In November 2019 the NC Synod’s Candidacy Committee gathered at Lutheridge to meet with new candidates for entrance and to approve candidates for call, assignment, and ordination. At this Fall retreat, one person was approved for entrance into candidacy—welcome Spence Robertson! Additionally, three persons were approved for placement into the call process. Approved for Ordination to Word and Sacrament Ministry were Leandra Anderson, Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson, and Emily Norris. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!

In addition, the committee bid farewell to an outgoing committee member. Committee members serve for a term of five years with a limit of two terms. December 31, 2019, will mark the end of a ten-year stretch for Deacon Rob Durocher who has faithfully completed serving two terms. To commemorate his devoted service, Rob was awarded with a special vase crafted by Cheryl Goins, owner of Pottery 101 on South Main Street in Salisbury, NC. Upon departure, Rob shared this about his experience:

“It has been one of the greater joys of ministry having served on the Candidacy Committee these last ten years! What a blessing it has been walking along the journey of discernment with so many of those who are called and are now faithful Pastors, Deacons, Chaplains and leaders in the church and the world using their many gifts! I am so grateful to all of those who I’ve had the blessing of serving with on this committee over the years for their friendship, dedication, prayerful wisdom, sharing, caring, laughter and sometimes a few shed tears! I am so thankful for the guidance and encouragement of Pastors Beth Kearney, Louis Hilbert, Mark Fitzsimmons, Sara Ilderton, our Chair, Sylvia Black, Bishop Leonard Bolick and Bishop Tim Smith for their leading us in our Committee work. Thanks also go to Melanie Bookout, Lauren Thurow and now Carissa Abraham as they diligently kept us all ‘on track’ with the administrative things! Although I will definitely miss being a part of such a vital ministry of the NC Synod—I leave confident knowing that God, who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it until that Day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6), as we faithfully serve as builders of God’s kingdom.”
-Deacon Rob Durocher

Thanks be to God for all of our candidates and committee members!