2025 MNYS Annual Assembly: Nominations & Elections
Nominees are listed in the order their submissions were received.
BALLOT 1: MNYS Consultation Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Clergy Female
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
*The Hudson Conference submitted this nomination and requested the ballot to be closed. This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05. For further questions please contact the Hudson Dean, The Rev. Sonja Tillberg Maclary.
BALLOT 2: MNYS Consultation Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Lay Female
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
*The Tappan Zee Conference submitted this nomination and requested the ballot to be closed. This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05. For further questions please contact the Tappan Zee Deans, The Rev. Jennifer Boyd and The Rev. Jim O'Hanlon.
BALLOT 3: MNYS Consultation Committee | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2023-2029) | Clergy Female
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 4: MNYS Consultation Committee | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2023-2029) | Lay Female
The Rev. Dr. Arden Strasser
St Luke's Lutheran Church, New York
Church Leadership
Pastor MNYS, ELCA Missionary (Zambia), Pastor (Sierra Pacific Synod)
Community Leadership
Board VP, Contact Care, Bay Area, CA 2004
Chair, Social Justice Alliance. Bay Area, CA 2005
Board President, International School of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia 2012
Statement
I'm committed to dynamic churches in a changing landscape. I offer a passion for mission and skills in planning. I am honored to be nominated by the Manhattan Conference.
*The Manhattan Conference submitted this nomination and requested the ballot to be closed. This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05. For further questions please contact the Manhattan Deans, The Rev. Danielle Miller and The Rev. William Kroeze.
BALLOT 5: MNYS Discipline Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Lay Male
Mary Downing
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Port Jefferson Station
Church Leadership
(Not at current church) President of Congregation Council, Sunday School Teacher, Congregation Council Secretary
Community Leadership
Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator
Statement
Congregations have strained relationships with the wider church due to misunderstanding and distrust. I hope to use my experience and skills to help alleviate this.
*The Peconic Conference submitted this nomination and requested the ballot to be closed. This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05. For further questions please contact the Peconic Dean, The Rev. Paul Downing.
BALLOT 6: MNYS Discipline Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Clergy Female
Cynthia Roberti
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Staten Island
Church Leadership
President, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Council
Community Leadership
Eger Lutheran Homes and Services Board Member
Statement
Election to synod council carries with it the respect and trust of the entire conference. I truly appreciate your confidence and pray I will serve as the Holy Spirit leads.
*The Staten Island Conference submitted this nomination and requested the ballot to be closed. This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05. For further questions please contact the Staten Island Dean, The Rev. Wolfgang Laudert.
BALLOT 7: MNYS Discipline Committee | Two-Year Unexpired Term (2021-2027) | Clergy Male
Lily Sage Mathias
Trinity Church of Astoria/Long Island City, Astoria
Church Leadership
Assistant Minister and Synod Council Member
Community Leadership
Bible Study Teacher
Statement
I am inspired to do the ministry work I do by the radical love of Christ, and the courage He gives me to speak against injustice and spread grace.
*The Western Queens Conference submitted this nomination and requested the ballot to be closed. This ballot is now closed per Action SA 2017:05.05. For further questions please contact Western Queens Dean, The Rev. Paul Milholland.
BALLOT 8: MNYS Discipline Committee | Three-Year Unexpired Term (2022-2028) | Lay Male
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 9: MNYS Discipline Committee | Three-Year Unexpired Term (2022-2028) | Clergy Female
Peter Teichmann
Gloria Dei, Huntington Station
Church Leadership
President, Church Council; Secretary, Church Council; Council Member
Community Leadership
Former coach and program director, Huntington YMCA Soccer
Statement
As a lifelong Lutheran and current lay leader, I am committed to using my time and talents to help re-imagine, the transitioning church as it faces new challenges within itself and with the church as it relates to our evolving communities.
Jeffrey Carstens
Church of Our Savior, Manhasset
Church Leadership
Congregation Council, Christian Education, Call Committee Chair
Community Leadership
Board of Directors, Ronald McDonald House; Ascent School for Autistic Children, Animal Rescue Shelter and Sanctuaries
Statement
I have been a lifelong Lutheran and member of the Church of Our Savior, Manhasset for more than 20 years serving in various positions of leadership. I spent nearly 40 years in the commercial banking industry working for several NYC-based banks in various executive-level positions and served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations. I enthusiastically support the ministry and mission of the ELCA and the work being done at the Church of Our Savior in Manhasset. It would be an honor and privilege to serve and share some of my experience as a member of the Metropolitan New York Synod Council.
BALLOT 10: MNYS Discipline Committee | Three-Year Unexpired Term (2022-2028) | Clergy Male
Devon Brooks
St. John’s, Manhattan
Church Leadership
Council member; Lay minister
Community Leadership
Intervarsity Christian Student Fellowship Chapter Student Leader; John Jay’s College for Criminal Justice and Borough of Manhattan Community College
Statement
Devon is a BIPOC LGBTQIA foster dad who is deeply interested in supporting children and gender equity. Currently, Devon is a Customer Relations Agent at the MTA for Paratranist services. Devon’s goal is to open an ELCA student campus club at his school—John Jay’s College for Criminal Justice, CUNY.
BALLOT 11: MNYS Discipline Committee | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2023-2029) | Lay Female
The Rev. Sarah Geddada
St. Paul's International Lutheran Church, Floral Park
Church Leadership
Former Global Mission's Program Unit Board, Former EOCM unit- Revival Network Team member, Former Metro NY Synod Global Mission's Committee member.
Community Leadership
Public School 115 Leadership Team member, Parent Teacher Association- Vice President, M. S. 172 Parent Teacher Association Vice President and School Leadership team member.
Statement
As an Asian female with ministry experience and international exposure, I want to represent my ethnic group to contribute my gifts to the inclusive mission of God.
The Rev. Martha M. Cruz
St. Paul’s, Rye Brook
Church Leadership
Intentional Interim
Community Leadership
Interfaith Study Collaboration
Statement
I have been ordained for 40 years (two in the ELCA); committed to anti-racism; Cuban by birth; 30 years as denominational/ecumenical communicator; autism awareness advocate.
Denise Rutherford-Gill
Jehu’s Table, Brooklyn
Church Leadership
Convenor for Advisory Committee (Team)
Community Leadership
Cochair of ENY Knitting Circle; Team Coach YAI
Statement
I really believe in faith in action. Putting the values and tenets that I claim to have into my every day life I would like to serve and move our synod beyond those values that we say are important to us.
BALLOT 12: MNYS Discipline Committee | Four-Year Unexpired Term (2023-2029) | Lay Male
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To Come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 13: Synod Council | Four-Year Term (2025-2029) | Young Adult (18-30 y/o) | At-Large
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 15: Synod Council | Two-Year Term (2025-2027) | Youth (16-18 y/o) | At-Large
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 16: Consultation Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Clergy Male
The Rev. Christopher Chantelau
Grace, Yorktown
Church Leadership
Pastor
Community Leadership
Various Groups and Associations
Statement
I served several years on the consultation committee of the DE/MD Synod. It was a blessing to be a resource to support the bishop and synodical leadership as they strove to respond to their calling to the synod.
BALLOT 17: Consultation Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Lay Female
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 18: Consultation Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Lay Male
Philip E. Jenks
St. Paul’s, Rye Brook
Church Leadership
Deacon
Community Leadership
Statement
Retired journalist; director of communication and press relations for NCC and WCC
BALLOT 19: Discipline Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Clergy Female
The Rev. Dawn Morello
First Lutheran, Throggs Neck
Church Leadership
First Call Pastor
Community Leadership
Still getting to know new community
Statement
I am excited to be part of the larger church-beyond my congregation.
The Rev. Rebecca Pollicino
St. Peters, Huntington Station
Church Leadership
Pastor; Council President; Call Committee Chair
Community Leadership
Growing in Faith Diakonia Executive Director
Statement
I believe in accountability and holding folks to ethical standards.
BALLOT 20: Discipline Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Clergy Male
The Rev. Luis Echandia
Lutheran Church of the Epiphany/Grace Lutheran, Hempstead
Church Leadership
Two Points Parish Ministry
Community Leadership
NAACP Member
Statement
Throughout my years as an Ordained Minister I have had the opportunity to serve on three Synods, in each of which I have participated in various capacities; including the Discipline Committee of the Southwestern Texas Synod. In MNYS I am serving in two congregations, one of which has a rapidly growing Hispanic Ministry. It is that Hispanic voice and representation that I want to bring to the MNYS Discipline Committee.
The Rev. Christopher Chantelau
Grace, Yorktown
Church Leadership
Pastor
Community Leadership
Various Groups and Associations
Statement
I served several years on the disciplinary committee of the DE/MD Synod and found it to be a humbling honor to serve congregations and rostered ministers to resolve difficult situations faithfully and for the good of the church and it’s people.
BALLOT 21: Discipline Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Lay Female
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 22: Discipline Committee | Six-Year Term (2024 - 2030) | Lay Male
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 23: ELCA Churchwide Assembly Representative Voting Member | Young Adult (18-30 y/o)
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 24: ELCA Churchwide Representative | Lay Male (2)
Name
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 25: ELCA Churchwide Representative | Lay Female (2)
Belynda Barton
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Middletown
Church Leadership
Parish Secretary, Parish Deacon, Youth Advisor
Community Leadership
Warming Station volunteer, Cell Phones for Soldiers coordinator, International Order of Rainbow for Girls Majority Member
Statement
I am running for Assembly because I believe I can help maintain balance by honoring our apostolic heritage and having an open-minded vision for the future of our church.
Anaih Nieto Benitez
Unidad y Fe, Queens
Church Leadership
Youth Ministry
Community Leadership
ESL Program for Immigrants
Statement
I want to be involved in the growth of our church and improvement.
Gina Kirstine Danialinia
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Pearl River
Church Leadership
Volunteer Coordinator
Community Leadership
VP Races for Peace, Inc.; Co-Leader Hearts + Homes for Refugees- Rockland Cohort
Statement
I believe in the future of the ELCA and have an ability to bring together diverse groups so we can all pull in the same direction, following the Holy Spirit, abounding in hope and joy.
Roberta C. Detmers
Trinity, Astoria/LIC
Church Leadership
Synod Deacon; Shepherding Ministry; Growing in Faith Diakonia Location Manager
Community Leadership
Former PA President and Treasurer; Helped with Girl Scouts; Work with candidate for School Board election
Statement
I would be honored to represent our Metropolitan New York Synod at Churchwide, serving God to the best of my ability.
BALLOT 26: ELCA Churchwide Representative | Lay Male (1)
Edgar Guerrero Ávila
Saint Peter's Church, Manhattan
Church Leadership
Parish Secretary, Saint Peter's Church, Manhattan | Vaccination Clinic Coordinator, Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA | Member, MNYS Multicultural Committee
Community Leadership
OSHA Certification Coordinator, NYC Department of Labor | Outreach Community Coordinator, Fundación Mujer Solidaridad (Ecuador)
Statement
United, we can make ELCA a haven for diverse identities, celebrating & integrating them into our shared spiritual path.
John Litke
Saint Peter's Church, Huntington Station
Church Leadership
Synod Council
Synod Vice President
ELCA Task Force
Community Leadership
Science Fair Judge
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Statement
I have extensive service experience at congregation, synod and national levels to participate in the legislative and church-building processes in these times of transition.
BALLOT 27: ELCA Churchwide Representative | BIPOC Male (1)
Roberto Lara Aranda
Saint Peter's Church, Manhattan
Church Leadership
President, Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA | Board Trustee, ELCA Foundation | Assistant to the Bishop, Metropolitan New York Synod
Community Leadership
Volunteer Translator, New Sanctuary Coalition | "MXM Inspires" Event Coordinator, Meredith Corporation (Now Accenture) | Dance Director, Midtown Arts Common at Saint Peter's Church
Statement
I am committed to shaping ELCA into a haven that welcomes & celebrates the sacred gift of diversity, enriching our church community.
BALLOT 28: ELCA Churchwide Representative | BIPOC Female Whose Primary Language Is Other than English (1)
Maria Rodas
Saint Peter's, Manhattan
Church Leadership
Data and Events Manager, Metropolitan New York Synod | Ministry Coordinator, Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA | Vaccination Clinic Coordinator, ELCA World Hunger
Community Leadership
Director of Administrative Services, Lutheran Social Services of New York – Early Life Education Program | Volunteer, Lutheran Social Services of New York – The New LIFE Center Program
Statement
My motivation to serve stems from my commitment to embracing our diverse backgrounds and nurturing an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. ¡Gracias!
BALLOT 29: ELCA Churchwide Representative | Youth Male, (16-18 y/o) (1)
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 30: ELCA Churchwide Representative | Young-Adult Female, (18-30 y/o) (1)
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
BALLOT 31 (POTENTIAL*): ELCA Churchwide Representative | Lay Female (1)
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
*Please note that, in order to have nominations from the floor during the assembly for this category, we will need to nominate two "POTENTIAL" candidates. During the fall of 2023, the MNYS Office of the Bishop will receive the official number of MNYS representatives required for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. This number will determine if the "POTENTIAL" candidates will be officially elected or not. If the number of representatives required is 13 (as in CWA 2022), then "POTENTIAL" candidates will be recognized as official representatives; however, if the number of required representatives is less than 13, "POTENTIAL" candidates will not be recognized as representatives.
BALLOT 32 (POTENTIAL*): ELCA Churchwide Representative | Lay Male (1)
To Come
Church
Church Leadership
To Come
Community Leadership
To come
Statement
To Come
*Please note that, in order to have nominations from the floor during the assembly for this category, we will need to nominate two "POTENTIAL" candidates. During the fall of 2023, the MNYS Office of the Bishop will receive the official number of MNYS representatives required for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. This number will determine if the "POTENTIAL" candidates will be officially elected or not. If the number of representatives required is 13 (as in CWA 2022), then "POTENTIAL" candidates will be recognized as official representatives; however, if the number of required representatives is less than 13, "POTENTIAL" candidates will not be recognized as representatives.