By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
For the first time in nine years, new leadership has been called for the Lebanon Oregon Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The stake includes approximately 3,810 members across Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Albany, Jefferson and surrounding rural communities.
The LDS stake is a regional organization comprised of multiple local congregations. Each stake is led by a presidency consisting of a president and two counselors, who provide spiritual and organizational leadership.
Stake leadership is selected through a structured process that includes administrative review and, according to church members, spiritual guidance. Leaders are identified through interviews and prayer by visiting senior church leaders, extended a volunteer calling and sustained by members.
The changes were announced during a Stake Conference held March 21–22, when the members from all 11 congregations in the Lebanon Oregon Stake met together.
Elder Kevin J. Parks, of Eagle River, Alaska, and Elder Steven D. Shumway, of Pinetop, Ariz., presided over the conference and conducted interviews throughout the weekend before extending the new leadership assignments.
David Blunck of Albany was called as stake president, with Aaron Martineau of Sweet Home and Kacey Duncan of Albany serving as counselors.
All three positions are unpaid and filled by local members. Individuals invited to serve may choose whether to accept, and they continue their regular employment, family responsibilities and community involvement.
President David Blunck
Blunck, a professor of mechanical engineering at Oregon State University, moved to Albany in 2013 from Ohio to be closer to extended family. He and his wife, Sheri, have been married 22 years and have four sons.
Blunck described his initial reaction to the calling as “humbled, overwhelmed, and excited to contribute to this incredible and important work,” adding that he views the role as one of service.
“I am called to be the chief servant right now,” he said.
He noted that such positions are not pursued but accepted when extended.
“This is not something that we aspire to, but gladly choose to serve,” Blunck said. “It is God’s work. We are invited and allowed to participate.”
As he begins his service, Blunck said his focus is helping individuals strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.
“One of the most important ways to stay on God’s path is through reading daily from the scriptures and listening and acting on the counsel from living prophets,” he said.
Blunck also shared a personal statement of belief.
“I know that there is a God and that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I feel their love and guidance,” he said. “Jesus Christ and His teachings and commandments are the way to find joy and peace in this life and the next.”
Despite the scope of his new responsibilities, Blunck emphasized the importance of family life.
“The most important responsibility that I have is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, strive to be a good husband, and to love, care, and teach my children,” he said.
First Counselor Aaron Martineau
Martineau has been called to serve as first counselor in the stake presidency. He will continue serving as bishop of the Sweet Home congregation, a position he has held for the past four years, until a successor is appointed.
A telecommunications engineer, Martineau has lived in Sweet Home for nearly 13 years after moving from Denver. He and his wife will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year and have five children, including two currently serving as missionaries.
Martineau described his reaction to the new calling as “excited, humbled and a bit intimidated,” noting the opportunity to connect with more members of the community.
“There is so much to learn and so many people to get to know and to learn to love,” he said.
He said the experience represents an opportunity for personal growth and service.
“This is an opportunity to come into better alignment with the Savior’s teachings,” Martineau said. “It’s an opportunity to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ by living the gospel He established.”
As he begins his new role, Martineau said his priorities include supporting others and fostering a sense of belonging.
“I would like to love as the Savior loves, help others feel His love, and help others come to Him,” he said.
Martineau also shared a message directed to the broader community.
“Jesus loves them completely and perfectly, and we are all invited to come to Him,” he said. “He will heal us; it is never too early and never too late to come to Him.”
Second Counselor Kacey Duncan
Duncan has been called to serve as second counselor in the Stake Presidency. He has lived in Albany for just over three years after previously residing in Monmouth.
He and his wife, Janica, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year and have five children.
Duncan operates three residential homes that provide around-the-clock support for individuals with developmental and physical challenges.
He described his reaction to the call as “a kaleidoscope of emotions,” including excitement, honor and humility, along with consideration of the time commitment involved.
“Every position in the church is voluntary,” Duncan said, adding that he has seen how service can be balanced with other responsibilities.
Duncan said the opportunity has shaped his view of leadership.
“Leadership is not about being seen by others, but about helping others to see the Savior,” he said.
He added that part of that effort includes helping individuals recognize their potential.
As he begins his service, Duncan said his focus will be on supporting others and working collaboratively with fellow leaders.
“To help others see the Savior, who they are, and who they can become,” he said.
Reflecting on past experiences, including six years as a bishop, Duncan said those roles have influenced his outlook.
“All of us have experienced the joys and trials of life and have witnessed Jesus Christ strengthening us through all things,” he said.
He also shared a message about his faith.
“We believe that God continues to reveal truth to prophets today,” Duncan said. “Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the light.”
Community Invitation to Temple Open House
Blunck also extended an invitation to the broader community to visit the church’s new temple in Springfield during its upcoming public open house.
“We welcome everyone to come learn about the temple,” Blunck said. “This includes members of the Church, members of the community, and anyone who just wants to see what a temple is about.”
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are considered sacred spaces where members worship and seek to draw closer to God and Jesus Christ. Once a temple is formally dedicated, attendance is limited to members of the church. The open house provides a rare opportunity for the public to tour the building and its grounds.
The open house will be held Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, May 9, excluding Sundays. Hours are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
The temple is located at 300 International Way in Springfield.