A Place in God's Tapestry

“When I was first approached six years ago to consider standing for election to the office of synod vice president, to be completely candid, I really had no idea what a synod vice president did and wasn't sure that I was at all qualified.” These words of Bryan Penvose, our outgoing Synod Vice President, ring true in so many ears. God so often has more trust and faith in us than we do in ourselves. Bryan discovered
this as through the years he has found this office not just to be a “position,” but a true call. After winning the election, Bryan “quickly discovered [what was] to be a most wonderful time in ministry together with people across our synod and the entire ELCA.”

Bryan is now concluding not one, but two terms as our synod Vice President. “Whenever I speak with others about the office of synod vice president and even with other synod vice presidents, this is what I talk about - that serving in this office is a joyous and blessed call. Having the opportunity to serve alongside our bishop, synod staff, fellow synod council members, the rostered leaders in our synod, and
so many other amazing leaders across the church, has truly been a life's blessing.“

So often we aren't quite sure how our gifts and skills fit into God's hopes and dreams for the world. “I always wondered and prayed about where God might have a place for me in the church. I knew that God was calling me to serve somewhere and in some way, but I was struggling to discover exactly how God was calling me as a lay person to serve and just where the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit blessed me with might fit into the tapestry of God's church.”

Six years later, Bryan is thankful: “I give thanks to God for finding a place for me in doing God's Work with Our Hands, together, as God's church.” We give thanks that six years ago, Bryan listened to the still small voice of God. We look forward to who God might call next.   Thank you for your partnership in this ministry we share here in Northeastern Ohio Synod.