spittel - 4 Brian Smith - 1 Larry Stojkovic - 1 EASTERN DISTRICT LAY MEMBERS-BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia David Broderdorf – 1 Mark Erbelding – 1 Jay Anderson – 2 Shawn Booker – 1 Claire Carlson – 1 Maureen Grunder - 1 Melissa Fultz – 2 Bradley Dreier – 1 Walter Grzyb – 1 David Merges - 1 Jacqui Green - 1 Donna McKeown – 1 Jeff Netzband - 1 Gordon Tresch – 5 Marvin Wood - 1 BUFFALO REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. Name 1 Buffalo N 2 Buffalo S 3 Cattaraugus 4 Lakeshore Galen Purpura John Pingel Daniel Buringrud Donald Loos Buffalo Region Circuit Counselor Nominees (Contd.), Circuit No. Name 5 Niagara E 6 Niagara Alan Bauch Ernest Green ROCHESTER REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. Name 7 Central NY N 8 Central NY S 9 Rochester E 10 Rochester W David Werly Carl Happ Richard Pape Clayton Zuber PITTSBURGH REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. 11 PittsburghNE 12 Pittsburgh NW 13 Pittsburgh SE 14 Pittsburgh SW Barry Keurulainen Sean Walters Douglas Spittel Robert Riebau PHILADELPHIA REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. 15 Philadelphia 16 Susquehanna Arthur Boone Murray Brindle

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COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS:

EASTERN DISTRICT SECRETARY CANDIDATES

EASTERN DISTRICT TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES

Rev. Karl Haeussler Jacqueline Duke Rev. Ronald Breight Jodie Farley Sharon Kimmel Jamie Knopf Janice Werth

EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRPERSONS Administration &

Finance Congregational Services Missions Camp Pioneer

Ministries Matthew Barry Claire Carlson Henry Foote Jacqui Green EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2018 - COMMISSIONED MINISTER CANDIDATES - Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia Ellen Makey Maggie Harris Jamie Knopf Deborah Schumm Lyle Heggemeier Laurie Hoff Jody Farley Jacqueline Duke Cliff Hummel EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2018 - LAY CANDIDATES - Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia Clarie Carlson Jim Burch Terry Miller Susan Bell Darlene Hinz Kathy Pavelock Angela Walters EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2018 - PASTOR CANDIDATES - Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia Rev. Alan Bauch Rev. Cory Eckstrom Rev. Robert McCanless Rev. Kim Bode Rev. David Young Rev. Robert Foote Rev. John Weldon Rev. Chris Crume

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OTHER INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING CONGREGATIONAL NOMINATIONS: Nominee – xx = Where indicated, number of congregational nominations received by named nominee.

President: Eastern District, LC-MS: Declined: Douglas Spittel, Arthur Litke, Jamison Hardy Regional Vice-Presidents:

A. Buffalo:

Declined: Alan Bauch, Randy Rozelle, Karl Haeussler (ineligible)

B. Rochester: Declined: Gary Bauch, Robert Foote, Larry Hendricks, Richard Mokry, Carl Prostka

C. Pittsburgh Declined: Arthur Litke,

D. Philadelphia: Declined: Peter Richert

Regional Lay Member – Board of Directors:

A. Buffalo: Also Receiving Nominations: None

B. Rochester:

Also Receiving Nominations: None

C. Pittsburgh: Declined: Greg Sinclair

D. Philadelphia:

Also Receiving Nominations: None

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SLATE B -- 2015 A. CONGREGATIONAL NOMINATIONS:

Nominee – xx = No. of congregational nominations received by named nominee.

EASTERN DISTRICT PRESIDENT CANDIDATES David Bernard - 1 Chris Wicher – 37

EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATES Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia John Pingel – 9 William Dorow Jr. – 1 Robert McCanless - 3 Murray Brindle - 2 Charles Whited -4 Carl Prostka - 2 Douglas Spittel - 4 Brian Smith - 1 Larry Stojkovic - 1 EASTERN DISTRICT LAY MEMBERS-BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 David Broderdorf – 1 Donna McKeown – 1 Becky Grunder - 1 Mark Erbelding -1 Claire Carlson – 1 Gordon Tresch – 5 David Merges -1 Walter Grzyb – 1 Jeff Netzband -1 Marvin Wood - 1 EASTERN DISTRICT LAY MEMBERS-BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES Section 5 Sectin 6 Section 7 Section 8 Melissa Fultz - 2 Jay Anderson - 2 Jacqui Green - 1 Shawn Booker - 1 Bradley Dreier -1 BUFFALO REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. Name 1 Buffalo N 2 Buffalo S 3 Cattaraugus 4 Lakeshore Galen Purpura John Pingel Daniel Buringrud Donald Loos Buffalo Region Circuit Counselor Nominees (Contd.), Circuit No. Name 5 Niagara E 6 Niagara Alan Bauch Ernest Green ROCHESTER REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. Name 7 Central NY N 8 Central NY S 9 Rochester E 10 Rochester W David Werly Carl Happ Richard Pape Clayton Zuber PITTSBURGH REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. 11 PittsburghNE 12 Pittsburgh NW 13 Pittsburgh SE 14 Pittsburgh SW Barry Keurulainen Sean Walters Douglas Spittel Robert Riebau PHILADELPHIA REGION CIRCUIT COUNSELOR NOMINEES, Circuit No. 15 Philadelphia 16 Susquehanna Arthur Boone Murray Brindle

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COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS:

EASTERN DISTRICT SECRETARY CANDIDATES

EASTERN DISTRICT TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES

Rev. Karl Haeussler Jacqueline Duke Rev. Ronald Breight Jodie Farley Sharon Kimmel Jamie Knopf Janice Werth

EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2018 - COMMISSIONED MINISTER CANDIDATES - Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia Ellen Makey Maggie Harris Jamie Knopf Deborah Schumm Lyle Heggemeier Laurie Hoff Jody Farley Jacqueline Duke Cliff Hummel EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2018 - LAY CANDIDATES - Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia Clarie Carlson Jim Burch Terry Miller Susan Bell Darlene Hinz Kathy Pavelock Angela Walters EASTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE – 2018 - PASTOR CANDIDATES - Buffalo Rochester Pittsburgh Philadelphia Rev. Alan Bauch Rev. Cory Eckstrom Rev. Robert McCanless Rev. Kim Bode Rev. David Young Rev. Robert Foote Rev. John Weldon Rev. Chris Crume

B. OTHER INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING CONGREGATIONAL NOMINATIONS: Nominee – xx = Where indicated, number of congregational nominations received by named

nominee. President: Eastern District, LC-MS: Declined: Douglas Spittel, Arthur Litke, Jamison Hardy Regional Vice-Presidents:

E. Buffalo:

Declined: Alan Bauch, Randy Rozelle, Karl Haeussler (ineligible)

F. Rochester: Declined: Gary Bauch, Robert Foote, Larry Hendricks, Richard Mokry, Carl Prostka

G. Pittsburgh Declined: Arthur Litke

H. Philadelphia: Declined: Peter Richert

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Regional Lay Member – Board of Directors:

E. Buffalo: Also Receiving Nominations: None

F. Rochester:

Also Receiving Nominations: None

G. Pittsburgh: Declined: Greg Sinclair

H. Philadelphia:

Also Receiving Nominations: None

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ELECTION PROCEDURES

PRESIDENT Each congregation has already been given the privilege of nominating two pastors for the position of DISTRICT PRESIDENT. The three candidates receiving the highest number of nominations (and who have accepted the nomination) are listed here in alphabetical order, together with a short biographical sketch. In order to comply with Synodical regulations, this ballot may be amended by majority vote at the Convention. KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS for past and present service to the church and in other capacities: C = Congregation D = District S = Synod O = Other positions The Reverend David Bernard of Wayland, NY. C: Vacancy Pastor at Grace, Vestal,NY D: Assistant to the President, Circuit Counselor, Vice President, TCN Facilitator, Director Diaconal

Ministry S: Synod Convention Delegate 2013, 2008, 2005, Advisory Counsel SMP O: Lions Club, Steuben County Sheriff Chaplain, College Chaplain, Hospital Chaplain, Crisis

Intervention Counselor The Reverend Doctor Chris Wicher, Cheektowaga, New York. Age 58. BA from Concordia College, Bronxville NY, 1978; M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 1982; S.T.M. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 1983; D.Min. Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, 1997. C: Served congregations in Goderich, Ontario, Canada; Newfane, New York; Cheektowaga, New York. D: Urban Ministries Committee; Inter-Lutheran Campus Commission WNY; Lutheran Service Society

Board of Directors; LWML Zone Counselor; Pioneer Board of Directors; Three terms Circuit Counselor; District Vice President; District President since 2009.

S: Convention Delegate two times; District President two terms; Secretary for Council of Presidents O: Trained in: “Healthy Congregations”, “Bridgebuilders”, “Peacemaker Ministry”.

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NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT PRESIDENT Bylaws: “Each nominee for District President shall write a brief summary of their views of the mission and ministry of the Eastern District for the Convention Workbook.”

Vision Statement for the Eastern District by Rev. David Bernard

Several years ago a “Battle Cry” was, “This is not your grandfather’s Lutheran Church.” There is some truth in that statement – our culture, life-style, technology and vision has changed a great deal since my grandfather walked this earth. But, in another vein this IS my and your grandfather’s Church. Our style has changed; our order of worship has changed, but, and it’s a big but, our purpose, goal, commission and direction have not changed – or they should not have. We continue to be a “People of Purpose” and that purpose, conveyed to His Church by Jesus some two thousand years ago, remains the same: “To share the Good News of the Gospel” and “Tell The Good News About Jesus” while giving all praise and honor and glory to God. We talk a lot about this and to be up front and honest, some of our Congregations do a great job of fulfilling this Great Commission. Others struggle with the burdens of our modern society and economy to employ new ways and means to accomplish our Purpose; while others are stuck in a survival/maintenance mode and matters of The Kingdom fall victim to matters of their kingdom. We are called to be Light in the darkness of our world. We are gifted by a Gracious God to be Bright, shining Lights on the hill of the valley of life, a Lighthouse on the tempestuous sea of life. My vision for the Eastern District is for us as the Redeemed Children of God to fulfill our Purpose. Certainly we as individuals cannot do this alone and for that reason we must work together, using the gifts God has given us for the Building Up of His Kingdom. My vision is to facilitate the linking of People, Pastors, Congregations and District in One effort – Being the “People of Purpose” God has called us to be; Being the Light on a Hill that leads to Jesus.

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Vision Statement for the Eastern District by Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher

Dear fellow disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, delegates to the 98th Convention of the Eastern District, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. I am humbled to receive your nomination for President of the Eastern District. Thank you for extending your trust and confidence in this work you first gave to me six years ago. If elected, God willing, I promise to continue to serve His church and you, in the name of Christ, for His mission and the promised future He has in store for each and every one of us. While equipping leaders for today’s mission field right in our own backyard energizes me, foremost of my efforts for the District has been creating or enhancing a culture of wellness for all our workers. The saying is true: “As goes the church worker so goes the church.” Healthy leaders and healthy congregations go hand-in-hand. Consequently, the balanced care and support of both our workers and congregations – faith, mind, body, soul - comes first for me and I work to stress that among you. Through the years it can easily be seen how our gracious God has been much kinder to us then we deserve. It has been my privilege to have had a hand in many factors contributing to good outcomes for us. Our District now has an education indebtedness assistance program which, to my understanding, is the first among LCMS Districts. We continue, and in timely fashion, to network and connect workers, congregations and congregational leaders. We have supported small church/small town congregations. We brought together leaders serving in multi-staff settings, as we did for the young pastors in the District for mutual support and their own like-minded interests. And congregations have been visited with frequency. As you prepare for the District Convention, please keep the District Staff, our Vice Presidents, the Board of Directors, and the Circuit Visitors in your prayers. Moving forward, I am excited about the potential there is in our Eastern District Mission Organizations. I will do what I am able to support them, and, through them, promote The Mission, Christ’s Mission. I’m excited about the Liberian Mission project. I look forward to coordinating District efforts in that direction. I’m excited about growing the Diaconal ministry presence in the Eastern District. And what a blessing these men have been to our congregations! We currently have ten consecrated Deacons. As I write this, four more men are enlisted in the program. That will make fourteen. I’d like to see that number increase to fifty by 2021. I will continue to encourage workers and congregational leaders. I would like to reconstitute the Futures Task Force. I can also see every congregation and school in the District being visited personally, out of the President’s office, prior to the next District Convention in 2018. What a blessing that will prove to be for all of us. Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for granting me the possibility to further the work entrusted on this office. It is a trust I do not take lightly. I humbly will continue the task, if it is your will. Of course the election is in your hands, and always, our future is in God’s hands, and God is good. See you in June. God’s peace, The Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher

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VICE PRESIDENT Each congregation has already been given the privilege of nominating two pastors for the position of REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT. The two candidates receiving the highest number of nominations (and who have accepted the nomination) in each area are listed in alphabetical order, together with a short biographical sketch. In order to comply with Synodical regulations, this ballot may be amended by majority vote at the Convention. The order of the succession of vice-presidents shall be determined by a separate ballot.

VICE PRESIDENT

Rev. Murray Brindle of Tunkhannock, PA C: Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Tunkhannock, PA. D: Circuit Visitor since 2012 S: Synod Delegate 1995, SELC Mission Developer 2001-2008 O: Past President Kiwanis; Member of local Habitat for Humanity, assisted building 2 homes; Rotary

Club Member Rev. William Dorow of Waterloo, NY. C: Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Waterloo, NY, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Director, Youth

Choir Accompanist. D: Stewardship Committee Montana District, Board for Mid-Missouri Hospital Ministries, Circuit

Counselor (2 terms), Director, Cont. Ed., Zone LWML Couselor, Evangelism Committee Chair – Convention, District LWML Counselor, Pastoral Advisor LLL, Program Committee Chair – Church Worker (2x).

S: Pittsburgh Convention (1992) O: Kiwanis, Hospital Board – Ministries Rev. Robert McCanless of Pittsburgh, PA. C: Pastor at Concordia, Brentwood (Pittsburgh), PA, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader,

Youth Group Leader, VBS Teacher, Catechist (Youth & Adult), Stewardship Developer, 2x/month Chaplain (worship leader), Concordia of the South Hills (CLM) Nursing Home

D: District Nominations Committee S: 2010 Synod Convention Delegate (Pastoral, SW Circuit #15), LWML Circuit Counselor (English

District, Pittsburgh Circuit – 2003-2006), District Committee on Restructuring (OH District, Southern Circuit #3, Layman, 1999-2000).

O: Lions Club, Intl. (Chaplain), Steeltown Offroaders 4WD Club (Treasurer), South Hills Interfaith Ministries (Food Pantry Volunteer), 37 year Scouting veteran – now working to develop Trail Life USA programs/units in the Pittsburgh area.

Rev. John Pingel of West Seneca, NY. C: Pastor at Salem Lutheran Church (2010 – present) D: Circuit Counselor for Pittsburgh N.W. Circuit (13 years), Ministerial Care Coalition (2013 – present),

Circuit Visitor for Buffalo South Circuit (2014 – present) O: Blackhawk Ministerium Beaver Falls PA; Counselor, Geneva College Clinic 1993-1996; Mobile

Therapist, Northwest Human Services, Baden, PA (2005-2010). Rev. Carl Prostka

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Rev. Brian Smith of Mendon, NY. C: Pastor at St. Mark, Mendon, NY D: Accessibility Coordinator, Eastern District Convention Planning Committee 2015 & 2012. 2002

Professional Church Workers’ Conference Committee Member, DELTO Mentor 2004-2010, Deaf Institute of Theology (Pastor mentor for Deadon Rushton, Alpha-Deaf Lutheran Church) 2001-2009.

S: Southeastern District Youth Representative for National Youth Gathering Planning Committee O: Flower City Work Camp & Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, Service Projects for Grace House-

Rochester, Chairman of the Board - Lutheran Campus Ministry at Rochester Institute of Technology, Community Lutheran Ministry-Rochester, and Advisory Committee Member - Eastern Service Workers’ Association-Rochester.

Rev. Douglas Spittel of Pittsburgh, PA C: Pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA. Pastoral Mission Advisor: Pittsburgh

Lutheran Center for the Blind, First Trinity Homeless Ministry. Board of Directors: Concordia Lutheran Ministries; Pittsburgh Pastoral Conference; Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Ministries (past).

D: Pittsburgh Southwest Circuit Visitor; Eastern District Mission Transformation Task Force. S: Synod Convention Delegate O: Various leadership roles at the unit, district, and council levels of the Boy Scouts of America (past) –

James West Fellow and Silver Beaver recipient; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chaplain (past). Rev. Larry Stojkovic of Rochester, NY. C: Senior Pastor at Hope, Rochester, NY D: Secretary – LINC Rochester S: Circuit Counselor, East District – Lutheran Church of Canada, Board Parish Education, East District

– Lutheran Church of Canada, Lifelight Bible Study Coordinator, East District – Lutheran Church of Canada.

Rev. Charles Whited of North Tonawanda, NY. C: Pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church. D: Circuit Visitor S: Synodical Convention Delegate 2004 and 2007 O: Lead mission/ministry trips to Haiti, China, Dominican Republic and India.

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LAY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Each congregation has already been given the privilege of nominating two laymen from their area for

the position of LAY MEMBER on the Board of Directors. The candidates receiving the highest number of nominations (and who have accepted the nomination) in each area are listed here in alphabetical order, together with, a short biographical sketch. In order to comply with Synodical regulations, this ballot may be amended by majority vote at the Convention.

Jay Anderson of Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation: Energy Consultant. Member at Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA. C: Board of Elders, part-time Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member Shawn Booker of Nanticoke, PA. Occupation: Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Member at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA. C: President, Secretary, Board of Elders, Missions & Evangelism Chair, Youth Chair, Confirmation

Instructor, Sunday School Teacher, VBS Teacher, Youth Group Leader. D: Eastern District Delegate (twice) S: National Youth Gathering Adult Leader (3 times) O: Wilkes University Upward Bound Alumni Association (14 years), 3 years as President; Bloomsburg

University Alumni Association (6 years), 3 years on Executive Committee (1 year as Treasurer). David Broderdorf of Orchard Park, NY. Occupation: United Airlines 767 Captain. Member at Trinity Lutheran Church, West Seneca, NY C: President of Congregation, Property & Grounds Chairman, Finance Committee Chairman,

Stewardship Chairman, Deacon. D: Eastern District 2013, 2015 Convention Lay Delegate O: Rails to Trails, Federal Officer, Orchard Park High School Stamcom, OPLL, Flight Porgram

President, Flight Team Captain, Coach Trinity Lutheran School Basketball and Track, Orchard Park Country Club.

Claire Carlson of Hamburg, NY. Occupation: Preschool Teachers Aide, Church Newsletter Editor. Member at Salem Lutheran Church, Buffalo, NY. C: VBS co-Preschool Teacher, Before & After School Planning Committee, Altar Committee, Publicity

Committee, Constitution & Bylaws Committee, Call Committee Chairman (1999-2001), Immediate past Church Council Secretary.

D: Convention Credentials Committee Chair (2009, 2012, 2015), District Convention Lay Delegate (2009, 2012, 2015), 2015 Nominating Committee, Human Resources Committee Member

S: Synodical Convention Lay Delegate (2010, 2013), Floor Committee #6 member (2013) O: LWML Eastern District President (2002-2006), Editor, Public Relations Director, Structure

Committee Chairman; Mission Grants Chairman, currently Public Relations Director. National LWML Nominating Committee, Christian Resource Editors Committee, PR Committee,

Communications Department Coordinator for the 2013 Pittsburgh Convention Host Committee. Girl Scout Leader (1992-2009), Girl Scout Service Unit Officer Bradley Dreier of Bushkill, PA. Occupation: Supervisor. Member at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Mt. Pocono, PA. C: Treasurer, Purchasing Agent, Financial Committee, Usher D: Lay Delegate to District Convention (2012, 2015) S: Lay Delegate to Synod Convention

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Mark Erbelding of Rochester, NY. Occupation: Engineer. Member at Hope Lutheran Church, Rochester, NY. C: Elder, Youth and Adult Teach, Small Group Leader, Youth Leader. O: Flower City Work Camp Work Site Leader, GBA (Greece Basketball Association) Coach Jacqueline Green of Philadelphia, PA. Occupation: Retired. Member of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, PA. C: President, Vice President, Bible Study Teacher, After-School Ministry Chair. D: Member of Board of Directors, Board of Mission Services, Youth Committee. S: Member of National Youth Gathering Committee, LWML Mission and Ministry Consultant. O: Urban League of Philadelphia, Community Homes, Broad Street Ministries. Maureen R. (Becky) Grunder of Port Byron, NY. Occupation: Office Manager and Surgical Scheduling Secretary for John B. Ryan, M.D. General Surgery. Member at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Auburn, NY. C: Sunday School Teacher, Council Secretary, Board of Christian Education, Council President D: Lay Delegate S: Synod Convention Delegate O: Girl Scouts – Helper, Grange, Baseball Concessions – Little League Babe Ruth; Grade School,

Middle School, High School Volunteer as needed when my children were growing up such as dances, Jr. Prom, Field Trips …

Walter Grzyb of Lancaster, NY. Occupation: Retired. Member at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cheektowaga, NY. C: Board of Elders, Fundraising Committee D: Photographer for Eastern District Convention S: Synodical Convention Delegate 2004, 2007, Nominations Committee 2013 O: Camp Pioneer Golf Tournament. Melissa Fultz of Morrisdale, PA. Occupation: Child Protective Services. Member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Morrisdale, PA. C: Church/Congregation/Council Secretary (21 years), Council/Church Treasurer (3 years); Preschool

Treasurer (18 years); Alternate Organist (since 2007); Preschool Substitute Teacher; Sunday School Teacher (prior years); Prior Newsletter Editor; Gift & Memorials Committee Member; Acolyte Coordinator; Choir Member (Children, Jr. & Senior); Children’s Choir Director; Special Events Organizer; Flower Committee; Church Decorating; write and direct Church Christmas and Easter programs and Preschool Christmas and graduation programs.

O: Donate blood for Red Cross, Donate for animal rights organizations. Donna McKeown of North Tonawanda, NY. Occupation: Retired/Worked 39 years in Banking Management. Member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda, NY. C: Church Council, Chair for Spiritual Outreach, Altar Guild, Finance Committee, Assistant to Financial

Secretary, Past President of Ladies Aid Group. D: St. Paul Lay Delegate to 2012 Eastern District LCMS Convention; Pioneer – Served on Gift

Development Committee, PRAT Team, PAVS, Pioneer Board of Ministry. O: Family & Children’s Service of Niagara – 16 yr. Board Member, currently serving on Agency and

Board Governance Committee, past Board Chair; Hunters Creek Home Owners Association – 2 yrs, current Board President.

David Merges

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Terry Duane Miller of Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation: Certified Cardiac Technologist; Nuclear Medicine/Radiology Technologist RT. Member at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville), PA. C: Church President from 2006 – present, Sunday School Superintendent from 1980 – present, Treasurer

from 1980 to 2006, Elder in past, Sunday School Teacher in past, Past Member of Pittsburgh Lutheran

D: Concordia Lutheran Ministries – Board of Directors from 2006-2012, Concordia Lutheran Ministries Subsidiary Boards Personnel & Chaplaincy and Missions & Ministry 2006-2012.

S: Lay Delegate to the past 2 LCMS National Conventions, Lay Delegate to several Eastern District Conventions, Alternate Lay Delegate to LCEF Convention in 2014.

Jeff Netzband of Maledon, NY. Occupation: Geotechnical Engineer/Principal – Foundation Design, PC. Member at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Farmington, NY. C: Sunday School Teacher, Board of Christian Education, Usher, Communion Assistant, Council

President. O: ACEC NY Rochester Region – Board of Directors, President. Gordon Tresch of Kenmore, NY. Occupation: Attorney. Member at First Trinity Lutheran Church, Tonawanda, NY. C: President, Vice President, Secretary, Elder, Chair of Education Board, Stewardship Chair, Church

Growth Chair, Preschool Board, Capital Campaign Co-Chair, Adult Bible Class Teacher, Lay Reader, Communion Assistant, Lifetree Host Director.

D: Board of Directors (1991-1997, 2000-2006, 2012-2015), Nominating Committee (1997-2000); Chair – Ad Hoc Committee on Bylaw Revision (1999-2000), Chair – Committee on Publications 1998-1991, Chair and Member – Commission on Budget & Internal Control 1982-1988, Convention Manager 1985, 1988, 1991, Convention Delegate 1982, Chair – Constitution Committee 2006-2012, Presenter 1990 Adult Gathering.

S: Commission on Handbook 2010 – P, Commission on Constitutional Matters 2004-2010, Synod Convention Advisory Delegate 2004.

O: Chair and member Martin Luther School (Buffalo), Board of Trustees 1984-1992, Acting Village Justice – Kenmore, NY 1979-1983, Kenmore Village Attorney 1985-1995, Town of Tonawanda Deputy Town Attorney 1998-2006, NY State Senate Associate Counsel 2006-2008.

Marvin Wood of Wellsville, NY. Occupation: Retired Training Director. Member at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wellsville, NY. C: Board of Elders, Head Elder last 3 years. D: Lay Delegate to Eastern District Convention. O: Retired First Sargent U.S. Army Reserve

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N O T E: There will be no nominations from the floor of the District Convention for the following offices.

However, each voting delegate is privileged to make nominations for any of these offices by submitting the nomination in writing to the District Office before May 17, together with certification that the individual named is willing to accept the office, if elected, and a brief biographical sketch which can be sent to all the delegates before Convention time.

SECRETARY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following candidates have been nominated for the position of SECRETARY of the District by

the Committee on Nominations: Rev. Ronald Breight of Pittsburgh, PA C: Pastor at Chirst Lutheran Church, Forest Hills, PA D: Eastern District Board of Directors, Chairman of Congregational Services; Pioneer Camp & Retreat

Center Board of Directors; Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center, Board of Pioneer Ministries, Pioneer Rebirth Action Team.

S: LCMS Board of Communications – KFUO Radio; Delegate to Synod Convention St Louis 2013 O: Eastern District LWML District Counselor; Forbes Hospital Clergy Advisory Board – Pittsburgh, PA. Rev. Karl Haeussler of North Tonawanda, NY. C: Senior Pastor at St. Paul, North Tonawanda, NY since 2011, Sole Pastor at St. Paul, North

Tonawanda from 1998 to 2011. D: Continuing Education Director (1999 to 2001), LWML Zone Counselor (1999 to 2009), Floor

Committee (2003 District Convention), Worship Leader (2006 District Convention), Worship Leader (2008 Professional Church Worker’s Conference), 2nd Vice President, Buffalo Region (2009 to 2012), 1st Vice President, Buffalo Region (2012 to present)

S: Pastoral Delegate to Synodical Convention (2004 and 2010) O: Director, Boy Scount Troop 184 at St. Paul (1998 to present)

CHAIR – BOARD OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES Rev. Matthew Barry of Cabot, PA. C: Associate Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cabot, PA (since 2012), Confirmation Program

Administrator (since 2013).

COMMISSIONED REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following two candidates have been nominated for the position of COMMISSIONED

REPRESENTATIVE on the Board of Directors by the Committee on Nominations: Jacqueline Duke of Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation: Deaconess at Concordia Lutheran Ministries.

Member at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA C: Sunday School Teacher, Member of Ladies Aid Corp. O: Treasurer, Rhode Island Songwriters Association Jodie Farley of Hilton, NY Sharon Kimmel of Hilton, NY

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Jamie Knopf of Pittsburgh, PA Jan Werth of North Tonawanda, NY

2015 Nominating Committee

CLERGY REPRESENTATIVE

The following candidates have been nominated as CLERGY REPRESENTATIVES for the Eastern District Nominating Committee for the 2015 District Convention:

BUFFALO REGION Rev. Alan Bauch of Lockport, NY. C: Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lockport, NY (2005 – present); Board of Elders (1996-2001),

Sunday School Superintendent (1993 to 1998), Board of Stewardship (1987 to 2000), Vice President (2000 to 2001).

D: Member Stewardship Committee (1990’s), Member Nominating Committee (2012-2015) S: Convention Delegate 2007, 2010 O: Lockport Cares, Inc. (Vice-President and Homeless Shelter Volunteer) Rev. David Young of Getzville, NY C: Retired Pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church, Tonawanda, NY; former Pastor at Prince of Peace

Lutheran Church, Hollywood, FL and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood, CO. D: Circuit Counselor in two different districts, Board of Adult Education in Florida, PLM Participant for

five years. S: Synod Convention Delegate three times O: Kiwanis Club, Buffalo Church Extention Society in Buffalo, NY (10 years), Congregation-Based

Clinical Pastoral Education in Buffalo, NY (15 years)

PHILADELPHIA REGION Rev. Kim Bode of Hop Bottom, PA C: Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Hop Bottom, PA Rev. Christopher Crume of Easton, PA C: Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church, Easton, PA

PITTSBURGH REGION Rev. Robert McCanless of Pittsburgh, PA C: Pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Brentwood (Pittsburgh), PA, Bible Study Leader, Catechist,

Adult Sunday School Teacher, VBS Leader D: District Nominations Committee S: LWML Circuit Counselor (English District), Synod Convention Delegate (2010), District

Restructuring Committee (Ohio District) O: Lions Club Intl. (Chaplain, Rev. John Weldon of Pittsburgh, PA C: Interim Pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA, Pastor Deployed, Adult Class

Teacher. D: Campus Ministry Committee, Circuit Counselor (2x) S: Circuit Counselor, Regional Special Gifts Counselor, Synod Convention Delegate O: Local Clergy Associations (4 districts)

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ROCHESTER REGION Rev. Robert Foote of Ithaca, NY C: Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lockport, NY D: Circuit Visitor, Nominations Committee, Pioneer Planning Committee S: PR Director of Synod Convention in Pittsburgh 1992 O: Feed My Starving Children, Ithaca Mobile Pack Coordinator, Chairman Cornell U. and MacCormick

Center for Juvenile Offenders Rev. Cory Eckstrom of Interlaken, NY C: Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Interlaken, NY and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cortland, NY

TEACHER/COMMISSIONED MINISTER REPRESENTATIVE

The following candidates have been nominated as TEACHER/COMMISSIONED MINISTER REPRESENTATIVES for the District Nominating Committee for the 2018 District Convention:

BUFFALO REGION

Ellen Makey of East Aurora, NY. Occupation: Office – Data Input. Member at Trinity Lutheran Church, West Seneca, NY. C: Director of Music Ministry, Choir Director, Bell Choir Director; Vacation Bible School – various

positions; Call Committee

PHILADELPHIA REGION Deborah Schumm of Downingtown, PA. Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher-Assistant, Office

Manager. Member at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Malvern, PA. C: Board of Family Ministry D: Nominating Committee

PITTSBURGH REGION Jamie Knopf of Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation: Director of Family Life Ministry (DFLM). Member of

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, South Hills, PA C: Have been at GSLC for almost six years. Family Life, Youth, Church Council, LWML, Music

Ministry, any area that falls under my job description. D: LCMS NYG District Coordinator. Laurie Hoff of Spencerport, NY Jacqueline Duke of Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation: Deaconess. Member at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA. C: Sunday School Teacher; Member of Ladies Aid Group O: Treasurer, Rhode Island Songwriters Association

ROCHESTER REGION

Jodie Farley of Hilton, NY. Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher. Member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hilton, NY

C: VBS, Auction Committee (Fundraising), Tutor

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Clifford Hummel of Rochester, NY. Occupation: Retired Teacher/Principal. Member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hilton, NY C: Board of Elders, Board of Education, Congregation President D: Board of Directors, Presenter of new Synod materials to District Congregations S: District Commissioner – NLSA O: Boy Scouts of America Lyle Heggemeier of Fairport, NY. Occupation: DCE at Faith Lutheran Church, Penfield, NY. Member at Faith Lutheran Church, Penfield, NY. D: Eastern District Board of Directors 2009-2015 S: Synodical Convention Advisory Delegate Maggie Harris of Rochester, NY.

LAY REPRESENTATIVE

The following candidates have been nominated as LAY REPRESENTATIVES for the Eastern District Nominating Committee for the 2018 District Convention:

BUFFALO REGION

Claire Carlson of Hamburg, NY. Occupation: Preschool Teachers Aide, Church Newsletter Editor. Member at Salem Lutheran Church, Buffalo, NY.

C: VBS co-Preschool Teacher, Before & After School Planning Committee, Altar Committee, Publicity Committee, Constitution & Bylaws Committee, Call Committee Chairman (1999-2001), Immediate past Church Council Secretary.

D: Convention Credentials Committee Chair (2009, 2012, 2015), District Convention Lay Delegate (2009, 2012, 2015), 2015 Nominating Committee, Human Resources Committee Member

S: Synodical Convention Lay Delegate (2010, 2013), Floor Committee #6 member (2013) O: LWML Eastern District President (2002-2006), Editor, Public Relations Director, Structure

Committee Chairman; Mission Grants Chairman, currently Public Relations Director. National LWML Nominating Committee, Christian Resource Editors Committee, PR Committee,

Communications Department Coordinator for the 2013 Pittsburgh Convention Host Committee. Girl Scout Leader (1992-2009), Girl Scout Service Unit Officer Darlene Hinz of Batavia, NY

PHILADELPHIA REGION Susan Bell of Downington, PA. Occupation: Real Estate Agent. Member at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Malvern, PA. C: Music Director, LWML Society Vice President. Have taught Adult Sunday School Classes. D: Nominating Committee S: Synodical Convention Delegate 2013 O: Co-President Newcomers Club of Central Chester Country

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PITTSBURGH REGION Terry Miller of Pittsburgh, PA. Occupation: Certified Cardiology Technologist. Member at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA C: Currently Church President, Sunday School Superintendent. In past, Church Treasurer, Elder,

Trustee S: Synod Convention Delegate past two conventions, Alternate Delegate to 2014 LCEF Convention in

California, Voting Delegate to Several District Conventions O: Concordia Lutheran Ministries Board of Directors 2006-2012, Concordia Lutheran Ministries

Subsidiary Board – Missions & Ministry 2006-2012, Concordia Lutheran Ministri9es Subsidiary Board Personnel & Chaplaincy 2006-2012

Angela Walters

ROCHESTER REGION Kathy Pavelock of Blossvale, NY. Occupation: Software Engineer. Member at Grace Lutheran Church, Canastota, NY. C: Treasurer, VBS Director, Sunday School Teacher, LWML Society President, LWML Society Vice

President, LWML CNY North Zone President. D: 2012-2015 Nominating Committee, LWML Eastern District Treasurer, LWML Eastern District VP

Communications, LWML Eastern District President. O: Town of Vienna NY Ethics Board Member

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