Synod Staff
The La Crosse Area Synod is led by a staff of five called together in Christ to serve, connect and lead.
The synod staff is guided by this mission statement: “Called together in Christ, we serve, connect and lead the
La Crosse Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”
Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod
The Rev. Jim Arends
Ordained in 1981 following graduation from
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
Served congregations in Southeastern
Minnesota Synod and the La Crosse Area
Synod prior to beginning call as Bishop
in October 2008.
Married to Lynn, with four adult children and
grandchildren to enjoy!
E-mail Bishop Jim:
Blog: bishopjimarends.com
Director for Evangelical Mission & Assistant to the Bishop
The Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Howe
Ordained in 2002 following graduation from Trinity
Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio
Served DeSoto/Freeman Lutheran Parish for 6 years
prior to beginning call on synod staff in 2009.
E-mail Libby: assistant@lacrosseareasynod.org
Office Manager & Executive Admin. Assistant
Melanie Timmerman
Office Manager / Executive Administrative
Assistant for the Bishop
Editor - Synod Update & Coulee Courier
With the synod office since 2003.
E-mail Melanie:
Office Assistant & Call Process Secretary
Debra Wold
Call Process and Candidacy
Administration, receptionist
With the synod office since 1998.
E-mail Deb: deb@lacrosseareasynod.org
Bookkeeper
Alice DaFoe
Bookkeeper for Synod and
Lutheran Campus Ministry
With the synod office since 2004.
E-mail Alice: bookkeeper@lacrosseareasynod.org
