West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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The Education for Clergy
& Laity page serves as one-stop shop for
continuing education offerings. It is extensive. The next
biannual Synod Clergy Cont. Ed Event will be held 9-11
November 2026.
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.
Mileage Increase
The IRS made a rare mid-year adjustment to the standard mileage rate, increasing the rate to 76¢ per mile, effective 1 July 2026. For details, visit 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
The Clergy Wellness page is expanding. Check out the latest information about Portico changes for 2026 and take time to review the many benefits and services that are part of your Portico plan.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
Resignation: The Rev. Amelia Collins
The Rev. Amelia Collins has concluded her tenure as
pastor of St. Thomas, Charles Town, her last official day
being 31 July 2026. Collins was called to St. Thomas in
the fall of 2022. As part of the call arrangement between
St. Thomas and Trinity, Arden, Collins and her husband,
The Rev. Daniel Collins, shared some ecclesiastical
duties. That arrangement was terminated when Daniel
resigned from Trinity in the fall of 2025. The Collinses
are taking up residence on the Gettysburg Campus of United
Lutheran Seminary where Daniel will begin doctoral studies
this fall.
Requiescat in pace
The Rev. Paul Bryan "Joe" Connor
The Rev. Paul Bryan "Joe" Connor, pastor quondam of St. Mark's, Wheeling, t.a.q. 1995, died Thursday night, 16 July 2026. Connor served five years of active service in the US Navy following college, after which he attended seminary, continuing in the Navy Reserves for another ten years, rising to the rank of Lt. Commander. A funeral will be held at Lutheran Church of the Palms, Palm Harbor, FL, 8 August 2026, 10:30 a.m. For full obituary, click here.
The Rev. Richard Hembrock
The Rev. Richard "Dick" Hembrock died 15 July 2026. After retiring in 1985 as Command Chaplain of the 310th TAACOM at Ft. Belvoir, VA, he served as chaplain at the National Lutheran Home, interim chaplain at Ft. Detrick, MD, and pastor of the Sharpsburg Parish (Mt. Zion, Holy Trinity, and Salem), retiring from the Sharpsburg Parish in 1994. His service to the Sharpsburg Parish predates the transfer of Salem (Bakersville) and Holy Trinity (Sharpsburg) from the Del-Md Synod to WV-WMD during Bishop Dunkin's tenure. Holy Trinity has since closed, and Salem has terminated its membership in the ELCA, going independent. Pr. Hembrock did not serve on the WV-WMD roster. The funeral was held 30 July 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 15 Randolph Ave., Hagerstown, MD. Click here for full obituary.
Processes
Entering Mobility
Pastors looking to enter mobility (whether intrasynodical or extrasynodical) should contact the bishop. The Rostered Minister Profile (quondam "Roster Leader Profile" and "mobility form"), other forms, and supporting instructions are available at ELCA.org's Rostered Ministers page. Click on the link you will find there, and it will take you to your login screen. If for any reason, you need your Rostered Leader Number, contact the bishop.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.