Bishop Thomas M. Aitken was elected to serve a six year term as bishop to the Northeastern Minnesota Synod at the 2008 Synod Assembly. He will be installed August 23, 2008. He serves as pastor to over 230 rostered personnel in this synod and oversees the collective mission of its 148 congregations.
Pastor Karen G. Bockelman was called as assistant to the bishop September 1, 1997. Her responsibilities include working with First Call Theological Education, Fall Theological Conference, and the School of Lay Ministry. She coordinates Bridgebuilders to lead congregations through a process of promoting growth and healing in times of transition and tension. During times of crisis and conflict she networks pastors and congregations with necessary resources.
Pastor Scott A. Jacob joined the synod staff September 15, 2001. He works with congregations in transition, those involved in the process of calling a new pastor, and with pastors seeking a new call. He is an ELCA Stewardship Specialist working with congregations in stewardship education. Pastor Jacob works with the finance section of Synod Council in preparing the synod budget.
Kathe Peterson, executive assistant, has worked for the synod since its beginning in 1988. She serves as secretary to the bishop, maintains the synod's roster, works closely with officers of the synod, and is the Minnesota Statute 148A Administrator. Kathe is deeply involved in planning the annual Synod Assembly. and is often responsible for organization/ arrangements of synod functions.
Catherine Anderson has served as the Synod Coordinator of Youth Ministry since 2000. She provides leadership support and development for adults who work with youth through events such as: God Talk, Youth Ministry 101/201 Retreat, specialized trainings, and consultations. Catherine also works with the Lutheran Youth Organization Board to provide the Middle School Gatherings and Cardia Deo (Senior High Retreats), and coordinates the synod bus trip to the triennial ELCA Youth Gatherings.
Marilyn Hull, Administrative Assistant, has been part of the synod staff since December of 1989. Many of her responsibilities fall under the heading of 'communications': editing the synod's newsletters, developing brochures and other publicity, the Bulletin of Reports, and the synod handbook, maintaining this Web site, and the Online Reflections. She provides staff support to Catherine Anderson, Karen Bockelman, the Candidacy Committee and the Synod Assembly Planning Committee.
Kathy Wimer has served the synod as receptionist and bookkeeper since 1996. She provides staff support to the synod treasurer, and the synod finance committee. Kathy is the synod's statistician. She maintains records for financial statements, and prepares for and participates in the synod's annual audit. Other responsibilities include assembling bulk mailings, and maintaining data bases for mailings and congregational contribution records.
Grace is the synod office's feline staff member.
When not welcoming or entertaining guests to the synod office, grace can be found talking on her cell phone (left), stretching after an afternoon nap (middle) or doing a little filing (right).
