The Rev. Robert D. Hofstad
Bishop
hofstard@plu.edu
What is a Bishop called to do? In the constitution of our Southwestern Washington Synod, it says: The Bishop is to “Preach, teach, and administer the sacraments in accord with the Confession of Faith of this church,” as well as to have “Primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for this synod, its congregations, its ordained ministers, and other rostered leaders.” This means that a bishop is both a pastor and an overseer–both at the very same time. Often these two tasks compliment one another, but at times they seem to be competing for the same few hours of the workday.
I find my role to be one of keeping balance between these two responsibilities: being a pastor, and being an overseer. I pray daily for God’s guidance, and for your understanding as I try to discern how to be faithful to both of these responsibilities at the same time.
Bishop Hofstad was elected to his second 6 year-term of office as Bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod at the Synod Assembly in 2007.
The Rev. Ronald A Hoyum
Assistant to the Bishop
hoyumra@plu.edu
Pastor Ron Hoyum works with the call process, mobility, candidacy, interim ministry, and he is the liaison to the Leadership Support Board. Prior to coming to the Synod Office, Pastor Hoyum was a Co-Pastor, with his wife Lori, at Port Madison Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island, and Assistant Pastor at Emmanuel in Tacoma. Pastor Hoyum was an attorney before going to seminary to become a pastor–two skills that work well together.
The Rev. Valinda I. Morse
Assistant to the Bishop
morsevi@plu.edu
Pastor Morse works with congregations in transition and those needing redevelopment. She leads the Healthy Congregations, Natural Church Development, & Conflict Management programs and works to equip congregations with resources for positive ministry, including strategic planning and asset mapping.
Pastor Valinda Morse has over 12 years experience as a parish pastor, most especially in congregations experiencing transition. Prior to attending seminary to become a pastor, Valinda was a successful businesswoman. Besides the following specialties, Pastor Morse is the liaison to the Congregational Ministries Board, Fiscal Board, Outreach Board, Mission Endowment Fund Board and Prison Ministry Board:
The Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger
Director for Evangelical Mission
melanie.wallschlaeger@elca.org
Pastor Wallschlaeger began in the new ELCA position of Director for Evangelical Mission in 2009. Prior to this calling, she served in several congregations. She is a graduate of Luther Seminary and has a Doctorate in Mission Development.
Allison Ramsey
Office Manager
swwsynod@plu.edu
Allison’s background is in program management working with youth and adults, and in mental health counseling. Allison is a graduate of PLU with a bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Education- Counseling and Guidance. She is a lifelong Lutheran and enjoys her work with the synod office meeting new people.
Rev. Donald G. Fossum
Adjunct Staff, Assembly
fossumdg@plu.edu
Rev. Don Fossum “retired” in 2000 after serving 35 years in three congregations of the Southwestern Washington Synod. He has served in the synod office since 1998 as an adjunct staff person with a variety of different tasks. Presently, his primary responsibility is as the administrator for the annual Synod Assembly. Rev. Fossum is the synod staff advisor to the Church in Society Board and its 2 major committees, Hunger and Earthkeepers. On his “off-time” Rev. Fossum is the Head Rules Official for the Washington State Junior Golf Association.
Rachel Pritchett
Adjunct Staff, Communications
rachelpritchett@msn.com
Rachel is the editor of The Lutheran Insert and producer of the synod’s monthly newsletter, “Moments for Mission”. Her full-time job is as a reporter for the Kitsap Sun newspaper.
