The Serving Boldly Award, created by the Virginia Synod (ELCA) Council in October 2020, is given to lay leaders who embody and demonstrate a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ in their congregation and/or community. Nominations were received from Virginia Synod congregations around Virginia and one recipient can be selected from each conference partnership. The Virginia Synod is pleased to recognize the 2026 recipients of the award.

Larry is currently the chair of our maintenance committee and leads the repairs of any work to maintain the church. He also goes above and beyond in painting, repairing, and restoring any areas of the church inside and outside that he notices needs work.  Larry has served the church in the past in many ways, including treasurer, council member, choir member, and he is always willing to give of his time and money when asked to do a project. Under his leadership our church building has been improved through landscaping, lawn care, parking lot repair, maintenance on the heating and air conditioning units, painting indoors and outdoors, ceiling tiles and light fixtures replaced.  Larry continues to serve the church as a council member and past president and leads others who are on his committee with the same diligence and love for his church and community.

Mike has served in Christ Lutheran’s Community Meal Ministry for over 20 years and in the local community shelter ministry for over 15 years. He faithfully prepares the meal for our monthly Community Meal, served at our church, primarily for our homeless population. There are, on average, 100 meals served each month. Mike plans the meals, purchases the food, and is the primary cook. Additionally, our church volunteers to serve an evening meal five times a year for a local community shelter that serves our local homeless population. This also involves planning the meal, shopping for the food, and meal preparation for around forty people. He coordinates the Fellowship Hour between the early and late services each Sunday. Mike is an active member of the Property Committee and sings in the choir at both services, organizes other social events during the church year such as the Christmas Progressive Dinner.

Pidge Morgan led Trinity Ecumenical Parish to begin three major ministries in Tanzania, and in 2026 we will celebrate 20 years of her missionary work.  During that time, she spearheaded the building of a home for Masai girls called Door of Hope. This ministry collaborates with tribal leaders and parents to remove the girls from a culture that would subject the girls to childhood and polygamous marriages.  Pidge spearheaded the building of Hai Technical Training Center which provides vocational training for girls and boys.  This training empowers these young persons with the ability to care for themselves and their entire family through teaching them the skills necessary for gainful employment in Tanzania. She organized a ministry to care for widows in Bashay, Tanzania.  In Tanzanian Culture, women are particularly vulnerable to starvation. Trinity currently supports thirty-three widows.  She has empowered the congregation to look beyond our community to care for the needs of neighbors who live halfway around the world.

Cheryl’s affiliation with local community organizations such as the Virginia Synod Hunger Task Team, Southeastern Food Bank, SPCA, City of Virginia Beach Social Services program, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Virginia Beach Sheriff’s office Jail ministries, Lynnhaven River Now, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Migrant workers on the Eastern Shore, and Manna Ministries demonstrates the love of Christ in the broader community.  She has involved the local first responder departments in events for National Thank a Fireman Day and Thank a Police Officer Day and served on the Interfaith Alliance Committee with local community churches of all denominations.  Cheryl works part time as a dog walker and often uses this time to touch base by phone with our congregational members, including those who are homebound, experiencing illness, or just in need of a few kind words and encouragement.  She boldly serves the church and community.