Page Contents Continuing Education Clergy Compensation Health Insurance Health & Wellness Supply Preaching Clergy Transition Requiescat in pace: Cantu Processes Entering Mobility Guidance: Leaving a Call Opportunities For Ordained Ministry in WV-WMD Rites Rostered Minister Gathering 2026 Rostered Leader Debt Reduction Reports Parochial Report Rostered Minister Report

Continuing Education

The Education for Clergy & Laity page serves as one-stop shop for continuing education offerings. It is extensive.

Clergy Compensation

Clergy compensation guidelines for 2026 have been revised to reflect changes in Portico's health plan offerings. Information on the current and past guidelines is available on the Clergy Compensation page.

Health Insurance

Changes are coming to the insurance plans offered by Portico. We know that the metallic plans are being eliminated. Resources are being made available by Portico to help clergy and congregations navigate the changes. Our Pastoral Compensation Guideline for 2026 has been revised, and links to resources are posted on our Clergy Wellness page.

Health & Wellness

Supply Preaching

Looking for a supply preacher?

If you need coverage, you will find a list supply preachers (and ordained presbyters for Eucharistic services) on our Supply Preaching & Presiding page.

Are you listed as a supply preacher?

If you are clergy available for supply preaching/presiding does +Riegel know? During the high-water mark of the pandemic, several preachers took themselves off the supply list. If your status has changed, contact +Riegel.

Clergy Transition

Requiescat in pace: The Rev. Larry Cantu

The Rev. Larry Cantu died on March 27, 2026, in Winchester, VA.

Cantu graduated from Capital University in 1961 and stayed in Columbus for seminary. His first call was to Grace Lutheran Church, Petersburg, WV. He then served St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mars, PA, and later Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Falls Church, VA. He entered semiretirement in 2000, soon returning to Grace, Petersburg, serving there until 2017. Cantu was inhumed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Petersburg, WV, The Rev. Pat Pittsnogle presiding. A funeral will be held May 14, 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at the Village at Orchard Ridge, National Lutheran Blvd., Winchester, VA. Clergy are to vest and sit in college, the color being white. For full obituary, click here.

Processes

Entering Mobility

Guidance: Process for Leaving a Call

There are things to do when leaving a call. You will find guidance and documents to facilitate the process on our Pastoral Transition & Vacancy page.

Opportunities

Opportunities for Ordained Ministry in WV-WMD

Are you a member of the clergy of the ELCA (or full-communion partner) interested in learning more about WV-WMD? Do you know someone who might be? Drop us a line. You can email +Riegel at Bishop@WV-WMD.org or call the office (304-363-4030). There is plenty to commend service and life in our mountains and in our valleys. Like Nebraska, it's not for everyone, but, for those who aren't afraid of an adventure, we have a great mix of challenge and gift. A list of openings can be viewed by visiting our Pulpit Vacancies page (or click on the table at right). You will find there opportunities for congregational ministry and also any specialized ministries that might be open at the moment.

Rites

Ordinations and installations are not the worship services that a congregation (or clergy) does on a regular basis. To assist those involved with such things a page of guidance is under development. Information for installation is already up. Click here to review.

Rostered Ministers Gathering 2026

We know the date and the place of the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering: 6-9 July 2026 in Indianpolis. This is the closest the gathering has been to any part of the WV-WMD Synod. See our Education for Clergy page for more information.