North Colorado Conference Nominees

Rev. Leta Behrens

Pastor

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO.

Sense of Call: I am grateful to have served in ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod for 20 years. My sense of call in this time and moment is from a place of groundedness in ministry and calling to serve alongside others in the synod. Representing North Colorado on synod council will provide an opportunity to go more deeply into the unique needs of our synod and to accompany the develop of strong unity in our commitment to Christ. I am not afraid of change and embrace new ways in which people of faith gather and share in ministry together.

Skills/Experiences: I have gifts in administration and community organizing along with skills in writing and advocacy. I enjoy working through processes and developing best practices. I am highly collaborative and enjoy team aspects of ministry.

Service Activities: Former member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Fort Collins Current board member for LuMin Campus Ministry Interfaith Council of Fort Collins Area member, past secretary and past president Committee member for Family Housing Network of Fort Collins Together Colorado and Interfaith Alliance participation, speaking, and engagement Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition member/participant Resettlement engagement with African Community Center, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Social Services, Church World Service

Todd Bertani

Pastor

Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO.

Sense of God's Call: As child of God, and a person of faith, the call to mission and service is all about being fed and nurtured by the light and love of Christ that then feeds and nurtures others through what I say and do. For me, this has been walking with the body of Christ at Shepherd of the Mountains. Flowing out of that, I feel the pull to walk alongside, and engage as part of the body of Christ that is the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA. On this level, the felt sense of call is one that is all about having voice and impact in discerning how the Holy Spirit is being embodied in the work of the Rocky Mountain Synod.

Skills/Experiences: Skills include being an effective team builder, able to foster a shared vision and direction. Experienced facilitator, teacher, and preacher. Approach in ministry and leadership is to meet people where they are and play to each team members strengths. This is manifested in creating a positive, healthy environment to include being honest, open and approachable. Skills that have been developed over the years include harnessing compassion and sensitivity to engage in relationship and team building dynamics. Experiences include 20 years of ministry as an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament. For over 8 years managed homeless shelters in Berkeley and Oakland, CA as well as program manager for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in Denver. As a pastor in the Sierra Pacific Synod, served on Synod Council, Candidacy, and was the Chair of the Synod Leadership Discipling Team. Lead efforts to build a broad based organization in Solano County through the IAF.

Service Activities: Currently serve on the Homeless Outreach Team, for Crossroads Ministry in Estes Park. Served as the Board President for Interfaith Council of Solano County that ran a homeless shelter for families and women. Served as the Co-Chair for the Welfare Reform Task Force for MICAH in Milwaukee, WI