LCC says farewell to longtime employees

Janice Otto and Cheryll Matthes.

WINNIPEG – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is saying farewell this December to two longtime employees in the synodical office: Cheryll Matthes and Janice Otto.

Cheryll Matthes, Member Services Coordinator for LCC Worker Benefit Plans, announced her intention to retire earlier this year. Matthes first began working for LCC in 1991, serving in administration roles with the mission department. She moved into the Worker Benefit Plans in 1996. With 24 years under her belt, she is the longest-serving staff member in LCC history, having served under all three of LCC’s Presidents.

Janice Otto, Pension and Benefits Officer, has served with LCC’s Worker Benefit Plans for twelve years, having first begun work in April 2002. She is transitioning to a position with Ellement, a consulting firm that will be taking on the day to day responsibilities of LCC’s Worker Benefit Plans following a decision earlier this year to outsource the plan’s administration. So while Otto will be leaving the synodical office, she will continue to work on LCC’s Worker Benefit Plans, meaning church employees will continue to benefit from her expertise in this area.

“The church has received long service from both Cheryll and Janice,” said Dwayne Cleave, Director of LCC Worker Benefit Plans. “We thank God for that service. But we also thank God for them—for the friends they have been to us all in the synodical office. We will miss them greatly.”

“One of the most heartwarming things about our two departing colleagues is their active participation in the worship and devotional life of our staff, which generally happens each working day at 10:00 a.m.,” President Robert Bugbee noted. “The Lord is using His Word to shape our employees, not just into a working group, but into a stronger believing family of fellow Christians. I thank God when I remember all the days and years we had together, gathering around Scripture, song, and prayer.”

Synod staff celebrated their colleagues at the office’s annual Christmas party December 12, presenting Janice and Cheryll each with a special gift recognizing their long service with Lutheran Church–Canada.

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