The Rev. Robert D. Hofstad

Bishop
hofstard@plu.edu

What is a Bishop called to do? In the constitution of our Southwestern Washington Synod, it says: The Bishop is to "Preach, teach, and administer the sacraments in accord with the Confession of Faith of this church," as well as to have "Primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for this synod, its congregations, its ordained ministers, and other rostered leaders." This means that a bishop is both a pastor and an overseer--both at the very same time. Often these two tasks compliment one another, but at times they seem to be competing for the same few hours of the workday.

I find my role to be one of keeping balance between these two responsibilities: being a pastor, and being an overseer. I pray daily for God's guidance, and for your understanding as I try to discern how to be faithful to both of these responsibilities at the same time.

Bishop Hofstad was elected to his second 6 year-term of office as Bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod at the Synod Assembly in 2007.

The Rev. Ronald A Hoyum

Assistant to the Bishop

hoyumra@plu.edu

Ron works with the Call process, mobility, candidacy, interim ministry, and he is the liaison to the Leadership Support Board.

The Rev. Valinda I. Morse

Assistant to the Bishop
morsevi@plu.edu

Valinda Morse has over 12 years experience as a parish pastor, most especially in congregations experiencing transition. She also has a background in business. Besides the following specialties, Pastor Morse is the liaison to the Congregational Ministries Board and the Outreach Board:

• Healthy Congregations, Natural Church Development, & Conflict Management
• Equipping congregations with resources for ministry
• Outreach
• Stewardship
• Preaching and teaching
• Strategic planning
• Asset mapping

Allison Ramsey

Office Manager
swwsynod@plu.edu

Allison's background is in Program Management and mental health counseling. She is a lifelong Lutheran and enjoys her work with the synod office meeting new people. 

Rev. Donald G. Fossum

Adjunct Staff, Assembly
fossumdg@plu.edu

Rev. Don Fossum "retired" in 2000 after serving 35 years in three congregations of the SW WA Synod. He has served in the synod office since 1998 as an adjunct staff person with a variety of different tasks. Presently the primary responsibility is as the annual Synod Assembly administrator. Rev. Fossum is the synod staff advisor to the Church in Society Board and its 2 major committees, Hunger and Earthkeepers.

Rachel Pritchett

Adjunct Staff, Communications
rachelpritchett@msn.com

Rachel is the editor of The Lutheran Insert and producer of the synod's monthly newsletter, Moments for Mission.  In her spare time, she works for the Kitsap Sun newspaper.