Announcement of Interim Assistant Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM)

As we continue to live into this season of transition in the Sierra Pacific Synod, our Office of the Bishop staff changes to reflect the current needs. Following the resignation of our Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM) and Assistant to the Bishop, Rev. Tita Valeriano, Bishop Claire Burkat has worked diligently with the Witness Discipling Team to find an Interim Assistant DEM to continue supporting the work of our new and renewing congregations.

We are delighted to share that the Rev. Dawn Roginski, Chair of the Witness Discipling Team, has graciously offered to serve as the Interim Assistant DEM over the next year. Rev. Dawn worked closely with Rev. Tita in this work and will continue the important work of a DEM.

"Our synod is full of leaders with innovative ideas to spread the gospel. My time as chair of the Witness team gave me the wonderful opportunity to work with creative ministries and pastors in our synod. It is a joy to see new ministries start and grow, as well as congregations becoming more vital. As I step into this new role, I look forward to deepening relationships with pastors and lay leaders in these ministries, helping them receive the support they need to flourish. I will continue to collaborate with the Witness team as I step down as chair," shared Rev. Dawn.

Bishop Burkat is intentionally not calling a new full-time DEM at this time, as she hopes the next Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod is able to develop and form the staff they desire. We are grateful to be in continued partnership with the ELCA Churchwide Office during this time as they provide support and funding for this Interim position. We ask for your prayers for Rev. Dawn as they live into this new role, and for our new and renewing congregations in the vital work they continue. Rev. Dawn can be reached at dawn@spselca.org.