Vestry @ St. John's Episcopal Church

Things to know...

St. John's Leadership
- St. John's Vestry
  - Meetings & Minutes
- Leadership Forums

Meet the Vestry

The vestry is in essence the equivalent of the board of directors or board of trustees for the parish. The rector and clergy are responsible for pastoral care and worship, while the vestry acts on behalf of the congregation to manage the operational side of the parish. The rector acts as chair of the vestry. Members of the vestry are elected by the congregation at the annual meeting of the parish, typically in November of each year. The senior warden is appointed by the rector. The junior warden is elected from among the vestry by its members and serves as the representative of the congregation on the vestry - the "people's warden." Each member of the vestry is assigned the responsibility of acting as a liaison with a commission for a specific part of parish life.

St. John's Vestry

Jim Riddle: Class of 2012

You most likely know Jim, Jennifer, Caroline (19) and Charlie (16) Riddle from Choir. They have been involved in the Choir since they joined St. Johns in 2000. The Riddles were in the Choir at their previous Church, St. Paul’s Kingsport, TN. Jim has also been a part of the Buildings and Grounds Volunteers program and helping out in Youth Ministries. Jim has worked with Room in the Inn, Family Promise and you may have seen him around at Wednesday Night Dinners. He is still looking for a job, so don't be afraid to ask for his resume'. The one thing he wants you to know? He loves the people at St. Johns.

To contact by email: riddlejj@bellsouth.net
Sandy Fussell: Senior Warden, Class of 2012

I am a volunteer receptionist, a hands-on member of the Columbarium garden committee, former ECW president, former vestry member & Jr. Warden, volunteer with Room in the Inn. With seed money from St. John's Kingdom Assignment project, Jim & I raised money to drill a well in Haiti. We participated in two gulf coast mission trips for Katrina clean-up. The St. John's faith community is part of my family and my spiritual home.

To contact by email: sandyf@carolina.rr.com
Patrick Leake Class of 2012

Serving on Vestry is an excellent opportunity to get more involved in furthering the life and mission of our Parish. St. John’s is a wonderful church that has touched many lives, including my family; my wife Rhett and our two children Annmarie and Reid. Serving on the Vestry would be a great way to give back to St. John’s. Ministries I have been involved in both past and present include: Stewardship Committee, Adult Bible Study Leader, Youth Bible Study Leader, Jr. High Youth Leader, Diocesan Stewardship Committee.

To contact by email: the_leakes@hotmail.com
Win Robinson: Clerk of the Vestry, Class of 2012

I have been a member of St. John's since 1983. Ministries include ushering (usher supervisor), acting and directing drama productions with the Arts Ministry, coordinating the angel tree (21st year), Costa Rica mission (2 time participant, translator), and greeter. Toni is a former vestry member and has been a choir member since we joined the church. Ted helps with greeting and ushering.

To contact by email: winrobinsonscuba@gmail.com
Sarah Asby: Class of 2013

I am very detail oriented, analytical and goal oriented. I am an excellent planner and pride myself on executing plans to their completion in the face of obstacles and unexpected issues. Additionally, I have experience working as a professional in a professional environment as well as working as a volunteer. After prayerfully considering the nomination for Vestry, I felt directed to this as the way for me to serve God at this time. Also, as my family continues to grow with St. John’s, I want to help guide the church, provide leadership, and invest in the future of St. John’s.

To contact by email: seasby@yahoo.com
Merrill Gowdy: Class of 2013

My past experience on the Vestry and experience gained in many different areas of life have given me skills and the ability to help the church achieve it mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
My experience at St. John's includes: Vestry (2 terms-Senior Warden, Finance Committee Chair), Treasurer, Every Member Canvass Chair, Co-Chair Capital Campaign (Sharing Our Blessings), Sr. EYC Advisor, Delegate Diocesan Convention, Diocesan Stewardship Committee (3 years), Sunday School teacher, Chalice Bearer, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Head Usher, Search Committee for Current Rector, Search Committee for an Assistant Rector, Costa Rica Mission Trip member
I am a member of: National Federation of Small Businesses, National Meat and Poultry Association, National Commercial Finance Association, National Funding Association.

To contact by email: megowdy@yahoo.com
Sally Mueller: Class of 2013

Strengths I bring to the Vestry are: good communication skills; parent of children involved in EpiscoPALS, Jr. EYC and Sr. EYC; program design; creative; acolyte parent.
After 5 years as a member of St. John’s I would like to become involved in the leadership of the church. As a daughter of a minister I understand the importance of supporting the church and its clergy in their ministry. As a wife and mother I want to continue my Christian growth by serving the church.

To contact by email: sally_mueller@bellsouth.net
Hunt Wofford: Class of 2013

As a member of the Mecklenburg County Bar, I serve on the Grievance Committee: a group of attorneys and non-attorneys who investigate complaints against attorneys made by clients and other individuals affected by attorney’s actions. I also volunteer my time as a Guardian ad Litem and represent the best interests of children in custody cases.
I deal with issues objectively and consider all possible solutions prior to making the appropriate decision. I tend to approach problems in an impartial manner.
I am very excited about this opportunity to serve God and His Church. I have observed the positive direction in which St. John’s has moved in the past decade and would like to assist the Church with continuing its progress.

To contact by email: hunt_wofford@att.net
Janet Brown: Class of 2014

St. John’s has given our family so much, that I am compelled to give back. I have endeavored to do that through many different activities. Over the last few years, I have served as Treasurer and I have enjoyed that position. As Treasurer, I attend monthly meetings of both the Finance Committee and the Vestry. I’ve seen how the members of the Vestry transform their love for God and for the people of St. John’s into action. I want to help to shape the future of our church.

To contact by email: jbrown12@carolina.rr.com
Jim Golz: Junior Warden, Class of 2014

We take (receive) so much from St. John’s as a family - spiritual growth, historical education and perspective, worship, fellowship, youth programs, women’s and men’s group activities – that an opportunity to serve this faith community is welcome indeed. The energy here is contagious and I will consider it a true honor if elected to lend leadership as we move forward.

To contact by email: jgolz@filevaultusa.com
Jeff Pruitt: Class of 2014

Serving on the Vestry is a way to give back to a church that has given me so much. As a real estate leader for CBRE, I have supervised complex construction programs and projects for large corporations, providing me experience with managing budgets, formulating and implementing work strategies, optimizing processes and developing communication plans. I believe the best contribution I can make to our church is to provide leadership and guidance based on this business experience as well as my experience as a member of our congregation. I am very excited about the strategic path our clergy and Vestry are formulating and would be honored to participate in the development of our church’s future.
To contact by email: jepruitt@cisco.com
Tom Washington: Class of 2014

I have worked in project management for more than 30 years; the last 11 with Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte, directing designer and contractor teams in the hospitals' building program. Catherine, Clare and I moved to Charlotte in 2000, and after searching for a church for years we found St. John's and joined in 2007. The ministries at St. John's that we have been involved in include Acolyte, Acolyte Director, Bible Studies, EYC, Family Promise, Finance Committee, and Room at the Inn. Our family has also been very involved with activities at Carolinas Medical Center including Camp Care (camp for children in the metro area that have or have had cancer), Family Advisory Council, Rainbow of Hope, and Childhood Cancer Circle of Hope. This time to serve on the Vestry satisfies my desire to become more involved in the life and mission of St. John’s, to give whatever time and talents that I have back to our community, and to continue my faith journey in serving our Lord and Savior.

To contact by email: vatechtommy@carolina.rr.com