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Bishop & Staff

Bishop

The Rev. Virginia "Ginny" Aebischer

The Rev. Virginia "Ginny" Aebischer

Bishop

Welcome to scsynod.com.

Have you ever noticed that most of Jesus’ preaching, teaching and healing stories happened while he was traveling on the road from one destination to another, and that the disciples learned what it meant to share God’s Kingdom with others by walking with Jesus?

A disciple is one who is open to learning and following Jesus in his or her everyday life. Discipleship is so much more than going to church on Sunday or being a member of a congregation! As disciples, baptized believers are the Church of Christ on the road, listening to and for the calling of the Spirit to love, serve and share the good news of Jesus with those around us.

I hope this website will help you see what God is up to in the South Carolina Synod, and help you to join in the ministries that touch, bless and transform the lives of others. Our vision is that God is calling our congregations to join with their neighbors, serve boldly and love all—through Jesus Christ.

May this Web site help you grow in your discipleship as we walk together as brothers and sisters in Christ—which is what the word “synod” is all about.

Peace,
Bishop Ginny Aebischer

Biography for Bishop Aebischer
The Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer serves as Bishop, South Carolina Synod. She was elected July 25, 2020. Previously she served as Assistant to the Bishop (2008 – 2020). Her primary responsibilities were related to Leadership and Outreach Ministries. She also served on the Synod Finance Committee, assisted the Bishop with Call Process and served as Assembly Manager.

Ordained on September 17, 1989 (just four days before Hurricane Hugo hit the Charleston area) Ginny has served as pastor of two congregations. Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Charleston, SC (September 1989 – August 2001) and Pastor, Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC, (August 2001 – October 2008).

During her Seminary years she was involved in several different congregations and arms of the church as part of her seminary training and as employee.

She worked at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia, as Youth Director (1984-1986). She did Clinical Pastoral Education, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas (1986). Served her Internship at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (1986-1987). Served as a Pastoral Assistant, First Lutheran Church, Gladstone, MI (1987-1988). Served as a Pastoral Assistant, Incarnation Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC (1988-89)

Ginny received a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (1989). Prior to entering Seminary she served the Southeastern Synod, LCA as a youth staffer (1983-1984). Ginny graduated with a BA from Upsala College (1983)

Ginny is married to The Rev. Paul Aebischer, Pastor at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC and is the proud mother of two grown sons, Joshua, who lives and works in Columbia and Micah, who is a student at Clemson University.

Biography for Bishop Aebischer

Downloadable PDF

Bishop’s Staff

The Rev. Rick Carter

The Rev. Rick Carter

Assistant to the Bishop

The Rev. Emily Hartmann

The Rev. Emily Hartmann

Assistant to the Bishop

The Rev. James Henricks

The Rev. James Henricks

Director for Evangelical Mission

The Rev. W. Osborne "Ozzie" Herlong

The Rev. W. Osborne "Ozzie" Herlong

Director for Stewardship

Charlene Fink

Charlene Fink

Synod Accountant

Wendy Davidson

Wendy Davidson

Assembly Manager

Deacon Sarah Bowers

Deacon Sarah Bowers

Assembly Creative Assistant

Deacon Deborah Poole

Deacon Deborah Poole

Children and Youth Coordinator

Neal F. Fischer

Neal F. Fischer

Director of Communications

The Rev. Ray Sipe

The Rev. Ray Sipe

LDR Carolinas

The Rev. Ruth Ann Sipe

The Rev. Ruth Ann Sipe

LDR Carolinas

Region Nine Staff

The Rev. Lianet M. Ramírez Barrientos

The Rev. Lianet M. Ramírez Barrientos

Candidacy and Leadership Manager, Region Nine

Virginia Herlong

Virginia Herlong

Treasurer for the Joint Ministries of Region Nine

ELCA Financial and Portico Benefits Services Representatives

Stephanie Burke

Stephanie Burke

ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner for the Carolinas

Deacon Jerry Johnson

Deacon Jerry Johnson

ELCA Mission Investment Fund Regional Manager

The Rev. Cathy Schibler

The Rev. Cathy Schibler

Portico Benefit Services

Office

Columbia

1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Phone

803-765-0590

ELCA Churchwide Office

8765 W Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631

Phone

800-638-3522

Media & Press

Contact

Neal F. Fischer
Director of Communications

Office Phone

803-509-8325

After Hours Phone

607-349-8072

Mission Partners

Get In Touch

This is Christ’s Church. There is a place for you here.

We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person–questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.

Contact Information

ELCA South Carolina Synod
1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone 803-765-0590
Fax 803-252-5558

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