LCMS names three deaconesses to new positions in International, National Mission offices

Contact: Vicki Biggs
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Deaconess Kimberly Schave
Deaconess Sandra J. Bowers
Deaconess Eleanor I. Corrow

ST. LOUIS, June 8, 2013—Three deaconesses recently began serving in newly created positions at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center in St. Louis.

“These three talented women bring many gifts to the service of the church,” said the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the LCMS. “We are humbled by their desire and willingness to serve, and especially grateful for the model of consecrated service to Christ they provide for many other women, and all of us. We are delighted to have six deaconesses on our staff now.”

Deaconess Kimberly Schave is serving as assistant director, administration and operations, LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM), She will facilitate project planning and budgeting, oversee and provide direction to the ONM’s administrative team, provide leadership in the areas of process improvement and management, oversee the national granting function and connect with the ministry and service units based at the LCMS International Center to help ensure the integration of ONM ministries and programs.

Schave is a 2006 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and a certified public accountant (CPA). Previously, she worked in accounting and finance and held several teaching positions at universities in Georgia and the Midwest. She also served as a deaconess at Christ Lutheran Church, Perry, Ga., from 2005-2008.

Deaconess Sandra J. Bowers is serving as a coordinator in LCMS Worship where she will assist with the development and distribution of worship resources for the church, spiritual care for LCMS International Center employees, and a variety of tasks necessary to execute the responsibilities of the LCMS Worship ministry. She has served as a deaconess in prison ministry and one of three prison ministry coordinators for the LCMS Southern Illinois District. In that position, she conducted weekly Bible studies at federal and state prisons and developed and implemented “Freed in Christ,” an extensive program for helping prisoners prepare to re-enter society.

Bowers earned a Master of Arts degree in practical theology with a minor in systematic theology and a certificate in deaconess studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in 1997.

Deaconess Eleanor I. Corrow is a coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services. She is responsible for coordinating the pastoral care program for LCMS missionaries and their families and assisting the LCMS Missionary Services team in tasks relative to recruiting, training, deploying and re-deploying and overall care for missionaries and their families. She has several years of experience as a professional care giver for elderly people and as a counselor in a crisis pregnancy center.

A 2012 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., with a master’s degree in deaconess studies, Corrow also holds master’s degrees in theology and church history from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Mass., and a bachelor’s degree in general liberal studies from Vermont College, Union Institute and University, Montpelier, Vt.

“What a blessing to have these three talented, faithful deaconesses join our ONM and OIM staffs!” said the Rev. Gregory K. Williamson, LCMS chief mission officer. “Their variety of gifts will quickly boost our ability to serve the men and women of our church, and they bring a wonderful mix of experiences that will enrich our corporate witness, works of mercy and life together. I am delighted to have them as part of our team.”

Schave, Bowers and Corrow will be formally installed in their new positions June 10 during a “Service of Installation” at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis.

To learn more about LCMS Deaconess Ministry, visit http://www.lcms.org/?pid=443.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church strives to make known the love of Jesus Christ around the world. Learn more at www.lcms.org.

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