From the Bishop’s Desk Announcement: Regarding Pastor David Shank

Dear Friends in Christ,

The stirrings of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of discernment bring another time of transition for the Metro D.C synod staff – Rev. David Shank has accepted a position as Regional Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation.

David joined the Metro D.C. Synod staff this past summer in partnership with the Delaware-Maryland synod as we turned our focus to intentionally building a culture of generosity within the Metro D.C. synod. David brought with him impactful gifts to the staff and made great strides in building this new culture of generosity through his dedication to the Gospel and attention to detail.

David has helped raise over $30,000 for the Building Puentes partnership and the rostered ministers of Puerto Rico, streamlined processes for better communication and fiscal management, engaged in many in-depth conversations with congregational leaders looking to renew ministry and celebrate the congregation’s generosity, and successfully launched the Metro D.C. Local Ministry Fund this Fall to provide dedicated support to ministries within the synod. For these things and more, we are truly grateful for his ministry – although short, but in no way small in the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

“It has been a wonderful experience serving alongside Bishop Bill Gohl and Bishop Leila Ortiz as their Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity. I cannot thank the teams of our synods enough and I have been forever uplifted by walking alongside the churches and leaders of our synods.

I look forward to this next step in the journey as I take up a role with the ELCA Foundation and have the opportunity to serve our National Church. I am excited to serve the people of the Mid-Atlantic and New England Regions in this new way!”

Pastor Shank will continue his full-time work through January 31, reduce his commitments to “tie-up” fiscal year-end duties in early February, and transition to his new role on February 20. We send blessings for him on this new journey and know he will continue to support and encourage the congregations of Metro D.C. in his new role.

Peace and Blessings,

Bishop Leila M. Ortiz