We are blessed and thankful that several members have indicated interest to serve Saint Mary’s as we move into a new phase of our life in community. We have several open positions: Warden, Vestry, Treasurer, and Clerk.
The approval of these candidates will be an order of business during our annual meeting (May 1, 2022). These are our members who have indicated their willingness and interest to serve:
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Nina Johnson
Candidate for Warden |
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My family and I have been at St. Mary’s for approximately 15 years. I have always felt welcomed and at home here, and have enjoyed asking questions, trying on new ideas, and learning more about Episcopalianism and churchy stuff and my own experience of God. Over the years I have been involved in a variety of ways: Choir/music team, hospitality, development of the 9am service, being a lay leader, outreach/activism, the auction, ECMN convention, adult ed., book groups & anti-racism, the worship team… and I am just finishing up my first term serving on the Vestry. The past 3+ years have been full of grief, loss and uncertainty, but it has also been a time of strengthening bonds and quietly growing inside. It’s like we’re a bulb under the melting snow, gathering ourselves, pulling in warmth and new energy, and on our way towards blooming again. I have really enjoyed and valued being a part of the Vestry, and I’m looking forward to working with the Vestry and our new priest as we move forward. With a nod to Susan’s beautiful Easter sermon, I am excited to be a part of our resurrection! |
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Julie Thomas
Candidate for Vestry |
| I am a lifelong, or as it is said – “Cradle” Episcopalian, and a member of St. Mary’s for 23 years. During my time here I have served on the vestry twice, and today serve a variety of lay positions during Sunday services. Prior to Covid times, I usually attended the 11:00 Traditional service. Having grown up with a church organist for a mother, that traditional music is in my bones! I do enjoy newer music as well though, and enjoy the mix we have today.
In addition to the above; over the years I have become the unofficial Food and Beverage director for St. Mary’s. When I first started attending, I had recently finished a 20+ year career in restaurant management. I’ve continued to use those skills in organizing events such as the Lessons and Carols dinners and Auction extravaganzas. I’m looking forward to the days when we can gather for those meals again!
I’m interested in serving on the St. Mary’s Vestry because I think this is a very exciting time for us. While we have had our challenges over the past few years, I believe we are on the brink of building a stronger, better community. We have pulled together in amazing ways, and with a new Rector and the (fingers crossed) easing of Covid I think we are headed for greatness. Yes – it will take some work, but we have the resources and love for each other to build something amazing! I am looking forward to be a part of it.
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Anna Clark
Candidate for Vestry |
| I have been going to St. Mary’s for about ten years. My wife Anne and I had our wedding in the church, and also my mother’s funeral. St. Mary’s warm community has long been a source of strength and comfort for us.
A cradle Episcopalian, I returned to the church after many years because I experienced a spiritual reawakening and found that the Episcopal Church had become more progressive, accepting, and lively. I love the 9 am worship style for its creativity and openness, but the more traditional language is also beautiful and important for many people. I am interested in serving on the vestry to help our exciting new rector rebuild our community and attract new members, especially younger people, with our approach that offers something different. I am most interested in liturgy and social causes. My work is as a history teacher at the University of Minnesota, specializing in British and Irish history, gender and sexuality, and human rights. |
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Cathy McNaughton
Candidate for Vestry |
| I joined St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in August 2008. It was just what I was looking for… a church with weekly Eucharistic Services who also believes in Consubstantiation, and had a well formed choir. (It was also within walking distance from my home.) The next year, I experienced the more progressive service (form 3) and fell in love with it also. Since that time I have continued to attend both services. To most people this probably seems a little excessive but when you have no family here and you are 80 years young then you tend to make your church your family and this is what I think of St. Mary’s…MY FAMILY.
Not only have I been involved with the Liturgy committee, I was also on the Search committee who, I am proud to say, is partially responsible for bringing this wonderful new Rector (Lindsey). I hope to do this by being on the vestry as well as making myself available to her this summer by being on the Transition committee.
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Catherine Neuschler
In consideration for appointment by vestry: Treasurer |
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Catherine is a genetic Episcopalian with a strong treasurer streak (both her Dad and grandfather having served in those roles). She found St. Mary’s sometime in the mid-2000s after graduating from Macalester and has been a member since 2006. Raised in a small church in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Catherine is nourished by the traditions of the BCP and the 1982 hymnal (especially since her Dad was in the choir and Mom played the organ at times). Catherine gravitates towards roles that establish structures and systems that help others go out and do their best work – something she realized after a sermon by Anne Murphy many years ago.
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Aimee Sutherland
In consideration for appointment by vestry: Clerk |
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I have been at St Mary’s for over a decade. Currently, I work on ensuring currency of Safe Church training and our visitor log. I see the need for the clerk position and I feel like it is a commitment I am willing to put my talents toward.
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If each of the candidates are approved, and including consideration of those who anticipate completing their term on vestry, the whole of the leadership body (Priest, Wardens, and vestry) could include twelve (12) people! This is such a positive sign indicating the strength of our community and our combined energy for a bright future.
We are so blessed and so thankful to have these members of our community step forward with willingness to volunteer their time to do this work of our church!