On September 27, 2001 John J. Scibilia, ELCA Director for Schools, announced that he was stepping down from his position to fulfill a new call to ministry. John's new call will bring the living Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of New York. Although the staff of the Division for Higher Education and Schools is saddened by John's move, we are heightened in our knowledge that the children in our New York schools and the people suffering from the tragedy inflicted on God's creation will begin the healing process through John's service.

Below are excerpts from a letter John shared with ELCA schools and friends of ELCA schools.

Dear Friends and Partners in Ministry,

Each of our lives changed on September 11. As we struggle to get back to normal, the challenge will be finding out what normal really will mean in our lives.

We reach into our heart place, where we are often afraid to visit, asking questions about our own lives and renewing the value of the gift of life and our gift to serve in ministry among children.

My life changed as well. On September 27, I accepted the position of Coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response of New York. My role will be to coordinate all Lutheran disaster response in the New York/New Jersey/ Connecticut area on behalf of the ELCA and LCMS. In order to commit myself fully to this new call of ministry, I have announced my resignation as ELCA Director for Schools. My decision was made in prayer discerning where I might best serve the church and my Lord.

I have had the honor of serving you as Director for Schools since July 1995. There is much, so much to celebrate and for which we must continue to give thanks. For me, I have and always will give thanks for your support of our ministry. Answering this new call will never dampen my passion for my ministry among children and specifically our children in ELCA Lutheran schools and centers. 

May God bless us, keep us and be gracious to us in our search for what is normal and our renewed sense of "church" as the children of God.

John J. Scibilia

It has been an honor and a privilege to have been served so faithfully and with such integrity as John Scibilia has served our Lutheran school community. He has been a very special gift to our ministry. Our prayers are with John as he continues to impact the lives of so many. A dear friend once told me, ‘Angel, continue to do God’s work!’ . . . these words carried me through many touch situations . . . I share these now with John Scibilia.”

During the ELEA National Board meeting in Columbus, Ohio, in October, we had the opportunity to thank John for his ministry in our Lutheran Schools and Centers. We presented him with a unique painting of a shepherd holding a lamb and a plaque that reads, “Dearest John, Our sincerest gratitude for six years of shepherding us all. Love from your Brothers and Sisters in ELEA.”

ELEA is supportive of John and God’s new call for his life and ministry at this time. John’s excellent leadership and vision over the past six years has led the ELCA Department for Schools into a highly respected position with our Lutheran educators. ELEA and the ELCA Department for Schools have forged a collaborative relationship that has been beneficial and supportive to each. We will miss John in this capacity, but know he continues his support and passion for all God’s children through this new call.

Thank you, John!!!

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