Below are descriptions of the various committees that assist the Nebraska Synod in carrying out its ministry work, along with their members and dates their terms of service are completed:
2012 Assembly Planning Task Force
This task force, elected by the Synod Council, has the responsibility for planning the 2012 Synod Assembly/Festival to be held May 31-June 2, 2012.
Synod Staff Liaisons: Rev. Lee Griess, Sharon Miley
Chairpersons: Tanny Akerson, Bellevue; Rev. Brad Meyer, Omaha. Members: Renee Black, Omaha; Steve Brown, Omaha; Rose Marie Davis, Omaha; Gwen Edwards, Bellevue; Cheryl Griess, Omaha; Rev. Damon Laaker, Omaha; Rev. Tom Miller, Omaha; LeAnn Robitaille, Omaha; Rev. Ellen Stelzle, Omaha.
Budget and Finance Committee
This committee has the responsibility to prepare and present a comprehensive budget to the Synod Council for its consideration and presentation to the Synod Assembly. It also has the responsibility of reviewing the finances of the synod during the fiscal year. Meets three times a year.
Synod Staff Liaisons: Bishop David deFreese, Chris Kendall
Chairperson: Eva Roeber, Gretna (2013). Members: Mary Beck, Omaha (2012); Rev. Travis Borkosky, Tekamah (2014); Richard Brommer, Beatrice (2014); Jessica Cassata, Omaha (2014); Rev. Donna Durrette, Eagle (2014); Mark Grimm, Gretna (2013); Wayne Grupe, Omaha (2015); Rev. William Koeber, Wayne (2015); David Poppe, Fremont (2015).
Candidacy Committee
This committee enlists prospective candidates for church occupations, provides guidance and support for them, reviews their credentials, and evaluates their qualifications for inclusion on the roster of ordained ministers and associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers of the ELCA. This committee has a relationship to the ELCA Program Unit for Vocation and Education. Meets four times a year.
Synod Staff Liaison: Betty Heier
Chairperson: Rev. Greg Berger, Ralston (2013). Members: Rev. Gregory DeBoer, Pickrell (2014); Evelyn Ericksen, Hordville (2014); Tom Gapp, Lincoln (2015); Janice Gengenbach, Smithfield (2014); Lanny Gerdes, Kearney (2012); Merlyn Gramberg, Chadron (2014); Cheryl Griess, Omaha (2012); Ron Gunderson, Doniphan (2013); Lisa Kramme, Fremont (2015); Julie Krull, Minden (2012); Rev. Brian Maas, Lincoln (2015); Sue Olson, Wayne (2015); Rev. Michael Ostrom, Fremont (2012); Rev. Beverly Rautenberg-Panko, Eustis (2013); Rev. Ellen Stelzle, Omaha (2012); Rev. Herb Palmer, Austin, Texas (ELCA Representative); Rev. Richard Perry, Chicago, Illinois (seminary representative).
Consultation Committee
This committee, which relates to the Bishop, has the responsibility of hearing charges against an ordained minister, associate in ministry, deaconess, diaconal minister or congregation that could lead to discipline. The committee meets with the pastor, associate in ministry, deaconess, diaconal minister or representative of the congregation and the person(s) bringing the charges in an effort to resolve the issue(s). Meets as needed.
Synod Staff Liaison: Bishop David deFreese
Members: Rita Borgstadt, Ralston (2016); Douglas Fox, Bassett (2014); Lonna Grabenstein, Eustis (2014); Patrick Gregory, Blair (2016); Rev. Gail Madson, Lincoln (2016); Rev. Tom Miller, Omaha (2016); Rev. Randy Rasmussen, Homer (2014).
Discipline Committee
This committee, which relates to the Bishop, hears cases that may result in disciplinary action against an ordained minister, associate in ministry, deaconess, diaconal minister or congregation. At the time a case arises, six additional persons will be appointed by the Church Council of the ELCA. Meets as needed.
Synod Staff Liaison: Bishop David deFreese
Members: Chad Beckius, Newcastle (2014); Rev. Greg Berger, Ralston (2014); Beth Bonderson, Hoskins (2014); Les Jessen, Bloomfield (2016); Rev. Alena Lamirato, Mead (2016); Rev. Steve Meysing, Alliance (2016); David Montgomery, Roca (2012); Rev. Beverly Rautenberg-Panko, Eustis (2014); Susan Richardson, Lincoln (2016); Rev. William Shaner, Lincoln (2012); Julia Shear, Wakefield (2012).
Ecumenism Committee
This committee, appointed by the Bishop, fosters ecumenical and interfaith relationships through education, dialogue, and events as recommended by the Bishop’s Office as well as serving in an advisory capacity to the Bishop on non-ELCA matters and functions. This committee has a relationship to ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations.
Synod Staff Liaison: Bishop David deFreese
Chairperson: Rev. James Melang, Fremont. Members: Rev. Michael Ostrom, Fremont; Rev. Anna Terman-White, Omaha.
Global Mission Committee
This committee assists in interpreting the global mission of the church by providing education and support for congregations and cluster units. It provides leadership when the Synod is involved with partner churches around the world. This committee has a relationship to the ELCA Program Unit for Global Mission. Meets four times a year.
Synod Staff Liaison: TBA
Chairperson: Rev. Michelle Oetken, Wausa (2012). Members: Rev. Melody Brink, Fairbury (2012); Rev. John Eggen, Lincoln (2013); Robert Kasworm, Omaha/Tanzania (2012); Rev. Steve Meysing, Alliance (2013); Gary Overfield, Fremont (2013); Dave Stenberg, Lexington (2014); Sandy Terry, Fremont (2014).
Justice Committee
This management committee initiates and coordinates discussion and action on public issues in this synod. It assists the Synod, its agencies and institutions, and members of congregations in functional interaction with the Legislature and offices of government in Nebraska. Meets as needed.
Synod Staff Liaison: Mitch McCartney
Chairperson: Rev. John Backus, Omaha (2013). Members: Dennis Byars, Beatrice (2012); Glenda Ferguson, Wahoo (2012); Rev. Jim Helgren, Wilber (2013); Rev. Harvey Johnson, Grand Island (2013); Rev. Alena Lamirato, Mead (2012); Katie Parsh, Cozad (2013); Orrin Strand, Albion (2012).
Leadership Support Committee
This committee plans and sponsors events that aim to continue the education and enhance the skills of all persons in church occupations. This committee has a relationship to the ELCA program units for Vocation and Education and Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM). Meets four times a year.
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Lee Griess
Chairperson: Dave Stenberg, Lexington (2013). Members: Rev. Marsha Anderson, Lincoln (2012); David Coker, Ashland (2014); Dale Fornander, Chappell (2013); Deb Paulman, Sutherland (2013); Gina Schoch, York (2012); JA Welsh, Hershey (2015); Vera Hummel, Wayne (advisory member); Rev. Glenn Schacht, Omaha (advisory member).
Lutheran Metro Ministries Committee
This management committee shall advocate for and initiate programs and services on behalf of persons in need in the metropolitan communities of the Nebraska Synod. Meets six times a year.
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker
Chairperson: Rev. Darrell Anderson, Omaha (2013). Members: Mary Ann Beck, Omaha (2013); Rev. Susan Butler, Omaha (2013); Rev. Shari Duminy, Omaha (2013); Dan Miller, Omaha (2013); Kelley Miller, Omaha (2014); Rev. Bob Oleson, Omaha (2013); Rev. Judith Rainforth, Omaha (2015); Kent Reinhard, Bennet (2015); Valerie Stoj, Omaha (2015); Kelli Stott, Omaha (2014).
Lutheran Youth Organization of Nebraska (LYON)
President: Donald J. (DJ) Roads (2010); President-Elect: Clay Blank (2011); Secretary: Jade Johnson (2011); Treasurer: Alexa Johnson (2010); Adult Advisor: Cheri Saunders; Director of Faith Formation: Lisa Kramme.
Multicultural Ministry Task Force
This task force assists the synod in working toward the goal of full partnership of people of color and primary language other than English in the life of the church. This task force has a relationship to the ELCA Program Unit for Multicultural Ministries and the Program Unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission.
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker
Chairperson: Rev. Glenn Schacht, Omaha. Members: Rev. Liz Conner, Omaha; Brenda Krueger, Fremont; Sieghard Krueger, Fremont; Diana Kuhl, Fremont; Rev. Joyce Miller, Omaha; Sol Mockicin, Oaks, Oklahoma; Rev. Will Voss, Scottsbluff.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee has the responsibility to nominate persons for service on committees and other entities of the synod. The committee consists of seven clergy and seven lay persons each representing one of the Mission Cluster Units, and an officer from each synod organization for men, women and youth. The Synod Council appoints one of its members to serve on the committee. Meets annually.
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Harold Stromer
Chairperson: Rev. William Voss, Scottsbluff (Panhandle, 2012). Members: David Allen, Lincoln (Lincoln, 2013); Barb Becker, Grand Island (Loup-Platte/Two Rivers, 2013); Louis Bentzinger, Cook (Rolling Hills, 2012); Marcia Dorn, North Platte (Tumbleweed/Pony Express, 2013); Glenda Ferguson, Wahoo (Saunders/Metro South, 2013); Rev. Darwin Garton, Wakefield (Northeast, 2013); Rev. Rick Johnson, DeWitt (Synod Council, 2013); Karen King, Valley (Midland/Logan Creek, 2012); Rex Kirchhoff, Superior (Central South Prairie/Prairie, 2012); Rev. Timothy Koester, Bloomfield (Lewis and Clark, 2012); Linda Landsberg, Omaha (Metro West, 2012); Rev. Justin Wiese, Norfolk (Elkhorn Valley/Crossroads, 2013); Judy Williams, Bellevue (Metro Urban, 2013).
Outreach Committee
This committee works with the ELCA Program Unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission of this church in congregational development. It has responsibility for monitoring program directions of rural and urban ministries in the synod. This committee also relates to the ELCA Unit for Church in Society. Meets four times a year.
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Lee Griess
Chairperson: Rev. Paul Coen, Syracuse (2013). Members: Rev. Larry Arganbright, Lincoln (2012); Rev. Lance Ferguson, Lincoln (2015); Rev. Juliet Hampton, Genoa (2014); Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker, Omaha (2012); Rev. Judy Nuss, Sutton (2013); Rev. Will Voss, Scottsbluff (2015).
Rural Ministry Work Group
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Judy Gifford
Chairperson: Rev. Gretchen Ritola, Emerson. Members: Rev. Ruth Boettcher, Schuyler; Dennis Gengenbach, Smithfield; LeRoy Hoyer, York; Rev. Mike Kern, Albion; Rex Kirchhoff, Superior; Kent Miller, Sidney; Rev. Brenda Pfeifly, Stromsburg; Larry Poessnecker, Norfolk; Rev. Karen Tjarks, Cordova.
Sexuality Issues Task Force
Synod Staff Liaison: Bishop David deFreese
Chairperson: Rev. Peter Jark-Swain, Columbus. Members: Mary Bergstrom, Elwood; Rev. Shari Duminy, Omaha; Jim Fruehling, Beatrice; Rev. Joyce Miller, Omaha; Harry Naazs, Omaha; Connie Stover, Kearney.
Stewardship and Mission Support Table
Synod Staff Liaison: Rev. Lee Griess
Chairperson: Rev. William Shaner, Lincoln. Members: Rev. Chris Kester Beyer, Aurora/Hampton; Rev. Travis Borkosky, Tekamah; Rev. Matthew Groenke, Gothenburg; Rex Kirchhoff, Hardy; Paula Kitt, Kansas City, Missouri (MIF); Keith Mundy, Chicago, Illinois (ELCA); Rev. Gretchen Ritola, Emerson; Rev. David Sites, Blair; Craig Stirtz, Omaha (LPGS); Rev. David Zellmer, Omaha.
World Hunger Committee
The World Hunger Committee exists to educate the people and congregations of the Nebraska Synod about the causes of hunger and poverty around the globe, to advocate for justice and to raise funds for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. It is the goal of this committee to have a trained Hunger contact person in each congregation of the Synod who will advocate for the hungry of the world. Meets two times a year.
Synod Staff Liaison: Chris Kendall
Members: Rev. Darrell Anderson, Omaha; Rev. Renee Johnson, Glenvil; Bette McCoy, Ashland; Rev. Katie Russell, Coleridge.
