Synod Council
The Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Council acts as the board of directors and interim legislative authority, committed to serving through governance, stewardship, and fostering a welcoming, justice-oriented community. Members pledge to follow ELCA constitutions, uphold fiscal responsibility, engage in respectful dialogue, and support council decisions to advance the mission of the church. Key aspects of the Council's commitment include:
- Governance and Stewardship: Actively participating in meetings, fulfilling legal and fiscal responsibilities, and maintaining transparency in deliberations.
- Strategic Mission: Supporting the AMMPARO strategy to protect and accompany migrants/refugees, and advancing racial and LGBTQIA+ justice.
- Leadership and Service: Empowering congregation vitality, supporting pastoral care, and fostering partnerships across the five-state region.
- Core Values: Operating with trust and openness, while seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all decisions.
The Council is part of the broader RMS, which represents 153 congregations across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and West Texas.
Read more about the Synod Council Commitment to Serve
Rocky Mountain Synod Officers
Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
Synod Council
As of August 15, 2024
Conference Representatives
- North Colorado: Jeff Fairfax* (2026)
- Metro West: Ken Maldonado* (2027)
- Metro East: Rev. Chelsea Achterberg (2026)
- Utah: Rev. Debra Jimenez (2026)
- North New Mexico: Rev. Tim Orlowski* (2026)
- Metro South: Rev. Gary Sandberg (2028)
- Boulder/Broomfield: Rev. Matthew Weber* (2028)
- Southeast Colorado: Rev. Carrie Baylis (2028)
- Wyoming: Rev. Joshua Bruns (2028)
- Border: Rev. Jeff Swanson (2028)
At-Large Representatives
- Lay Male: Jim Wassem (2026)
- Lay Female: Lynette Schurdevin (2026)
- Youth: Emmy Baylis (2026)
- Young Adult: Cynthia Bailey (2028)
- Rostered Leader: Rev. Samm Melton-Hill (2028)
- Person of color/primary language other than English: Andraine Sinaga (2026)
- Person of color/primary language other than English: Laura Garcia Villalpando (2028)
*denotes member of Executive Committee, along with all RMS officers
Contact Your Council Representative
Fill out the form below to contact Synod Council Representative Ray Ferry. He will follow up with you and connect you to the Synod Council Representative you’d like to speak with.
