Dear ones,
Over the last several years, we have talked about what it means to be the body of Christ, we have opened God's story to discover who we are called to be, and we have learned how we might grow as disciples. I hope that over the last three years we have gained a deeper understanding of who we are as individuals, as congregations, as a synod, and how we might journey together as we share the gospel in the world. We know that an important part of our relational call is considering how the generous gifts God has given us can be shared with the world and with our neighbor.
The churchwide organization has recognized the need to better support synods and congregations as they engage in stewardship. In an effort to meet the ever-growing need, the ELCA has launched a Synod Generosity Pilot program that is testing new ways that the churchwide organization can accompany synods in this development work.
Alongside several other synods, the Northern Illinois Synod was selected to be part of this program and was awarded a grant to cover the cost of a staff member for three years who will focus on leading this effort. After several months of discerning and dreaming, I am excited to announce that Mrs. Lindsay Fertig-Johnson has been hired to serve as our Synod Generosity Director.
Lindsay Fertig-Johnson (she/her) is a Lutheran deaconess (LDA) and minister of Word and Sacrament candidate in the ELCA. She previously served as the Deputy Director of the Festival Center, a hub for justice-seeking organizations in Washington, DC, and as the Director of the Center for Leadership and Service at Concordia College – New York. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Service from Valparaiso University, a Master of Science in Business Leadership from Concordia College – New York, and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary.
A creative at heart, Lindsay is a published graphic artist and doodler who sees art as an act of resistance and renewal. She’s also a self-proclaimed slime and fidget enthusiast who loves hiking with her wife, Sarah, and their dog, Dietrich (Didi) Bone-Hoeffer. When she’s not in motion, she’s busy building Lego, because you’re never too old to build your own plastic village.
When I was called as Bishop, it was clear very quickly that work on fundraising would need to be a priority. The endowment and the funds that support innovation and agility are ways that the synod supports you in ministry. This pilot program and Lindsay’s work will align us with all the right resources for those efforts, setting up the synod and our congregations for longer-term stability.
Please help me welcome Lindsay to the Northern Illinois Synod staff, and be on the lookout for more information on how to connect with Lindsay and the work she will be doing as our Synod Generosity Director.
Walking with you,
Bishop Stacie Fidlar
Northern Illinois Synod
