The following individuals will be running for election in various offices at the annual convention. Please take a moment to read their bios and personal statements and familiarize yourself with their varied qualifications.
Standing Committee nominations
(elect 2 clergy and 2 lay for three-year term)
Lay:
Charles Morello - St. James, Hibbing Member of Congregations Caring for the Earth; Member of Standing Committee (since 2009); Member of Board of St. Michael's Foundation (Benedictine Health System - since 2008); Active member and webmaster, Episcopal Ecological Network (since 2002); Member of Board of Directors, Eveleth Area Chamber of Commerce (1999-2002) and the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce, Virginia MN (2002-2007); Chair of Laurentian Chamber of Commerce in 2005; Active member and webmaster, Environmental Stewardship Commission (since 1997); Worked with and for Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces (1986-1990), with Military Bishops of Anglican Church of Canada and Church of England (1986-1990), Licensed Worship Leader and Lay Eucharistic Minister (since 1986); 24-year career as officer and leader in the US Army (1971-1994).
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? I offer my experiences of over 30 years of active engagement within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. My work with bishops of various Provinces of the Anglican Communion gives me a unique perspective on the needs and responsibilities of clergy, congregations, bishops and dioceses. Years as investigator and analyst as well as chair of a non-profit have taught me to listen, discern, ask questions, and suggest solutions to situations facing groups. My strengths are in my abilities to see the bigger picture and to view a problem from just about all sides. Helping homeless and battered families (Diocese of Virginia) gave me insight into the needs of many. My involvement in environmental spirituality (MN and nationally) has opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of decisions and actions. My Mission Strategy Network work has given me a good understanding of the capabilities of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota.
Clergy:
Jan Dougherty - St. Mark's Cathedral, Minneapolis (second term) I am a lifelong Episcopalian, and have been an Ordained deacon for 21 years. I have served both in a new mission church, Sts. Martha and Mary, and for the past 13 years at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral. I understand working in the secular world, since I worked for 17 years in Human Resources at MPR and then Target. Dick and I have been married for 49 years (!!!) and are blessed with 4 children and their spouses and 7 amazing grandchildren, so I understand relationships. I have served on many boards, including two terms on Episcopal Community Services, City House for many years, Deacon's Formation Board for 9 years, Institute for New Americans for 3 years, WomenSpirit for 10 years, so I appreciate how to be an effective committee member.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? In The General Thanksgiving in the BCP, we pray, "We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us." This is a good description of my experience of being on Standing Committee for one term. We currently have wonderful representation on the SC of people from throughout the state, but I am currently the only deacon serving. I believe my voice as an experienced deacon is helpful in our mission as we move forward together in ministry.
Susan Moss - La Mision el Santo Nino Jesus Actively engaged in the mission of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota in a wide variety of ministries including: ordained ministry as Rector and Canon Missioner; Examining Chaplain in Contemporary Issues and Ethics; Vice Chair of the Commission on Ministry; Chair of the Commission on Ministry; Breck School Sr.Ethics Instructor, Adjunct professor of Ethics at St Catherine's University.
Currently serving as Vicar of La MIsión el Santo Niño Jesús, St Paul.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? I believe I am called to this ministry and its work. I bring extensive experience and understanding of the ministry of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota as well as a deep desire to be in alignment with God's mission as we move forward with Bishop Prior. I do my best and most creative thinking with others and would bring that energy to the Standing Committee team. I understand what it means to discern, am able to reason with my head and feel with my heart while listening to differing points of view, and am not afraid to ask hard questions. My years serving with the people of el Santo Niño Jesús have taught me about God's mission in the Episcopal Church with new immigrants. I am proficient in Spanish.
Commission on Ministry
(elect 1 clergy and 1 lay)
Lay:
Clergy:
Marilyn Salmon - St. Clement's, St. Paul I am the advisor for Episcopal students who attend United Theological Seminary, a role I have had for over twenty years. I worked closely with Seabury-Western in the years we had a Diocesan approved plan for seminary education. I have taught New Testament in educational and formational programs for deacons and total ministry teams. When United and the diocese collaborated on a program from Native American seminarians, I served on the administrative committee. I served as Examining Chaplain from 1990-2005.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it?This time of change and transition provides a good occassion for examining our diocesan educational and formational programs for Ordained ministries. I am interested in ways that we can collaborate with local resources. We have an abundance of resources in our diocese in our talented clergy and laity and vital church communities. We have a long history collaborating with United Seminary and more recently with Luther. I am interested in finding creative ways to use these resources in preparing church leaders. I am particularly concerned that we explore ways to train and educate leaders for our growing ethnic diversity. I think my experience as a seminary educator and participation in diocesan educational programs will contribute to the work of COM.
Trustees
(elect 3, clergy or lay)
Morris Goodwin - St. Paul's, Minneapolis (second term) More than 20 years of increasing levels of responsibility within the commercial banking, investment banking, investment management, financial services and e-commerce industries. Proven financial executive with extensive leadership experience and diverse expertise in the following areas: Complex financial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, derivative analysis and hedging, treasury operations and cash management, venture capital relationships, corporate restructuring and reengineering, risk management and business continuity, pension fund invetment management, rating agency relationship, strategic and operational planning. I have served faithfully since elected in 2007, took over as the chair fo the real estate committee in 2009 and was elected treasure of diocese in 2010.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? I have always strived to use the skills the Lord has blessed me with, for the advancement of the faith and secular community in which I have lived and served. I have been a member of St. Paul's since 1989 and have faithfully served my parish and episcopal community in a variety of ways, as a member of the vestry, a greeter, chair of the endowment committee, junior warden, senior warden, chalice bearer, usher, coffee host, and treasurer. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue in the Lord's service as a trustee of diocese, if it be his will.
Elaine Barber - Trinity, Excelsior Positions of leadership at Trinity Episcopal Church over the last 40 years, including Education Leader for Children and Youth, Outreach Chairperson; Deacon for ten years at St. Nicholas, Richfield, and Breck School in Golden Valley; Teacher and Middle School Chaplain for 16 years at Breck School; Teaching positions in seven schools over 40 years, including private, parochial, inner-city, and public schools. Control of the budget for the Middle School Chaplaincy. Work with various agencies and organizations during my time at Breck School, such as Crisis Nursery, Head Start, nursing homes, hospitals, and Dept. of Indian Affairs.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it?As a person who attended Seabury Western Seminary at a later stage of my life, I bring a unique perspective to the value of being a life-long learner in the church community. I have served parishes in the metro area, which are varied and uniquely different, and I realize that the training to serve in these churches requires a variety of skills and training. I have also been interested in the Total Ministry concept in this state, and I believe that Seabury Western can be involved in some of the training for a less traditional approach to ministry. I am very grateful to Seabury Western for the incredible year there to assist me in my training for the priesthood.
Scott Monson - St. Paul's on the Hill, St. Paul Post-graduate study in the synthesis of culture and social context within effective mission-driven organizations; Member of the Transition Committee for the IX Bishop of Minnesota; Three years experience as a university faculty member; Long experience as a not-for-profit board member and institutional trustee; Three years experience as a Seabury-Western Development Office staff associate; Seabury-Western alumnus and Class Agent; Recipient of the Seabury-Western Prize for Community Leadership; Personal contributor to the mission and ministry of Seabury-Western.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? Seabury is pointing the way toward new ways of engaging God’s people in mission and ministry, and I would relish the opportunity to be a contributing partner in their journey of imagination and innovation. As an active listener and participant in conversations regarding how the Episcopal Church in Minnesota can be more effective in mission and ministry, I would share what we have discovered with Seabury’s leadership and bring Seabury’s discoveries to our discussions. I believe my experience as a priest and leader in both rural and metropolitan congregations coupled with my study of contemporary culture will help inform and guide Seabury’s continuing discernment of how best to provide effective, life-long Christian formation to the lay and Ordained leadership of the Episcopal Church. My love for the Episcopal Church in Minnesota and Seabury-Western equip me to be a passionate and engaged member of Seabury’s Board of Trustees.
General Convention Deputy
(elect 4 clergy and 4 lay as deputies and 4 clergy and 4 lay as alternates)
Lay:
Jim Huber - St. Mark's Cathedral, Minneapolis
I have served as a General Convention Deputy or first alternate four times. From Minnesota and twice from Iowa. In my roles as director of Community Services for the Minnesota Dept of Human Services, I have had considerable legislative and policy experience. That experience translates well for the legislative sessions at the General Convention. In 2009 I served on the Stewardship and Congregational Development Committee at General Convention. I have served in other capacities in this Diocese including Chair of the BCMS and Co-Chair of the MSN.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? First and foremost I love The Episcopal Church and because of my responsibilities when on Diocesan Council, the BCMS, and the MSN I believe I know this Diocese well. If chosen a General Convention deputy, I will immerse myself in the proposed legislation, will work in legislative committees and be present on the Convention floor. I have passion around the mission and growth of this Church both within Minnesota and the churches in the 16 or more countries that make up The Episcopal Church.
Sally Johnson - St. John's, Minneapolis Served as Deputy to General Convention from MN 2009 (Co-chair of deputation), 2006 (Chair), 2003 (Chair), 2000, 1997 and 1994. On Canons Committee five times (Chair and Vice Chair) and on Rules of Order (Co-Chair). Chancellor to the President of the House of Deputies since 2006, on her Council of Advice and member of House of Deputies platform committee in 2009. Served on national Constitution and Canons Standing Commission for six years. For past 13 years have worked for the Church Pension Fund traveling throughout the Church training Bishops, clergy, seminarians and diocesan staff in canon law, sexual misconduct and employment risk. Service in Diocese of Minnesota includes: Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor; President of University Episcopal Center; Vice President of Episcopal Community Services numerous presentations to congregations and clergy gatherings on General Convention, Anglican Communion issues and canon law. At Cathedral Church of St. Mark served on Vestry, chaired stewardship drive and co-chaired capital campaign. Awarded the Whipple Cross for work on the Church's clergy disciplinary canons.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? I want to help the Diocese play a strong, effective role at General Convention. It is very helpful to have some Deputies who are familiar and experienced with the processes of General Convention and with canon and secular law because many of the issues and resolutions relate to our canons, structure and relationship with the Anglican Communion. My extensive experience within Minnesota, the wider Church and especially General Convention are all gifts I bring to this ministry. I have an extensive network of colleagues and friends in both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies with whom the Minnesota deputation can work to develop and pass legislation the Diocese cares about. I will make sure the deputation is trained and prepared for its work and make sure the Diocese is informed of the actions of General Convention. It is a privilege to be a part of General Convention as it is the ultimate policy body in the Episcopal Church.
Larry Reynolds - St. Stephen's, Edina An especially good qualification for being a lay delegate to General Convention is being one who has served at the parochial, diocesan, provincial, and national levels. The only one I have not done is provincial. I have served in full time lay ministry as a liturgist and music director in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota since June 1974, at Calvary Church, Rochester, Gethsemane, Minneapolis, and St. Stephen's, Edina, where I am currently full time Minister of Worship. I served two terms on the Bishop's Advisory Commission on Liturgy and Music under Bishop Anderson. During my 36 years of service in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, I have helped plan and lead worship and music for 11 diocesan conventions, 13 clergy conferences, 9 'in-parish' ordinations, 1 general convention, and 2 bishop's consecrations. I was a project consultant with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music in 2004. I was co-founder of the Episcopal Youth Music Camp. I've served as a resource person, consultant, and mentor to literally dozens of clergy and music directors on matters of liturgy and music, as well as lay employment issues and conflict management.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it?My 36 years of faithful of service in the Episcopal Church has allowed me much experience in things internal as well as things eternal. Most people who really know me know that I am keenly aware of nearly all issues and matters currently facing The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, and that, despite my progressive bent, I have a great love for our ancient Apostolic tradition. I recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of my confirmation (at age 23) in the Episcopal Church. I will soon receive the Laying on of Hands from Bishop Prior as I honor that anniversary with a public Reaffirmation of Faith.
Gail Sheddy - St. Mary's, Tower & Ely
Member of MN deputation to General Convention 2009; Member (second term) of Episcopal Church in MN Standing Committee; Commissioned as Evangelist and Team Administrator of Total Ministry Team of St. Mary's, Tower/Ely; Served as Senior Warden, Junior Warden and Clerk of St. Mary's Bishop's Committee; Member of Board of Trustees for the Mary Brown Environmental Center; Board member of Ely Committee Resources (youth education), Northern Lakes Arts Association, Ely Cemetery Committee, Ely Airport Commission, Ely/Winton Historical Society, St. Louis County Historical Society and Friends of the Ely Public Library; Retired management employee of United Airlines (38 years).
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? It was an honor and a privilege to represent the Episcopal Church in MN at the last General Convention in 2009. Having had that experience, I would like very much to serve as your Lay Deputy again in 2012. My participation as a deputy in 2009 taught me how to get the most out of that experience by following committee activity daily and by sharing what was learned with fellow deputies. . . . As noted in the past, the smaller congregations in the outlying areas and the Total Ministry Teams of the Episcopal Church in MN need to be represented at our GC. I believe I have been called to serve, again, as a spokesperson for those congregations throughout the diocese who feel their voices are not being heard. Gifts? My ability to work well with others. . . . My team mebers would tell you my organizational skills are superb. I am a quick study. . . . I have an orderly mind. My fundamental integrity is of the highest quality. The mentor of my Total Ministry Team would say I lead when appropriate and follow when appropriate, always keeping my feet firmly on the ground. My spiritual growth and development has been enhanced by my graduation from the Education for Ministry course and by the direction of my own spiritual advisor. With your help and God's guidance, I will represent your concerns on all issues facing the Episcopal Church in MN and the National church.
Sue Triebenbach - St. Christopher's, Roseville The experience that best helps equip me for this position is my experience as an alternate to the General Convention in 2009 and as a delegate to the ECW Triennial in 2009. . . . While at the Convention, I participated in many of the ECW Triennial meetings, forums. . . . When I was not participating at Triennial, I sat in the Alternates section on the side of the floor of the House of Deputies following the discussions and legislation. I sat in on some committee discussions. . . . I also sat in on the discussion in the House of Bishops when I could. . . . I am a life long Episcopalian in the Diocese of Minnesota. I have been active in the life of the Church all of my life, attending Cass Lake Episcopal Camp (as a camper and counselor), Teens Encounter Christ, and Diocesan Youth Events as a youth and as an adult chaperone. I was a peer chaplain at the University of Minnesota Episcopal center while I was a student there. I have participated in Cursillo and in meetings about the Millennium Development Goals. I have attended several Diocesan Conventions as a visitor, alternate and delegate. I volunteered at the General Convention in Minneapolis in 2003 and attended the General Convention in 1976 as a young visitor. At my own parish, I currently enjoy singing in the choir and supporting the social justice committee and the youth group there.
Why do you wish to serve in this ministry and what gifts would you bring to it? I wish to serve in this ministry to continue what I have learned in participating as an alternate to the 2009 General Convention. I am excited about the life of the Church and about the future of our Church. I have more to give and offer. I have the energy and excitement and passion to be an engaged participant. I am a deeply committed person. I have skills in listening and reason. I learn quickly and understand things clearly as an analytical person. Because of this passion and commitment, I take the time needed to fully participate in all the required meetings of preparation. I am willing to listen to anyone in our diocese about what he or she believes God is calling us to do as The Episcopal Church, and I am willing to take that information to convention as we move forward with all the various issues that we deal with day to day as a Church.
Clergy:
Devon Anderson - St. John's, Minneapolis and Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation Executive Director, Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (2009-present); MN Deputation to General Convention 2007-2010; Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music, Co-chair (2007-present); Standing Commission Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns, six-year appointment (2009-present); Standing Committee, Vice-President (2008-present); Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (2003-2009); Millenium Development Goals and Leadership Team, Chair (2006-2009); Diocesan Council, Region 8 Representative (2002-2006).
Why do you wish to serve and what gifts would you bring to it? As a bicameral legislative body, General Convention (GC) considers initiatives that set our collective course as the body of Christ. Having served three GCs, I would bring to the deputation knowledge based in experience, having earned strong proficiency in legislative process, rules of order and floor debate, hearing procedures and action on concurred resolutions following convention. I know both the process of GC and how to leverage it. In 2009 I organized an historic coalition to successfully reinstate the Episcopal Church's 0.7% budget line-item for the Millennium Development Goals. I also championed a new book of liturgical resources on reproductive loss and grief, culminating in unanimous support in both Houses and publication as Enriching Our Worship 5. To the role of deputy I would bring an unrelenting commitment to mission in the world, so deeply rooted in our passionate work here in Minnesota. I would bring relationships with a vast network of people in the wider church, commitment to inclusion and justice for people on the margins, as well as creativity, needed stamina, agility in legislative procedure, and a prayerful, happy heart.
Neysa Ellgren - St. John's, St. Paul
Deputy, General Convention 2009; Standing Committee member 2009-present; Dean of Region 6, 2007-2010; First clergy alternate, General Convention 2006; Vice President, National Network of Episcopal Clergy Associations; Chair, Dept of Congregational Development 2004-2005; Commission on Ministry 2001-2004; 15 years business experience before Ordination; 13 years Ordained ministry.
Why do you wish to serve and what gifts would you bring to it? My desire to participate in national church governance really began when serving as a volunteer at General Convention in Minneapolis in 2003. During this time in history, The Episcopal Church has the opportunity to stand strong in faithful service while modeling the ways to live together while holding various theological perspectives. I have closely followed the issues we are dealing with and can fully represent our diocese in Indianapolis in 2012. Through serving God within The Episcopal Church, I have deep knowledge of its structure at all levels. I bring strong development skills, the ability to listen to all sides of an issue, and the capability to discern next steps forward in church policy, program and budget that will work toward God's mission in our context.
Doug Sparks - St. Luke's, Rochester I have had the privilege of serving as a Deputy to General Convention or General Synod in three dioceses: Milwaukee (2000), Wellington, New Zealand (2004) and Minnesota (2009). My life and ministry in congregations of various sizes and context have made me appreciate the enormous diversity of perspective regarding the legislative process. I have served on a legislative committee for General Synod in Wellington and on the Interreligious and Interfaith Legislative Committee at GC 2009. In that capacity, I stewarded a subcommittee in revising an Interfaith document that had been in process for six years. It was adopted by the House of Bishops and then House of Deputies at GC 2009. I also participated in the entire Program and Budget Process of General Convention in addition to my work on the Legislative Committee. It was a joy to work with and deliberate with my colleagues from Minnesota who also gave an enormous amount of time and attention to the enormity of work which comes before both houses during Convention. I believe I contributed positively to the work of the church...I worked collaboratively with the other lay and clergy deputies to talk about the various issues facing the church and come to a sense or mind of the deputation as we came to voting on the legislation which eventually came before us.
Why do you wish to serve and what gifts would you bring to it? I believe I have a depth of experience to bring to the Legislative Process at General Convention. While it is many things, the convention is essentially a legislative process which requires attention, energy and enormous amounts of reading. In my service as a deputy before, I have come to understand the process of debate and discussion and I have been affirmed by others in my work on the Interreligious and Interfaith Legislative Committee and my advocacy for Mission before the Joint Program, Budget and Finance Committee and its various hearings and presentations. I have tried to humbly be a voice for the poor and those on the margins among us and an advocate for Christian Unity and Interfaith relationships locally and nationally and would give my best to this important process if elected to serve from the Diocese of Minnesota!
LeeAnne Watkins - St. Mary's, St. Paul I have served as General Convention Deputy in years past, and learned a great deal. For one thing, it is a lot of work in preparation, which I am willing to do. In fact, I love it all - the preparation, the crafting of legislation in committees, and time on the floor debating legislation. In addition to representing Minnesota on a 6-year Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism, at the last convention I served on the Ministry Development Committee, where I continuously helped craft legislation that supports innovative forms of training for both lay and ordained ministry, including advocating strongly for Total Ministry. At the last convention I also worked closely with the Chicago Consultation, which did the community organizing needed to pass legislation on the full inclusion of all the baptized, including LGBT persons. Aside from convention experience, I have been in youth ministry for 25 years, and have been the rector of St Mary's for 12 years.
Why do you wish to serve and what gifts would you bring to it? To be effective, each deputation needs to include those familiar with the legislative process, which is intricate and cumbersome and hard to navigate. I have learned so much from Sally Johnson and other experienced deputies that has taught me necessary wisdom such as how to build coalitions across divisions, the importance of knowing the canons, how not to freak out when you see your face speaking on a jumbotron, and the courage to stand strong for an issue you believe in. I am eager to bring that experience to the next deputation, and have a heart to mentor others for whom it is a new thing. The issues before the next convention will continue to shape the future of the Anglican Communion, as we seek to hang onto a traditional Anglican polity that allows for diversity in relationship across provinces. I firmly believe we can do that without the novelty of an Anglican Covenant. I remain a big supporter of the Millennium Development Goals, which have the side benefit of strengthening our relationships with Anglicans around the globe. I continue to bring gifts of public speaking, support for youth ministry, and a large network of friendships with a diverse collection of deputies across the church. Overall I have a love for the ministry of leadership as expressed in the legislative process of the Episcopal Church. It is a challenge, a heavy responsibility, and a thrill. If elected, I would serve eagerly, and thoroughly, and gratefully.
Member of Congregations Caring for the Earth; Member of Standing Committee (since 2009); Member of Board of St. Michael's Foundation (Benedictine Health System - since 2008); Active member and webmaster, Episcopal Ecological Network (since 2002); Member of Board of Directors, Eveleth Area Chamber of Commerce (1999-2002) and the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce, Virginia MN (2002-2007); Chair of Laurentian Chamber of Commerce in 2005; Active member and webmaster, Environmental Stewardship Commission (since 1997); Worked with and for Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces (1986-1990), with Military Bishops of Anglican Church of Canada and Church of England (1986-1990), Licensed Worship Leader and Lay Eucharistic Minister (since 1986); 24-year career as officer and leader in the US Army (1971-1994).
I am a lifelong Episcopalian, and have been an Ordained deacon for 21 years. I have served both in a new mission church, Sts. Martha and Mary, and for the past 13 years at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral. I understand working in the secular world, since I worked for 17 years in Human Resources at MPR and then Target. Dick and I have been married for 49 years (!!!) and are blessed with 4 children and their spouses and 7 amazing grandchildren, so I understand relationships. I have served on many boards, including two terms on Episcopal Community Services, City House for many years, Deacon's Formation Board for 9 years, Institute for New Americans for 3 years, WomenSpirit for 10 years, so I appreciate how to be an effective committee member.
Actively engaged in the mission of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota in a wide variety of ministries including: ordained ministry as Rector and Canon Missioner; Examining Chaplain in Contemporary Issues and Ethics; Vice Chair of the Commission on Ministry; Chair of the Commission on Ministry; Breck School Sr.Ethics Instructor, Adjunct professor of Ethics at St Catherine's University.
I am the advisor for Episcopal students who attend United Theological Seminary, a role I have had for over twenty years. I worked closely with Seabury-Western in the years we had a Diocesan approved plan for seminary education. I have taught New Testament in educational and formational programs for deacons and total ministry teams. When United and the diocese collaborated on a program from Native American seminarians, I served on the administrative committee. I served as Examining Chaplain from 1990-2005.
More than 20 years of increasing levels of responsibility within the commercial banking, investment banking, investment management, financial services and e-commerce industries. Proven financial executive with extensive leadership experience and diverse expertise in the following areas: Complex financial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, derivative analysis and hedging, treasury operations and cash management, venture capital relationships, corporate restructuring and reengineering, risk management and business continuity, pension fund invetment management, rating agency relationship, strategic and operational planning. I have served faithfully since elected in 2007, took over as the chair fo the real estate committee in 2009 and was elected treasure of diocese in 2010.
Positions of leadership at Trinity Episcopal Church over the last 40 years, including Education Leader for Children and Youth, Outreach Chairperson; Deacon for ten years at St. Nicholas, Richfield, and Breck School in Golden Valley; Teacher and Middle School Chaplain for 16 years at Breck School; Teaching positions in seven schools over 40 years, including private, parochial, inner-city, and public schools. Control of the budget for the Middle School Chaplaincy. Work with various agencies and organizations during my time at Breck School, such as Crisis Nursery, Head Start, nursing homes, hospitals, and Dept. of Indian Affairs. 
Post-graduate study in the synthesis of culture and social context within effective mission-driven organizations; Member of the Transition Committee for the IX Bishop of Minnesota; Three years experience as a university faculty member; Long experience as a not-for-profit board member and institutional trustee; Three years experience as a Seabury-Western Development Office staff associate; Seabury-Western alumnus and Class Agent; Recipient of the Seabury-Western Prize for Community Leadership; Personal contributor to the mission and ministry of Seabury-Western.
Served as Deputy to General Convention from MN 2009 (Co-chair of deputation), 2006 (Chair), 2003 (Chair), 2000, 1997 and 1994. On Canons Committee five times (Chair and Vice Chair) and on Rules of Order (Co-Chair). Chancellor to the President of the House of Deputies since 2006, on her Council of Advice and member of House of Deputies platform committee in 2009. Served on national Constitution and Canons Standing Commission for six years. For past 13 years have worked for the Church Pension Fund traveling throughout the Church training Bishops, clergy, seminarians and diocesan staff in canon law, sexual misconduct and employment risk. Service in Diocese of Minnesota includes: Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor; President of University Episcopal Center; Vice President of Episcopal Community Services numerous presentations to congregations and clergy gatherings on General Convention, Anglican Communion issues and canon law. At Cathedral Church of St. Mark served on Vestry, chaired stewardship drive and co-chaired capital campaign. Awarded the Whipple Cross for work on the Church's clergy disciplinary canons.
An especially good qualification for being a lay delegate to General Convention is being one who has served at the parochial, diocesan, provincial, and national levels. The only one I have not done is provincial. I have served in full time lay ministry as a liturgist and music director in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota since June 1974, at Calvary Church, Rochester, Gethsemane, Minneapolis, and St. Stephen's, Edina, where I am currently full time Minister of Worship. I served two terms on the Bishop's Advisory Commission on Liturgy and Music under Bishop Anderson. During my 36 years of service in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, I have helped plan and lead worship and music for 11 diocesan conventions, 13 clergy conferences, 9 'in-parish' ordinations, 1 general convention, and 2 bishop's consecrations. I was a project consultant with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music in 2004. I was co-founder of the Episcopal Youth Music Camp. I've served as a resource person, consultant, and mentor to literally dozens of clergy and music directors on matters of liturgy and music, as well as lay employment issues and conflict management.
The experience that best helps equip me for this position is my experience as an alternate to the General Convention in 2009 and as a delegate to the ECW Triennial in 2009. . . . While at the Convention, I participated in many of the ECW Triennial meetings, forums. . . . When I was not participating at Triennial, I sat in the Alternates section on the side of the floor of the House of Deputies following the discussions and legislation. I sat in on some committee discussions. . . . I also sat in on the discussion in the House of Bishops when I could. . . . I am a life long Episcopalian in the Diocese of Minnesota. I have been active in the life of the Church all of my life, attending Cass Lake Episcopal Camp (as a camper and counselor), Teens Encounter Christ, and Diocesan Youth Events as a youth and as an adult chaperone. I was a peer chaplain at the University of Minnesota Episcopal center while I was a student there. I have participated in Cursillo and in meetings about the Millennium Development Goals. I have attended several Diocesan Conventions as a visitor, alternate and delegate. I volunteered at the General Convention in Minneapolis in 2003 and attended the General Convention in 1976 as a young visitor. At my own parish, I currently enjoy singing in the choir and supporting the social justice committee and the youth group there.
Executive Director, Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (2009-present); MN Deputation to General Convention 2007-2010; Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music, Co-chair (2007-present); Standing Commission Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns, six-year appointment (2009-present); Standing Committee, Vice-President (2008-present); Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (2003-2009); Millenium Development Goals and Leadership Team, Chair (2006-2009); Diocesan Council, Region 8 Representative (2002-2006).
I have had the privilege of serving as a Deputy to General Convention or General Synod in three dioceses: Milwaukee (2000), Wellington, New Zealand (2004) and Minnesota (2009). My life and ministry in congregations of various sizes and context have made me appreciate the enormous diversity of perspective regarding the legislative process. I have served on a legislative committee for General Synod in Wellington and on the Interreligious and Interfaith Legislative Committee at GC 2009. In that capacity, I stewarded a subcommittee in revising an Interfaith document that had been in process for six years. It was adopted by the House of Bishops and then House of Deputies at GC 2009. I also participated in the entire Program and Budget Process of General Convention in addition to my work on the Legislative Committee. It was a joy to work with and deliberate with my colleagues from Minnesota who also gave an enormous amount of time and attention to the enormity of work which comes before both houses during Convention. I believe I contributed positively to the work of the church...I worked collaboratively with the other lay and clergy deputies to talk about the various issues facing the church and come to a sense or mind of the deputation as we came to voting on the legislation which eventually came before us.
I have served as General Convention Deputy in years past, and learned a great deal. For one thing, it is a lot of work in preparation, which I am willing to do. In fact, I love it all - the preparation, the crafting of legislation in committees, and time on the floor debating legislation. In addition to representing Minnesota on a 6-year Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism, at the last convention I served on the Ministry Development Committee, where I continuously helped craft legislation that supports innovative forms of training for both lay and ordained ministry, including advocating strongly for Total Ministry. At the last convention I also worked closely with the Chicago Consultation, which did the community organizing needed to pass legislation on the full inclusion of all the baptized, including LGBT persons. Aside from convention experience, I have been in youth ministry for 25 years, and have been the rector of St Mary's for 12 years.