Dear North Carolina Synod,

While sad to say goodbye to Pastor Sara Ilderton this week, we are also blessed and excited to share with you not just one but two calls the synod council issued last week.

We called Deacon Wendy Roberts at 60% time to be our Candidacy Coordinator. The umbrella of Candidacy includes preparation for rostered ministry and the Advanced Lay Ministries program (Lay Preachers and Synod Authorized Ministers).

We also called Pastor Cassie Overcash to be a full-time Assistant to the Bishop. Her main responsibilities will be Boundaries and Inclusion Education, misconduct response, conflict response, call process, synod staff liaison for synod worship services, and other general duties as a representative of the bishop’s office.

Meet Deacon Wendy and Pastor Cassie:

Deacon Wendy Roberts received her first call to children, youth, and family ministry at Morning Star, Matthews in 2011. She later became Deacon of Discipleship there, with an emphasis on connecting others with fulfilling ministries that value their God-given gifts. Wendy has served long-term with the synod’s candidacy committee, including the Executive Team, and has a passion for raising up leaders in this church. She and her husband, Chris, love exploring anything in the outdoors and live in Charlotte with their teenage daughter and beloved mutt. Their young adult son attends UNC Wilmington.

Originally from New Jersey, Pastor Cassie McIntosh Overcash has been part of the NC Synod since 2003. She grew up attending Abiding Presence, Fuquay-Varina, was an active member of the LYO Board, and served as a camp counselor at Agapé+Kure Beach Ministries. She earned a BA in Religion & Philosophy from Lenoir-Rhyne and an MDiv from Southern Seminary. Most recently, she was pastor at Grace, Thomasville. She has served as a member of synod council and is excited to work with congregations across North Carolina to promote collaboration and innovation. Outside of work, you can find Pastor Cassie hosting game nights, throwing pottery, and traveling with her family.

We look forward to having Deacon Wendy and Pastor Cassie on synod staff beginning in mid-September. Join me in praying for this time of transition for them, their congregations, and the synod office staff.

Walking with you,

The Rev. Timothy M. Smith
Bishop
NC Synod, ELCA