Dear Ones,
Over the last three years, we, as a synod and as individuals, have explored the ways that we are called; called to be the body of Christ, called to open God’s story, called to grow as disciples. Being called is part of living into our identity as children of God, and sometimes that call invites us into new ministry opportunities. I write to let you know that Lori Whalen, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance, is returning to her love of numbers.
During her 2+ years in this role, Mrs. Whalen has brought new eyes to our financial and office processes. The gifts she developed in other sectors have enhanced our ministry and provided significant guidance to all of us as she served as Lead Staff. We give thanks for the ministry and the gifts that Mrs. Whalen has shared with us while called to this role.
Mrs. Whalen will work part-time for the synod, caring for “the numbers” of the synod budget and finance, while she returns to working full-time as the Business Manager for LaSalle-Peru Township High School. She will begin transitioning to her new hours on January 15th and will fully transition to her new role on February 1st. She will continue to serve as a Synod Authorized Minister for the Rural Unified Ministry collaboration between First Lutheran Church in Ohio and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manlius.
Mrs. Whalen reflected on her time serving as an Assistant to the Bishop, "I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to serve the church in this capacity. While finance was a part of my duties at the synod, my heart ached for the ability to ‘do numbers’ all day, every day. Thank you for inviting me to walk alongside in your journeys, be it at the conference level, committees or congregations, through the challenges and the joys of ministry. I look forward to continuing to work with the finances of the synod in this new capacity.”
I, along with the entire Northern Illinois Synod staff, give thanks for Lori’s faithful service, gracious guidance and leadership, and her deep love for this synod and Christ’s church. We send her with our prayers and blessings as she begins this new chapter.
As we continue to live in a period of transition, we will be taking a different approach to fill the open positions on our staff. Trusting in the work of the Spirit, we will be accepting applications for these positions. These positions will be posted on the Northern Illinois Synod website later this week and will be sent out via email. To provide maximum flexibility for candidates and for the synod, these hybrid positions will be listed as either full-time or part-time and are open to both rostered ministers and lay individuals. Each position will remain open until it is filled.
Please continue to hold in prayer our staff members and congregations, as well as praying for the Spirit to lead us in these days. Pray for those who will be in discernment about their gifts for this work. And, as always, pray for and care for one another as Christ has done for us.
Walking together,
