Congregational Meeting (Nov. 19, 2023)
Congregation Council and Trustee Nominees
Cathy Copeland - Council Nominee
I have appreciated serving on Council for the past three years. As part of my work on Council, I served as one of Muhlenberg’s Faith in Action (now Valley Interfaith Alliance) representatives from 2020-2022. This year, I led the Constitutional Task Force as we worked to align Muhlenberg’s Constitution with the ELCA’s required and recommended modifications. I moved to Harrisonburg in 2010, after growing up in Indiana and living in Maryland and Alabama. My husband, Adam, and I became members of Muhlenberg in August 2011, and both of our children — Latham (11) and Gwendolyn (8) — have been baptized here and are actively connected to Muhlenberg’s youth programs. I work as the director of the American Democracy Project at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, a nonpartisan and non-profit organization that encourages college students, faculty, and staff to be civically engaged with their community. My family and I love Harrisonburg, and we appreciate our Muhlenberg family. I’m honored to be nominated to serve for a final three years on Council.
I have appreciated serving on Council for the past three years. As part of my work on Council, I served as one of Muhlenberg’s Faith in Action (now Valley Interfaith Alliance) representatives from 2020-2022. This year, I led the Constitutional Task Force as we worked to align Muhlenberg’s Constitution with the ELCA’s required and recommended modifications. I moved to Harrisonburg in 2010, after growing up in Indiana and living in Maryland and Alabama. My husband, Adam, and I became members of Muhlenberg in August 2011, and both of our children — Latham (11) and Gwendolyn (8) — have been baptized here and are actively connected to Muhlenberg’s youth programs. I work as the director of the American Democracy Project at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, a nonpartisan and non-profit organization that encourages college students, faculty, and staff to be civically engaged with their community. My family and I love Harrisonburg, and we appreciate our Muhlenberg family. I’m honored to be nominated to serve for a final three years on Council.
Jacob Dunlap - Council Nominee
I’ve been attending Muhlenberg since summer 2022. Prior to my membership here, I previously attended Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Bergton, VA and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Johnson City, TN. With my experience including small churches, big churches, the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission, and the Lutheran Student Movement, I am looking to apply those experiences to benefit Muhlenberg and become further involved in the local church community.
I’ve been attending Muhlenberg since summer 2022. Prior to my membership here, I previously attended Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Bergton, VA and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Johnson City, TN. With my experience including small churches, big churches, the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission, and the Lutheran Student Movement, I am looking to apply those experiences to benefit Muhlenberg and become further involved in the local church community.
Sarah Orem - Council Nominee
Professionally, I serve currently as the Outreach and Advocacy Manager for Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, focusing on equitable arts access for K-8 students in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public Schools. I am a dedicated leader and passionate professional with a range of experience in higher education, fundraising, and non-profit leadership. I graduated from JMU with a B.A. in Communication Studies and earned my M.A. from Bowling Green State University in College Student Personnel. In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, running, home design, yoga, and traveling. As new members, my husband Chris, sons Landon and Isaac, and I are grateful for the genuine warmth and welcome we’ve received from the Muhlenberg community. In choosing a church home, it was important for our family to find a place with strong music and children’s programs, investment in community outreach and service, and an authentic congregation and staff who lead with grace; we have found all this and more in our short time at Muhlenberg! I’m honored to answer a call to leadership at Muhlenberg, plugging in a bit more to help serve our congregation and community and grow in faith together.
Professionally, I serve currently as the Outreach and Advocacy Manager for Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, focusing on equitable arts access for K-8 students in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public Schools. I am a dedicated leader and passionate professional with a range of experience in higher education, fundraising, and non-profit leadership. I graduated from JMU with a B.A. in Communication Studies and earned my M.A. from Bowling Green State University in College Student Personnel. In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, running, home design, yoga, and traveling. As new members, my husband Chris, sons Landon and Isaac, and I are grateful for the genuine warmth and welcome we’ve received from the Muhlenberg community. In choosing a church home, it was important for our family to find a place with strong music and children’s programs, investment in community outreach and service, and an authentic congregation and staff who lead with grace; we have found all this and more in our short time at Muhlenberg! I’m honored to answer a call to leadership at Muhlenberg, plugging in a bit more to help serve our congregation and community and grow in faith together.
Kristee Trumbo - Council Nominee
Kristee is a long-time Muhlenberg member, and despite her many moves and relocations she has never transferred her church membership. This community of believers has been the foundation for supporting her faith and spiritual growth. In June of this year, Kristee was commissioned as a Lay Preacher within the Virginia Synod. Returning to the Valley and worshipping in person, Kristee is excited to be involved in the many facets of community belonging, outreach, and supporting the health and growth of the church. We are a family receiving the Grace of Jesus. Together we have adventures and experiences to take us anywhere we want to go.
Kristee is a long-time Muhlenberg member, and despite her many moves and relocations she has never transferred her church membership. This community of believers has been the foundation for supporting her faith and spiritual growth. In June of this year, Kristee was commissioned as a Lay Preacher within the Virginia Synod. Returning to the Valley and worshipping in person, Kristee is excited to be involved in the many facets of community belonging, outreach, and supporting the health and growth of the church. We are a family receiving the Grace of Jesus. Together we have adventures and experiences to take us anywhere we want to go.
Diane Walton - Trustee Nominee
Diane has been a member since 2007. In addition to serving as a Trustee, she volunteers as an Office Assistant, helps prepare the Pastoral Acts annual report and assists with updating the Parish Register. Diane is also a member of the Gloria Dei Ringers. She and her husband Wylie live in the BroadwayTimberville area. They enjoy music, reading and traveling.
Diane has been a member since 2007. In addition to serving as a Trustee, she volunteers as an Office Assistant, helps prepare the Pastoral Acts annual report and assists with updating the Parish Register. Diane is also a member of the Gloria Dei Ringers. She and her husband Wylie live in the BroadwayTimberville area. They enjoy music, reading and traveling.
