Dear church, 

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

I write to inform you that The Reverend Patricia “Patti” Axel has resigned her position as Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission of the Southeastern Synod. Her last day will be December 14^th. I give God great thanks for Pastor Axel’s willingness to say yes to this call and to journey along with me and the synod staff these past three years. She has discerned a call back into congregational ministry.
 
For those who have ever had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Axel, you know what a joy she is and her presence will brighten any room. She brought that joy and zeal for the gospel in all areas of her work as Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission. For her work, for her faithfulness, and for her partnership in the gospel; we give thanks.
 
Over these next couple of months, I will be working with the offices in Chicago and posting the opening for this position. We are hopeful to have this position filled by the end of this calendar year. Please pray for Pastor Axel in her transition, your synod staff, and for the next person to be called into this faithful ministry.
 
God’s richest mercies be yours this and every day!
 

+Bishop Kevin L. Strickland

Pr. Patti Axel

September 12, 2022

Dear Beloved friends and fellow Southeastern Synod Lutherans:

It is with very mixed feelings that I inform you that as of December 14^th, 2022, I am resigning my position as Director of Evangelical Mission for the Southeastern Synod.  I have learned so much over the past three years and have enjoyed developing relationships that I am sure will continue for many years as I serve as Synod Coaching Coordinator and Coordinator of Spiritual Direction.  We have many gifted Coaches and Spiritual Directors available to be in relationship with you and it is my desire to introduce you to them.

Being an Evangelism nerd for the Southeastern Synod is a delight and part of God’s Call on my life.  It is a role that I will continue to be involved in through the Vitality Committee.

I will be stepping down from the role of Assistant to the Bishop as well and will be doing some Interim redevelopment work going forward.  I look forward to returning to the Parish as well as having more time to hone my Coaching Skills and my Spiritual Direction with Rostered folks and others in the Synod. 

I will still be “Telling My Story” and God’s story of grace and reckless love in our world and doing my part to be a peacemaker in this place God has left in our care. I look forward to seeing you out and about and hearing your stories too!  As one of my favorite songs says: “God be with you till we meet again.”        
 
Shalom Beloveds,
  Pastor Patti Axel