Ministries in Transition

We lift up the leaders who are guiding ministries through this time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition pastors, congregation staff and lay leaders, and synod staff. Questions about these vacancies?  Contact Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Andy Yee. 

NEW VACANCIES

  • Salem, Mount Vernon

TRANSITION PROCESS UNDERWAY

  • Cross of Christ / Bellevue (Pastoral Care David & Nyla Schoeld)
  • Lutheran Church in the San Juans (Care Pastor: Emma Donahue)
  • Vashon / Vashon Island + Pastor (pulpit supply)

PROFILE COMPLETE (receiving nominations – find nomination form HERE)

  • Church of the Apostles / Seattle + Pastor (John Barich, Interim Care Pastor, Liz Colver, Transition Facilitator )
  • Our Savior's, Everett + Pastor 

INTERVIEWING & CALLING

  • St. John United / Seattle (Rev Joe Kutske, Care Pastor, Jessica Zimmerle, Dir Community Engagement; Erik Samuelson, Transition Facilitator)
  • Trinity / Freeland - Calling a second pastor

UPCOMING SERVICES & CELEBRATIONS

(Note: we will post newly accepted calls once we receive paperwork confirmation!)

  • Rev. Malcolm Brown is retiring at end of Dec. Prayers for him as he begins this next chapter, and prayers for United in Grace/Monroe as they enter this time of discernment. 
  • Rev. Paul Ko and Korean mission start of Seattle Community Covenant Church will hold a holy closure service on Dec. 28 at 10:30am at Luther's Table, Renton. We give thanks for the connections made and witness shared by this ministry. We ask for God's guidance and blessing as Pastor Paul and his family prepare to build a new ministry out of state - and for the members as they seek a new faith homes;
  • Ministry Candidate Jill Nichols Hicks accepted the call to serve as the pastor at Northlake/Kenmore. She began 9/2 - her ordination was 9/12 - her installation service was Nov 2
  • Ministry Candidate Arlene Smith received a synod call (on 7/19/25) to serve as a Clinical Spiritual Care Provider at Harborview Medical Center. Her ordination was Nov 22 at Holy Spirit/Kirkland
  • Rev. Martin Eldred is new pastor at Bethany/Bainbridge Island. He began 10/12 - installed Dec 7 at 3pm.

DID YOU HEAR?

  • Rev. Eric Griffith has accepted a new call in Idaho - his final service with Wooden Cross / Woodinville is 11/30
  • Rev. Lori Cavender has concluded her call at Salem, Mount Vernon, a celebration of their shared ministry was on 9/28
  • Rev. Doug Andersen has accepted the call to serve at Prince of Peace / Shoreline - he began July 15, was installed August 10
  • Rev. Carol Jensen died on Aug. 2 - Memorial Service was Aug 14
  • Rev. Robert Roiko died on July 22 - Memorial Service was Aug 15
  • Deacon Sherry Keifel died on June 30 - Memorial Service was Aug 30,
  • Rev. Katherine GrayBuck has announced her resignation from Church of the Apostles - her final Sunday was August 10.
  • Zach Herzog was ordained on Sat, July 19. Pastor Zach has been called to serve as pastor at Gloria Dei in Olympia.
  • Rev. Beth Eden has retired - her final Sunday at Church of the San Juans was July 27.
  • Rev. Pam Miles has announced her resignation from Pointe of Grace/Mukilteo - her final Saturday celebration was July 12.

Last updated: 12/18/25