The ELM Board of Directors met for their Spring meeting February 21-24 in St. Paul, MN.  In addition to beginning work on a 3 year strategic plan, the board elected a new co-chair, two new members, and said farewell to outgoing Co-Chair, the Rev. Jen Nagel.  Staff member Rachael Johnson was promoted to Operations & Communications Coordinator as of January 1, 2013.

Rev. Julie Boleyn appointed Co-Chair

Rev. Julie Boleyn has been serving on the ELM Board of Directors since 2011. We welcome her into the role of Co-Chair.  Originally from Oregon, Julie is the pastor of Unity Lutheran Church in Berwyn, IL.  Julie has served as Proclaim retreat planner for the current Proclaim retreat and past the two retreats.  She lives in Berwyn with her wife, Jeanine Reardon and their young daughter.

Rev. Elise Brown & Asher O’Callaghan join the Board of Directors

Rev. Elise Brown is currently pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in New York City.  Elise is originally from Iowa.  She has served on the ELCA Urban Team and has worked as part of a small group of consultants who advise regional synods and church groups on how to focus on outreach, revitalization and growth in urban churches.  Elise is currently working towards a PhD in Sociology with core concentrations in race & ethnicity and poverty & social stratification.  Elise enjoys reading, and, if time and resource allows, throwing clay on a potter’s wheel. Most of all, she enjoys travel with trips to Peru, Ecuador and India.

Asher O’Callaghan came to the Lutheran church via House For All Sinners and Saints in Denver, Colorado.  He began his graduate coursework at Iliff School of Theology in Denver before transferring to Luther Seminary where he is now studying.  Asher has a focus on service to others through mission work, caring for those with mental health concerns, and making personal witness as a person who found Christ anew in Lutheran liturgy and theology.  Asher is a member of Proclaim, the the professional community for Lutheran pastors, rostered lay leaders and seminarians who publicly identify as LGBTQ.

Rachael Johnson promoted to Operations & Communications Coordinator

Rachael Johnson has been with Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries since October 2008, serving as Operations Coordinator.  Beginning January 1, 2013, her position was expanded to include coordination of ELM’s communications work.  She coordinates the day-to-day running of the Chicago office; ELM’s online and print communications,  Board meeting and Proclaim retreat logistics, as well as many additional projects in between!  The ELM Board of Directors and Amalia Vagts give thanks to Rachael for her continued commitment and work for ELM.

Rachael is in the Chicago office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  Rachael is a graduate of American University and has a passion for social justice.