2021 MNYS Annual Assembly: Nominations & Elections.
*Nominations by the Conference
BALLOT 1: Synod Council Clergy | Western Nassau
The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wilson
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Glen Head
Church Leadership
Dean of Western Nassau Conference (Former)
Member of Assembly Planning Committee (Former)
Secretary of South West Nassau Conference (Former)
Community Leadership
Certified Immigrant Advocate
Certified Spiritual Director
Former Associate Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity International
Statement
I am passionate about my work as a pastor, spiritual director and advocate for immigrants. God's unconditional love and grace is the foundation of my life and ministry.
*The Western Nassau Conference submitted a nomination and requested this ballot to be closed.
This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05
For further questions please contact Western Nassau Dean, The Rev. Bob Cederstrom.
BALLOT 2: Synod Council Clergy | Peconic
The Rev. George Dietrich
Hamptons Lutheran Parish (Incarnation - Bridgehampton / St. Michael's - Amagansett)
Church Leadership
Synod Council Peconic Conference Clergy (Current)
Peconic Conference Secretary-Treasurer (Current)
Geri Taper MNYS Art Collection Task Force Chair (Current)
Community Leadership
CoConvener of The Bridgehampton - Sag Harbor Clericus
Board Member of St. Michael's Housing
Statement
When we come together in Word and Sacrament, evangelism, feeding the hungry, and advocating; lives are changed. It would be an honored to continue to be on Synod Council.
*The Peconic Conference submitted a nomination and requested this ballot to be closed.
This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05
For further questions please contact Peconic Dean, The Rev. Paul Downing.
BALLOT 3: Synod Council Clergy | Manhattan
The Rev. Brooke L. Swertfager
Christ Lutheran Church, Manhattan
Church Leadership
Dean of Manhattan
Member of the Lutheran/Roman Catholic Dialog of the Archdiocese of New York
Partner Pastor with Seafarer's International House
Community Leadership
Member of the Spiritual Care Committee for NYU Langone Medical Center
Founding Sponsor for NYC Gay Hockey Assoc.'s Annual Pride Chelsea Challenge
Almoner, The Havens Relief Fund Society
Statement
Serving our synod for 30+ years, as a long-time pastor and hockey mom, I've learned a lot about diversity, cooperation, and staying warm. Happy to share my experience!
BALLOT 4: Synod Council Clergy | Staten Island
The Rev. Garry Squire
Messiah Lutheran Church, Staten Island
Church Leadership
Synod Council
Executive Committee
Secretary - Staten Island Conference
Community Leadership
President - Staten Island Community Band
Statement
In my first term on the Synod Council I saw myself as an asset to the governance of the synod and source of communication with the my conference. I hope to serve a second term.
*The Staten Island Conference submitted a nomination and requested this ballot to be closed.
This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05
For further questions please contact Staten Island Dean, The Rev. Wolfgang Laudert.
BALLOT 5: Synod Council Lay Female | Western Queens
Ms. Lily Sage Mathius
Trinity Lutheran Church, LIC & Astoria
Church Leadership
Assistant Minister
Bible Study Leader
Community Leadership
N/A
Statement
I truly feel honored and humbled to be called to serve another term.
BALLOT 6: Synod Council Lay Female | At Large
Ms. June Daniel-Bradshaw
Grace Lutheran Church, Uniondale
Church Leadership
Council Treasurer
Community Leadership
Food Pantry at Rehoboth Church, Hempstead, NY
Statement
I accept the nomination because I have been a member of the church for the past 7 years. I started the afterschool program at Grace church in 2014 through 2018.
S. Dcn. Denise Rutherford-Gill
Jehu's Table, Brooklyn
Church Leadership
Convener of Advisory Board
Growing in Faith Steering Committee
Diaconate Council
Community Leadership
DICE(YAI Coalition for Equity)
Literacy Coach
Epilepsy Advocate
Statement
After being prayerful, I feel that there is still work for me, on the Council even if it is to only add my voice or viewpoint, as we are such a diverse community of faith.
Ms. Cynthia Corley
New Hope Lutheran Church, Jamaica
Church Leadership
MNYS Synod Council and Executive Committee
MNYS Assembly Planning Committee
National ADLA Executive Committee
New Hope Church Worship Committee
Community Leadership
N/A
Statement
I have been honored to serve on our Synod Council since 2016 and have found inspiration and growth in my serving. It would be a privilege to continue in this important work.
BALLOT 7: Synod Council BIPOC/MENA Female | Multicultural at Large
The Rev. Jeanine Owens
Church of the Abiding Presence, Bronx
Church Leadership
Synod Council Executive Committee
Challenge grant committee
Former Secretary to Black Pastors Group MetroNY
Community Leadership
Former Board Member of Fort Greene School
Statement
I look forward to continuing my service in our great church and our diverse synod. I anticipate being an active participant in the 2025 vision.
BALLOT 8: Synod Council Lay Male | South Shore Brooklyn
This Conference did not provide a nominee.
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 9: Synod Council Lay Male | Hudson
Mr. Erich Markert
Redeemer Lutheran Church, New Paltz
Church Leadership
Parish Administrator
Community Leadership
None
Statement
I am humbled yet eager to continue to serve the church.
*The Hudson Conference submitted a nomination and requested this ballot to be closed.
This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05
For further questions please contact Hudson Dean, The Rev. Sonja Maclary.
BALLOT 10: Synod Council Lay Male | Tappan Zee
This Conference did not provide a nominee.
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 11: Synod Council Young Adult | At Large
Mx. Anna Moritz
Trinity Lower East Side, Manhattan
Church Leadership
A board member of Lutheran Ministries in Higher Education
Community Leadership
The student pantry coordinator for the college student pantry ministry
Volunteer at SAFHvfood pantry in the East Village
Statement
As a queer young person I initiate dialogues about student food insecurity and strive to welcome all young people into faith-based spaces that celebrate their full selves.
BALLOT 12: Synod Council Youth (16-17 Years) | At Large
Mr. Aidan Z. Sargent
Saint John Lutheran Church, Bellmore
Church Leadership
Sunday School Teacher
Assisting Minister
Community Leadership
None at this time.
Statement
As an active church member, I would like to be more involved in church affairs on a synod level. I welcome the opportunity to serve with the Bishop and synod council.
BALLOT 13: Consultation Committee | Clergy Female
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 14: Consultation Committee | Clergy Male
The Rev. Justin Johnson
Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Croton-on-Hudson
Church Leadership
Evangelism Team
Anti Racism Team
Synod Council
Community Leadership
Croton Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Census Committee of Croton
Statement
In regard to the consultation committee, I am grounded and centered with a compassion for the other and a listening ear. I try to speak if I have something important to say.
The Rev. Robert Rainis
Ascension Lutheran Church, Deer Park
Church Leadership
Synod Council
Community Leadership
Statement
Independent finder of facts. Possess the ability to analyze statements, interview in a professional manner and to provide consultation advise.
The Rev. Donald W Lemke
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Middle Village
Church Leadership
Parish Pastor Western North Dakota
Interim Pastor Tolley Greene Sherwood Parish Western ND
Chaplain, Wartburg Lutheran Home for Aging, Brooklyn
Community Leadership
Board Member of Lutherans Concerned
Founding member of SUNY Downstate Apple Users Group
Statement
To walk in to any public space or environment requires a willingness to listen and hear the possibility of solutions.
The Rev. Khader Khalilia
Redeemer-St. John's Lutheran Church, Brooklyn
Church Leadership
Program Director of Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries
Community Leadership
Statement
To listen deeply to congregations who are dealing with challenging circumstances in order to make educated recommendations to the bishop's office.
BALLOT 15: Consultation Committee | Lay Female
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 16: Consultation Committee | Lay Male
S. Dcn. Paul Lumpkin
King of Kings Lutheran Church, New Windsor
Church Leadership
Church Council
Hospitality team Chair
Executive Board Boy Scouts of America
Community Leadership
Synod Deacon
Consultation committee
ELCA voting member
Statement
I have experience in all workings of the church (Congregation, Synod and Churchwide). I have an understanding of operations of matters of importance by my involvement.
BALLOT 17: Discipline Committee | Clergy Female
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 18: Discipline Committee | Clergy Male
The Rev. Robert Rainis
Ascension Lutheran Church, Deer Park
Church Leadership
Synod Council
Community Leadership
Statement
Matthew 18 must be kept front and center in all matters under consideration. Failure to do so, not only compromises the process of truth finding but corrupts the Gospel.
The Rev. William Baum
Saint Barnabas Church, Howard Beach
Church Leadership
Pastor
Chair of Synod Strategic Plan
Community Leadership
Pastor
Chaplain of West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Corp
Statement
The church of Christ, in every age beset by change, but Spirit-led, must claim and test its heritage and keep on rising from the dead. (Fred Pratt Green, ELW 729)
BALLOT 19: Discipline Committee | Lay Female
S. Dcn. Tracy Hill
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Laurelton
Church Leadership
Council President
Financial Secretary
Sunday School Teacher
Community Leadership
None
Statement
As a customer service manager, I have had many opportunities to mediate conflict between employees. With God’s help I hope that I can share these skills with this committee.
BALLOT 20: Discipline Committee | Lay Male
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 21: Churchwide Assembly | Clergy Female (2)
The Rev. Linda Bell
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Roosevelt
Church Leadership
Ecumenical Association COVID
DMin Student
Community Leadership
Lutheran Counseling Center Board of Directors
Southwest Nassau Conference MNYS
Statement
I was request to be a member of the board of directors of Lutheran Counseling Center.
The Rev. Chryll Crews
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Brooklyn
Church Leadership
Synod Council Member
Synod Council Executive Board Member
Board of Directors for Evangelical Lutheran, Inc. (ELI)
Community Leadership
NYC Community Board 17 member and secretary
Kings County Democratic Committee Member
Member of the African American Clergy and Elected Officials Organization (AACEO), Brooklyn
Statement
My goal has been to learn as much as possible about the polity of MNYS and the ELCA. Attending the General Assembly with will help me complete my goal.
The Rev. Jennifer E. Boyd
Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster
Church Leadership
Co-dean of the Tappen Zee conference (2019-present)
Upstate NY synod council (1997-2001, 2004-09)
Chaplain for first call theological education (2000-2003)
Community Leadership
Brewster Emergency shelter partnership (co-board president, 2015)
Convener of area faith leaders
Statement
Being involved in the wider church is a witness to how God works beyond our own local ministries.
The Rev. Kelsey Brown
Jehu's Table, Brooklyn
Church Leadership
Pastor
Community Leadership
Proclaim Relator
Member of the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries Board of Directors
Statement
I hope to advocate for the most marginalized among us and vote in ways that will change the Church for the better.
BALLOT 22: Churchwide Assembly | Clergy Male (2)
The Rev. Alex Raabe
Oceanside Lutheran Church, Oceanside
Church Leadership
Co-chair of Metropolitan New York Synod anti-racism committee
Member of the Metropolitan New York Synod Earth Charter Implementation Committee
Community Leadership
Member of the Oceanside clergy association
Statement
I love the ELCA & have been part since birth yet I think the church hasn't always lived up to its potential to reach the margins. I want to help the church continue that work.
The Rev. Christopher Mietlowski
Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Manhattan
Church Leadership
Metro NY Synod Staff
Growing in Faith Faculty
Synod Diaconate Council
Community Leadership
Volunteer Fire Dept. Chaplain (former)
Interfaith Dialogue
Mission participant
Statement
We are bound as congregations, synods, specialized ministries, and Churchwide. I want to strengthen connections and deepen our shared mission by participating in the Churchwide Assembly.
The Rev. Justin Johnson
Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Croton-on-Hudson
Church Leadership
Evangelism Team
Anti Racism Team
Synod Council
Community Leadership
Croton Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Census Committee of Croton
Statement
Churchwide is an honor to attend. If I am permitted, I will listen, be discerning, view everything through a lens focused on concerns for POC, LGBTQIA+, and justice.
The Rev. Wolfgang Laudert
Christ Lutheran Church, Staten Island
Church Leadership
Pastor, Christ Lutheran Staten Island
Dean, MNYS on Staten Island Conference
Community Leadership
New York State Council of Churches - executive committee
Staten Island Council of Churches - ecumenical chair
Statement
Churchwide Assembly is a sign and reminder of how we are church together. If sent it would be a great opportunity to experience the whole church in all it's expressions.
The Rev. Robert Rainis
Ascension Lutheran Church, Deer Park
Church Leadership
Community Leadership
Statement
Diversity is essential. The participation of a Confessional, Evangelical Catholic clergy person allows for the Augsburg Confession as it supports the Gospel to be voting.
The Rev. I. Daniel Peter Penumaka
St. Paul's International Lutheran Church, Floral Park
Church Leadership
Synod Council Member - MNY Synod
Member of Executive Committee of Asian Ministries - ELCA
Member of Church Planting Team - Asian Ministries - ELCA
Community Leadership
Member of Interfaith Community in Floral Park
Member of United Telugu Christian Federation of New York
Founder of Adonai Global Outreach
Statement
Last 20 years I am privileged to attend Many Synod Assemblies. But I never represented our synod in ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Please elect me to have that opportunity.
BALLOT 23: Churchwide Assembly | Lay Female (2)
Ms. Hazel Goldstein
St. John's Lutheran Church, Middletown
Church Leadership
Synod Council - 2nd term expired 2022
Synod Strategic Plan - Gathered Committee - chair
Synod Financial Management Committee
Community Leadership
NY District of Kiwanis International - NY District Builders Club Administrator
Junior League of Orange County - Past Treasurer, Past President
Arts Council of Orange County - Past Board Chair
Statement
Serving on Synod Council has exposed me to so many of our congregations and their challenges. I look forward to learning more about our Church at the National level.
S. Dcn. Roberta C. Detmers
Trinity Lutheran Church, Astoria
Church Leadership
Growing in Faith: New York diakonia location manager
Diaconate Council member
Synodical Deacon called to Trinity Lutheran Church, Astoria
Community Leadership
Served as President of Parent Association @ children’s elementary school
Served as Treasurer of PTA @ children’s Junior high school
Poll watcher for candidate of school board elections
Statement
I have been a voting member at our MNYS Assembly in the past. I would consider it an honor to represent the Metropolitan New York Synod at the Church wide Assembly in 2022.
S. Dcn. Gwendolyn Miller
Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamaica
Church Leadership
S. Deacon
Prayer Ministry
Engagement Task Force
Community Leadership
Community Outreach Ministry
Statement
I am honored to bring an ethnic-cultural-feminist perspective to the churchwide body of Christ that is called to lead by grace, faith and inclusion in service.
Ms. Louise Litke
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Huntington Station
Church Leadership
Synod Council-Executive Committee
Synod Assembly Planning Committee-Chair
Synod Assembly Nominations and Elections Committee
Community Leadership
Huntington Coalition for the Homeless
Spiritual director with lay and clergy
Stephen minister
Statement
I always look forward to meeting people from other congregations and synods, listening to their stories of doing ministry and worshiping together.
BALLOT 24: Churchwide Assembly | Lay Male (3)
Mr. John Litke
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Huntington Station
Church Leadership
Synod Treasurer
Synod Council member
Chair Continuing Education Committee
Community Leadership
Habitat for Humanity
Science Fair Judge
Statement
My service in congregational, synodical and national positions provide the broad experience for helping the church make wise decisions.
Mr. Edgar Guerrero
Saint Peter's Church, Manhattan
Church Leadership
Multicultural Committee
Community Leadership
Coordinator of the Diakonia program at Saint Peter's
Statement
Participating in events of the Lutheran congregation has been a blessing in my life, my commitment is to grow in my spirituality and share these experiences with my community.
BALLOT 25: Churchwide Assembly | BIPOC Female
Ms. Cynthia Corley
New Hope Lutheran Church, Jamaica
Church Leadership
Executive committee MNYS council
Member 2025 Congregations vision team
Region 9 representative to ADLA executive board
Community Leadership
Statement
I would consider it an honor to once again represent MNY in 2022. Having done so previously, I will be that much more prepared to participate in all the assembly has to offer.
The Rev. Analyse Triolo
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose
Church Leadership
Pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose NY
Vicar, Trinity Lutheran Church/Iglesia Trinidad
Chaplain for Proclaim, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (Nationwide office)
Community Leadership
Dean, Northeastern Queens Conference of the Metropolitan New York Synod
Interfaith Clergy Council for DA Melinda Katz
Congregational Observer, 2019 Churchwide Assembly, First Lutheran Church, Greensboro, NC (North Carolina Synod)
Statement
Rev. Analyse Triolo is a young, female pastor who is eager to serve. Her intersectional identity includes her Hispanic heritage and being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
BALLOT 26: Churchwide Assembly | BIPOC Male whose primary language is other than English
Mr. Christopher Vergara
Saint Peter's Church, Manhattan
Church Leadership
MNYS Advocacy Taskforce, chair
Saint Peter’s Church, president
ELCA AMMPARO Network, member
Community Leadership
Prop, Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club
Designer, BroadwayBares: Equity Fights AIDS
Statement
As a first-generation Latinx native NYer, who found the Lutheran tradition in high school, I’m excited by the opportunity to represent our synod.
BALLOT 27: Churchwide Assembly | Female Youth (16-17 Years)
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 28: Churchwide Assembly | Male Young Adult
This ballot will be deferred to the Synod Council since we did not receive a nomination.
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come