At their December meeting, the NC Synod Council extended calls to both Pastor Phil Tonnesen and Pastor Cassie Overcash at the recommendation of Bishop Emily Hartner. They join Deacon Wendy Roberts, who received a call in the fall, as assistants to the bishop.

Tonnesen and Overcash both served as assistants to the bishop with Bishop Tim Smith, whose term ended July 31, 2025. As a way to honor their sense of call, the synod council then issued a six-month term call to them, which gave them six months to work together with Bishop Emily to discern what might be best for the future. This December was the time for reevaluation.

Bishop Emily’s staff will be complete with the arrival of Pastor Brenda Henry, who begins her call as ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission in this synod on January 5, 2026.

Thanks be to God for the ministries of these faithful leaders in the NC Synod!