2025 Nominations & Elections

2025 MNYS Annual Assembly: Nominations & Elections

Nominees are listed in the order their submissions were received.

BALLOT 1: ELCA Church Council | Lay Man (2)

John Litke

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Huntington Station

Church Leadership

Synod Council, Synod Vice President, Synod Treasurer

Community Leadership

Science fair Judge, Bookkeeping training for Congregations.

Statement

I have service experience in multiple congregations, denominations, and national and synodical task forces and committees. My training is in both science and theology.

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Mark Nocero

Calvary Lutheran Church, Hauppauge

Church Leadership

Strategic Planning Leader for Lutheran Churches, Synod Diaconate Intern, Past Council President, St. Andrew's, Smithtown.

Community Leadership

Served for 9 years as School Superintendent. Now retired.

Statement

I am a diaconal intern who guides churches in strategic planning and Spirit-led renewal, offering experience that would enrich the Churchwide Council’s mission and leadership.

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Roberto Lara Aranda

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Manhattan

Church Leadership

Member of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC – ELCA); Board Trustee of the ELCA Foundation; President of the Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA

Community Leadership

Choreographer in Residence, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company (NYC); Volunteer Translator, New Sanctuary Coalition of New York; Chair, Antiracism Committee, Metropolitan New York Synod–ELCA

Statement

Latino, immigrant, and queer lay leader committed to a just, inclusive church—already serving this mission nationally with vision rooted in the Gospel.

BALLOT 2: MNYS Consultation Committee | Two -Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Clergy Female (1)

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The Rev. Dr. Elsa Marty

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rocky Point

Church Leadership

I previously served as Pastor at St. Lydia's Dinner Church in Brooklyn (2018-2019). I provided pulpit supply 2020-2023 in MNYS while on leave from call to complete my doctorate.

Community Leadership

Chair of the North Shore Clericus ecumenical group; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Religion at Hofstra University.

Statement

I have studied conflict transformation, I care deeply about the health and well-being of our congregations, and I would be honored to serve on the consultation committee.

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The Rev. Lisa Stephens

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie

Church Leadership

Pastor; Served as an Upstate New York Synod member of the team to mediate conflicts in congregations

Community Leadership

Past Chair of the Town of Poughkeepsie Ethics Board; Chair of the Northeast Association of Advisors for the Health Professions Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Statement

I feel it is important to be involved in the life of the greater synod and national church. I believe this committee would be a good use of my skills and gifts.

The Rev. Claire Repsholdt

Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Patchogue

Church Leadership

Pastor

Community Leadership

Volunteer @ Immigration Clinic and Mercy Center Shelter; VP of Greater Patchogue Foundation

Statement

It would be an honor to serve the bishop and support decision making in this dignified way.

The Rev. Kimberli Lile

United Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon/Wartburg

Church Leadership

Director of Spiritual Care, Wartburg

Community Leadership

Statement

I have been an ordained pastor for 31 years and a board certified chaplain for 15 years. I have a second masters in Medical Ethics. I am interested in "what you value."

BALLOT 3: MNYS Consultation Committee | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2023-2029) | Clergy Female (1)

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The Rev. Sonja Maclary

Christ’s Lutheran, Woodstock

Church Leadership

Consultation Committee, Conference Dean, Synod Council

Community Leadership

Daily Bread Meal Program Steering Group

Statement

I am trained as an Interim Minister, Healthy Congregations, and in managing conflict. I also bring contextual (rural) and geographical diversity to this position.

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The Rev. Rebekah V. Swanson

Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Port Washington

Church Leadership

Interim Assistant to the Bishop (British Columbia Synod, ELCIC 2022-2023), Program Committee for Leadership and Ministry (National church appointment, ELCIC, 2019-2023), Committee for Theological Education 2019-2023 (British Columbia Synod, ELCIC)

Community Leadership

Port Washington Interfaith Clergy Group (Member), Greater Middletown Interfaith Coalition (Former member), Covenant House Volunteer Spiritual Director (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 2019-2023).

Statement

Dedicated to fostering environments of care and trust, I bring a listening heart, thoughtful discernment, and a commitment to collaborative, faithful service.

BALLOT 4: MNYS Discipline Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Lay Male (1)

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Robert Lewis

Calvary Lutheran Church, Hauppauge

Church Leadership

Deacon of Visitation, Deacon of Worship, Music & Worship committee

Community Leadership

None currently

Statement

I would be honored to serve in this capacity. It is my firm belief that conflicts can be resolved when grace is shown.

BALLOT 5: MNYS Discipline Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Clergy Female (1)

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The Rev. Abby Ferjak

Grace Lutheran, Scarsdale

Church Leadership

Pastor, Grace Lutheran, Scarsdale

Community Leadership

Tuckahoe Pride Planning Committee, Eastchester Cultural Committee

Statement

The work of the Committee on Discipline is sacred and important to the life of the greater church. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve the church in this way.

BALLOT 6: MNYS Discipline Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Clergy Male (1)

The Rev. John Flack

Our Saviour's Atonement Lutheran Church

Church Leadership

I was Dean for a bit

Community Leadership

Muscota Class Parent

Statement

I hope that I can help the committee navigate the difficult problems it faces.

BALLOT 7: MNYS Discipline Committee | Three-Year Unexpired Term (2022-2028) | Lay Male (1)

George Guinan

St. Andrew's, West Hempstead

Church Leadership

Currently Chairperson of Synod Diaconate

Community Leadership

Peer counselor for FDNY Counseling Services Unit

Statement

Serving people in time of need has been my lifelong calling. Working now in retirement, for our church and for our Synod Deacons has been a rewarding and amazing experience.

BALLOT 8: MNYS Discipline Committee | Three-Year Unexpired Term (2022-2028) | Clergy Female (1)

The Rev. Lena Warren

St. Peter's, Port Jervis

Church Leadership

Pastor, Good Shepherd, Pearl River; Pastor, Immanuel and Salem Lutheran, Naugatuck, CT (New England Synod)

Community Leadership

Teaching "Healthy Congregations" in Synodical and Churchwide "Growing in Faith" program; Rockland Interfaith Social Action clergy member; Naugatuck Youth and Family Services, Board member

Statement

If called to serve, I will do my best to offer curiosity, a desire for healing justice, and conflict resolution skills for the hopeful work and witness of beloved community.

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The Rev. Dr. Martha Cruz

First Lutheran Church, Throggs Neck

Church Leadership

Currently interim at First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck and coverage pastor at Saint Barnabas Church, Howard Beach; Interim Ministry Coordinator, MNYS

Community Leadership

Participant and leader in summer interfaith study group; spiritual director

Statement

Throughout my years of ministry, I have sought to create a spirit of reconciliation and healing rooted in a core belief that God calls us to lives of mercy, grace, and love.

BALLOT 9: MNYS Discipline Committee | Three-Year Unexpired Term (2022-2028) | Clergy Male (1)

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The Rev. Lorie B. Tatum

Grace Lutheran Church, Malverne

Church Leadership
Pastor

Community Leadership

Community Organizer

Statement

Christ centered, Spirit filled clergy leader who has experience in faith rooted and community based organizing, civic engagement and policy advocacy.

SILHOUETTE_MAN

The Rev. Christopher Chantelau

Grace Lutheran, Yorktown

Church Leadership
Pastor

Community Leadership

Community Organizer

Statement

The work of the discipline committee is an important support to the work of the bishop to be the pastor of the rostered leaders and shepherd of congreagtions for the common good and also order of the synod and wider expressions of the church.

BALLOT 10: Churchwide Assembly | Young Adult (18-30) (1)

Michelle Chan

Faith Lutheran Church, Syosset

Church Leadership

Evangelism Committee; Lector; Communion Assistant

Community Leadership

Syosset Chamber of Commerce; Syosset Public Library Volunteer

Statement

As a newer Christian, I bring a fresh and enthusiastic perspective to our church. I would be honored to serve our Synod in this capacity.

BALLOT 11: MNYS Synod Council | Four-Year Term (2025-2029) | Young Adult (1)

Sonja Lynn Meberg

Emanuel Lutheran Church, Pleasantville

Church Leadership

Church Council Member; Social Ministry Committee; ERI Handbell Choir Senior Member

Community Leadership

Large animal veterinarian; Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership

Statement

I am accepting this nomination as a way to be more involved in the larger church body as a young adult voice. I am committed to advocating for marginalized communities, especially those who identify as trans and nonbinary, since I am nonbinary myself. I am flexible, positive, and excited to see God at work through our hands.

BALLOT 12: MNYS Synod Council | Two-Year Term (2025-2027) | Youth (1)

No nominations submitted.

BALLOT 13: MNYS Consultation Committee | Two -Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Lay Female (1)

No nominations submitted.

BALLOT 14: MNYS Consultation Committee | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2023-2029) | Lay Female (1)

No nominations submitted.

BALLOT 15: MNYS Synod Secretary | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2025-2029)

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Mr. Tom Sargent

St. John – Incarnation Lutheran Church, Lynbrook

Church Leadership

Member of the MNYS Council and Executive Committee since 2018.
Council president (2019-2022) of Saint John Lutheran Church (Bellmore, NY) and current council member of St. John – Incarnation Lutheran Church (Lynbrook, NY).
Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership Ministries (1977-2018) - 42 years total, with the last 35 years as the Secretary to the Board of Directors.

Community Leadership

New Life Food Pantry volunteer (Franklin Square, NY) January 2025 to present.
Parent representative to the Site Based Team, West Hempstead Secondary School, 2017 to present.
Last Hope Animal Shelter volunteer (Wantagh, NY) September 2024 to present.

Statement

I believe my time as a member of the Synod Council and the Executive Committee will give me the experience required to fill the position of MNYS Secretary. I know I will have some pretty big shoes to fill, but look forward to serving the MNYS and working with our newly-elected Bishop.