Meet the Vestry
Longevity with the St. David's community is the most prominent feature I bring as a vestry member. My family has attended St David’s for 26 years!
I grew up in a church-going family, attending an inter-denominational protestant church. My husband, Andy, grew up in a progressive Catholic church. Years ago, we were invited to visit St. David’s when in the area for a job interview. It was Easter Sunday and it was the inspiring, welcoming place we know today. When we moved here, we already had our church home. Later, I was received at St. David’s into the Episcopal community.
Professionally I am a middle school French teacher and I recently added a certificate in Translation with an eye toward branching out. I retired from teaching a year ago but took a long-term sub job last year so this my first year in a long time not teaching. I love languages and language learning, and I believe that communication and the understanding you get from speaking a local language is the best way to connect people and to build a peaceful global community. It’s essential that young people engage with the world. We all can benefit from seeing perspectives outside our own day to day routines.
I have a second job which is related to my husband Andy’s work. I am co-coordinator of a dental study club which provides continuing education for dental professionals in Loudoun County. My role is a combination of project management, event planning and bookkeeping. Andy and I have two grown children, Connor and Amanda, who grew up attending St. David’s. I am also a new dog mom for the rescue pup we adopted in September.
Over the years I have been involved in many areas at St. David’s including newcomer coffees, childcare, altar guild, Journey in Faith, VBS, welcome committee, and most of all, choir and music. As a family we participated in youth group and Reach youth mission trips and I personally attended Reach trips two different years. I also went on one of the Honduras mission trips.
My skill set tends toward the analysis, organization and presentation side. Teaching has allowed me to find clear ways to communicate information and to find relevant ways for a variety of people to engage with a topic. I have computer literacy and tech skills. I tend to use words carefully and sometimes get a reputation for being the diplomat in situations. It’s a key to earning trust which is a baseline value to me that you don’t put at risk. I like to promote community and have done that in small ways: I have organized things in my neighborhood - trash pickup, cookouts, and street meet-ups (during the pandemic) to make sure everyone is ok.
St. David’s is such an exciting place to be. I have seen so many people find a home in this community. The invitation to God’s table and recognition that we are all on a spiritual journey opens the door to faith for so many people. The sermons, music and prayer are for me the most meaningful highlights of our services. The way we reach out to each other and engage newcomers is just the essence of who we are and it inspires me. I accepted the vestry nomination because I feel that most everyone should be willing to take a turn shouldering our community’s responsibilities, but I also feel I want to see this community continue to thrive in this time of transition back to in-person services. I feel I can bring a voice of experience on the music ministry side. I am also very interested in continuing our great history with outreach – both distant and local. I think it’s important to offer many ways for every person and family to get involved whether through a regular weekly option or a one-hour initiative. It’s a privilege to be part of this very special covenant community and I look forward to serving.
I grew up in a church-going family, attending an inter-denominational protestant church. My husband, Andy, grew up in a progressive Catholic church. Years ago, we were invited to visit St. David’s when in the area for a job interview. It was Easter Sunday and it was the inspiring, welcoming place we know today. When we moved here, we already had our church home. Later, I was received at St. David’s into the Episcopal community.
Professionally I am a middle school French teacher and I recently added a certificate in Translation with an eye toward branching out. I retired from teaching a year ago but took a long-term sub job last year so this my first year in a long time not teaching. I love languages and language learning, and I believe that communication and the understanding you get from speaking a local language is the best way to connect people and to build a peaceful global community. It’s essential that young people engage with the world. We all can benefit from seeing perspectives outside our own day to day routines.
I have a second job which is related to my husband Andy’s work. I am co-coordinator of a dental study club which provides continuing education for dental professionals in Loudoun County. My role is a combination of project management, event planning and bookkeeping. Andy and I have two grown children, Connor and Amanda, who grew up attending St. David’s. I am also a new dog mom for the rescue pup we adopted in September.
Over the years I have been involved in many areas at St. David’s including newcomer coffees, childcare, altar guild, Journey in Faith, VBS, welcome committee, and most of all, choir and music. As a family we participated in youth group and Reach youth mission trips and I personally attended Reach trips two different years. I also went on one of the Honduras mission trips.
My skill set tends toward the analysis, organization and presentation side. Teaching has allowed me to find clear ways to communicate information and to find relevant ways for a variety of people to engage with a topic. I have computer literacy and tech skills. I tend to use words carefully and sometimes get a reputation for being the diplomat in situations. It’s a key to earning trust which is a baseline value to me that you don’t put at risk. I like to promote community and have done that in small ways: I have organized things in my neighborhood - trash pickup, cookouts, and street meet-ups (during the pandemic) to make sure everyone is ok.
St. David’s is such an exciting place to be. I have seen so many people find a home in this community. The invitation to God’s table and recognition that we are all on a spiritual journey opens the door to faith for so many people. The sermons, music and prayer are for me the most meaningful highlights of our services. The way we reach out to each other and engage newcomers is just the essence of who we are and it inspires me. I accepted the vestry nomination because I feel that most everyone should be willing to take a turn shouldering our community’s responsibilities, but I also feel I want to see this community continue to thrive in this time of transition back to in-person services. I feel I can bring a voice of experience on the music ministry side. I am also very interested in continuing our great history with outreach – both distant and local. I think it’s important to offer many ways for every person and family to get involved whether through a regular weekly option or a one-hour initiative. It’s a privilege to be part of this very special covenant community and I look forward to serving.
Tabatha Bragg
My name is Tabatha Bragg. I have been an educator for 26 years. I have worked for FCPS for the last 22 years as a World language teacher. I am as well the coordinator of Community Outreach at Westfield High School. I work with the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary to provide programming for senior internships and wellness events for our 10th graders. I hold a BSE in French, a MEd. from GMU in Leadership and Supervision in Education, and a post graduate degree in language instruction from UVA.
I am a mother of a 17 year old daughter, Keagan, and a 20 year old son, Mason. Both have been brought up at Saint David’s and have attended Reach and the youth group. I enjoy gardening, cooking and yoga. I served in the USMC for 8 years and participated in Operation Desert Storm.
At Saint David’s I am a member of the Daughter of the King, help with the flower guild and have taught Sunday School.
I was asked to run for the vestry by a member of Saint David’s. I see this as a calling if God is willing. I would be honored to serve where the Lord asks me. My goals for the Vestry are what is best for Saint David’s and the community at large.
My name is Tabatha Bragg. I have been an educator for 26 years. I have worked for FCPS for the last 22 years as a World language teacher. I am as well the coordinator of Community Outreach at Westfield High School. I work with the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary to provide programming for senior internships and wellness events for our 10th graders. I hold a BSE in French, a MEd. from GMU in Leadership and Supervision in Education, and a post graduate degree in language instruction from UVA.
I am a mother of a 17 year old daughter, Keagan, and a 20 year old son, Mason. Both have been brought up at Saint David’s and have attended Reach and the youth group. I enjoy gardening, cooking and yoga. I served in the USMC for 8 years and participated in Operation Desert Storm.
At Saint David’s I am a member of the Daughter of the King, help with the flower guild and have taught Sunday School.
I was asked to run for the vestry by a member of Saint David’s. I see this as a calling if God is willing. I would be honored to serve where the Lord asks me. My goals for the Vestry are what is best for Saint David’s and the community at large.
Jenkins Cooper
My wife, Cecelia and I are devoted Episcopalians, growing up in homes with parents that dedicated their lives to the Episcopal Church in Liberia. We followed Father Johnson to St. David’s, where we have now made this Parish our home in the US.
Both Cecelia and I are active members of this Parish, serving as Ushers. I was also elected as Secretary of BOSA for the 2020 church year and serve as member of the “Coffee Connect” team.
My Vision for St. David’s is to help grow its spiritual awareness of Jesus as Lord our Savior and God as our Maker. We should also continue striving to build a spirit of unity and cohesiveness in the church that transcends economic status, race, gender, or politics. If we can build such a church and environment, we can build a membership base that will be sustainable for years to come. Building this base also comes with the added responsibilities of sustaining and even expanding this base—enhancing our various ministries, providing better services and care for parishioners, trying to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of all members. This will require added financial resources. I am prepared to work on the Vestry to explore diverse and innovative means of fundraising and stewardship to support the various operations and activities of St. David’s daily and for long-term sustainability.
My career in international development has shaped my life to help care for the needy and God’s children. I am an Economist, and Lawyer with 40 years of experience designing, developing, implementing and monitoring a wide range of international development projects funded by USAID, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other donor agencies across the globe. These projects in health; education; community service; governance, rights and democracy; economic growth; and humanitarian assistance. Over the past 30 years, I have worked as a senior staff member of The Mitchell Group, Inc. (TMG), a Veteran-owned business, and am now serving as TMG’s Vice President/Operations with responsibility for providing overall support for TMG’s contracts and subcontracts, of which more than 80 percent has been with the US Government (USG), including complex/global contracts with ceilings hitting the $3 billion mark.
As TMG’s Vice President/Operations, I have presided over an expansion of the company’s project portfolio, gaining further insights and experience in interacting with USG officials involved with these projects as well as other stakeholders and beneficiaries overseas, including women and children. I have also coordinated the fielding and supervision of multiple long-term and short-term teams working on these contracts and have learned from the challenges and opportunities involved in providing this level of technical assistance to our USG clients.
I hope that my vast and rich experience helping the poor and raising hundreds of people from poverty, educating kids from primary levels with life-changing skills, and providing access to health care for millions, will allow me to serve the Vestry well, and give me the opportunity to achieve my Vision for St. David’s
My wife, Cecelia and I are devoted Episcopalians, growing up in homes with parents that dedicated their lives to the Episcopal Church in Liberia. We followed Father Johnson to St. David’s, where we have now made this Parish our home in the US.
Both Cecelia and I are active members of this Parish, serving as Ushers. I was also elected as Secretary of BOSA for the 2020 church year and serve as member of the “Coffee Connect” team.
My Vision for St. David’s is to help grow its spiritual awareness of Jesus as Lord our Savior and God as our Maker. We should also continue striving to build a spirit of unity and cohesiveness in the church that transcends economic status, race, gender, or politics. If we can build such a church and environment, we can build a membership base that will be sustainable for years to come. Building this base also comes with the added responsibilities of sustaining and even expanding this base—enhancing our various ministries, providing better services and care for parishioners, trying to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of all members. This will require added financial resources. I am prepared to work on the Vestry to explore diverse and innovative means of fundraising and stewardship to support the various operations and activities of St. David’s daily and for long-term sustainability.
My career in international development has shaped my life to help care for the needy and God’s children. I am an Economist, and Lawyer with 40 years of experience designing, developing, implementing and monitoring a wide range of international development projects funded by USAID, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other donor agencies across the globe. These projects in health; education; community service; governance, rights and democracy; economic growth; and humanitarian assistance. Over the past 30 years, I have worked as a senior staff member of The Mitchell Group, Inc. (TMG), a Veteran-owned business, and am now serving as TMG’s Vice President/Operations with responsibility for providing overall support for TMG’s contracts and subcontracts, of which more than 80 percent has been with the US Government (USG), including complex/global contracts with ceilings hitting the $3 billion mark.
As TMG’s Vice President/Operations, I have presided over an expansion of the company’s project portfolio, gaining further insights and experience in interacting with USG officials involved with these projects as well as other stakeholders and beneficiaries overseas, including women and children. I have also coordinated the fielding and supervision of multiple long-term and short-term teams working on these contracts and have learned from the challenges and opportunities involved in providing this level of technical assistance to our USG clients.
I hope that my vast and rich experience helping the poor and raising hundreds of people from poverty, educating kids from primary levels with life-changing skills, and providing access to health care for millions, will allow me to serve the Vestry well, and give me the opportunity to achieve my Vision for St. David’s
Rohit Dean
I am a Mathematician and Computer Scientist by education; and a Systems Integrator by Trade. I help Commercial Organizations, Higher Education Institutions, and Federal Agencies with their Financial and Supply Chain Transformations with a focus on Implementing, Upgrading, and Managing Oracle Enterprise Applications. I work for a Big Four Professional Services Firm and currently lead a large team of experts supporting a Federal Health Agency. I have experience managing people, processes, technology, budgets, financials, and communications. Over the course of my over 24 year professional career, I have managed complex projects and held a number of leadership positions – most recently, leading all civilian sector sales for my practice, building a pipeline of over $700 Million, and managing a portfolio of projects worth over $10 Million per year. I believe, that with my professional skills and experience, I will bring the same rigor and pragmatic leadership style to the Vestry and St. David’s.
I am a lifelong Episcopalian. My grandfather was a farmer turned Anglican priest in the state of Punjab that is now part of present day Pakistan. In 1947, after Colonial India attained independence from the British rule, he migrated to Secular and Free India to avoid the religious persecution that eventually followed in Pakistan after the partition of the Nation. He lived and preached in the part of Punjab, which remained in India after the partition, and eventually settled in the neighboring state of Haryana. I was born and raised in New Delhi where my father and mother had settled and we attended the Free Church in Central Delhi, which is part of the Church of North India (CNI). CNI is a province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. I was baptized and confirmed there so naturally when I moved from North India to North America (in 1998), I sought out the same. Over the years, my wife, Anjum, daughter, Zaara, and I have attended All Saints Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA, and Olivet Episcopal Church in Franconia, VA. Since our move to Ashburn, VA in 2006, we have called St. David’s our church home. I used to manage and operate the Audio Visual equipment at Olivet but God called me to serve in the Usher/Greeter ministry at St. David’s. Within a few weeks of volunteering as an Usher, I took over the Usher/Greeter Servant Leader responsibility from Jerry Hayes who was being called upon to serve in other ways at that time. I have been serving in this ministry ever since. In 2018, Anjum, and I started volunteering to maintain the church website. I also manage the administration of the church SharePoint site. I am eternally grateful for the spiritual education that I continue to receive and feel God’s call once again to kick it up a notch by offering my talents as a member of the Vestry.
I am passionate about education, inclusion, youth intervention, conservation, sustainable growth, and challenging the status-quo. As a church community, we have done a lot in these areas, but more needs to be done. As a member of the Vestry, I plan to be the servant leader who works for the congregation, the staff, and the clergy by focusing on new, and unconventional revenue streams for funding the work that needs to be done in these areas, and reaching out to the congregation to find the best athletes and promote skills based volunteering in our church.
I am a Mathematician and Computer Scientist by education; and a Systems Integrator by Trade. I help Commercial Organizations, Higher Education Institutions, and Federal Agencies with their Financial and Supply Chain Transformations with a focus on Implementing, Upgrading, and Managing Oracle Enterprise Applications. I work for a Big Four Professional Services Firm and currently lead a large team of experts supporting a Federal Health Agency. I have experience managing people, processes, technology, budgets, financials, and communications. Over the course of my over 24 year professional career, I have managed complex projects and held a number of leadership positions – most recently, leading all civilian sector sales for my practice, building a pipeline of over $700 Million, and managing a portfolio of projects worth over $10 Million per year. I believe, that with my professional skills and experience, I will bring the same rigor and pragmatic leadership style to the Vestry and St. David’s.
I am a lifelong Episcopalian. My grandfather was a farmer turned Anglican priest in the state of Punjab that is now part of present day Pakistan. In 1947, after Colonial India attained independence from the British rule, he migrated to Secular and Free India to avoid the religious persecution that eventually followed in Pakistan after the partition of the Nation. He lived and preached in the part of Punjab, which remained in India after the partition, and eventually settled in the neighboring state of Haryana. I was born and raised in New Delhi where my father and mother had settled and we attended the Free Church in Central Delhi, which is part of the Church of North India (CNI). CNI is a province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. I was baptized and confirmed there so naturally when I moved from North India to North America (in 1998), I sought out the same. Over the years, my wife, Anjum, daughter, Zaara, and I have attended All Saints Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA, and Olivet Episcopal Church in Franconia, VA. Since our move to Ashburn, VA in 2006, we have called St. David’s our church home. I used to manage and operate the Audio Visual equipment at Olivet but God called me to serve in the Usher/Greeter ministry at St. David’s. Within a few weeks of volunteering as an Usher, I took over the Usher/Greeter Servant Leader responsibility from Jerry Hayes who was being called upon to serve in other ways at that time. I have been serving in this ministry ever since. In 2018, Anjum, and I started volunteering to maintain the church website. I also manage the administration of the church SharePoint site. I am eternally grateful for the spiritual education that I continue to receive and feel God’s call once again to kick it up a notch by offering my talents as a member of the Vestry.
I am passionate about education, inclusion, youth intervention, conservation, sustainable growth, and challenging the status-quo. As a church community, we have done a lot in these areas, but more needs to be done. As a member of the Vestry, I plan to be the servant leader who works for the congregation, the staff, and the clergy by focusing on new, and unconventional revenue streams for funding the work that needs to be done in these areas, and reaching out to the congregation to find the best athletes and promote skills based volunteering in our church.
Dr. Kondeh Greaves, MD, FACOG
Dr. Greaves was born in Liberia where she spent her formative years as well as Zimbabwe, which greatly influenced her life and global view. Dr. Greaves received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine and Medical Technology from St. Augustine’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a graduate of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She completed an internship and residency in OB/GYN at both Emory University & Wayne State University, respectively. Dr. Greaves is a member of several professional organizations to include the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Greaves has done medical missions to Liberia and was instrumental in the formation of Project Liberia Ebola, which sent medical supplies to 25 medical facilities in Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Currently she serves on the Bromley Mission Outreach committee of St. David’s Episcopal Church. She is a life long Episcopalian and was an acolyte until college. Kondeh is passionate about life and loves movies, traveling, cross fit training, music and volunteering for social causes. She is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist in Northern Virginia where she resides with her family.
Dr. Greaves was born in Liberia where she spent her formative years as well as Zimbabwe, which greatly influenced her life and global view. Dr. Greaves received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine and Medical Technology from St. Augustine’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a graduate of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She completed an internship and residency in OB/GYN at both Emory University & Wayne State University, respectively. Dr. Greaves is a member of several professional organizations to include the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Greaves has done medical missions to Liberia and was instrumental in the formation of Project Liberia Ebola, which sent medical supplies to 25 medical facilities in Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Currently she serves on the Bromley Mission Outreach committee of St. David’s Episcopal Church. She is a life long Episcopalian and was an acolyte until college. Kondeh is passionate about life and loves movies, traveling, cross fit training, music and volunteering for social causes. She is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist in Northern Virginia where she resides with her family.
Keith Korin
My wife Cindy Korin and our 2 children Madeline and Tommy have been members here for over 9 years. Our family has been involved over the years with several programs here at St. David’s and those programs include Backpack Buddies, Grace to Go, teaching Sunday school classes and assisting with 30 good minutes. One of my proudest moments at St. David’s took place several years back when my wife and kids were baptized here at our church as we ventured into our membership at St. David’s.
Being a former vestry member for 2 years has given me insights on how the business side of our church works and how it needs to be managed on a yearly basis. With all the changes going on around our campus, I believe the experience I bring from my business background outside St. David’s and my love for this church is essential the driving force on why I would like to be part of the vestry team again. I really enjoyed my time on the vestry in the past and the challenges that come along with the role and looking forward to stepping up to the challenge for a second time.
Besides my time on the vestry, I have been involved with our Domestic Outreach programs with a focus on Backpack Buddies and working with Grace to Go as a volunteer. Over the last 4 years I have had the honor to help oversee the Backpack Buddies program which currently sends over 75 bags a week to help provide weekend meals for 2 Ashburn Elementary schools. I am also on the board of directors for the Loudoun Backpack Buddies Foundation and a member of the Ashburn Rotary.
My focus and priorities with both the vestry and St. David’s will be on growing our church membership and driving our fund-raising efforts.
My wife Cindy Korin and our 2 children Madeline and Tommy have been members here for over 9 years. Our family has been involved over the years with several programs here at St. David’s and those programs include Backpack Buddies, Grace to Go, teaching Sunday school classes and assisting with 30 good minutes. One of my proudest moments at St. David’s took place several years back when my wife and kids were baptized here at our church as we ventured into our membership at St. David’s.
Being a former vestry member for 2 years has given me insights on how the business side of our church works and how it needs to be managed on a yearly basis. With all the changes going on around our campus, I believe the experience I bring from my business background outside St. David’s and my love for this church is essential the driving force on why I would like to be part of the vestry team again. I really enjoyed my time on the vestry in the past and the challenges that come along with the role and looking forward to stepping up to the challenge for a second time.
Besides my time on the vestry, I have been involved with our Domestic Outreach programs with a focus on Backpack Buddies and working with Grace to Go as a volunteer. Over the last 4 years I have had the honor to help oversee the Backpack Buddies program which currently sends over 75 bags a week to help provide weekend meals for 2 Ashburn Elementary schools. I am also on the board of directors for the Loudoun Backpack Buddies Foundation and a member of the Ashburn Rotary.
My focus and priorities with both the vestry and St. David’s will be on growing our church membership and driving our fund-raising efforts.
Jen Peiler
My name is Jen Peiler. My son Felix and I have been members of St. David’s for several years. I’ve been involved with the Restoring Eden Garden and the Green Team, and have on occasion participated with the Youth Group. I chaperoned on the Reach mission trip 2 years ago.
I love it here at St. David’s. When I was looking for a church home, a friend of mine in our Cub Scout pack suggested I might like St. David’s. Felix and I were so warmly received, and I feel I’ve really found my people in this congregation. I’ve been very involved with scouting for more than 10 years, as a parent, Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster and for five of the years as Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 58, chartered by St.David’s.
Originally from New Jersey, I attended Smith College in Massachusetts, graduating with a BA in German Language and Literature. After graduation, I promptly moved to northern Germany ...because what else do you do with a German degree? We moved back to the States in 2003 and then settled in Ashburn in 2004.
Except for a short stint as an English teacher in Germany, I’ve spent my entire professional life involved in graphic design, print production, marketing and advertising. Currently I design and produce the monthly magazine and handle communications for the Ashburn Village Community Association. I hope to be able to bring my design and organizational skills and my enthusiasm to the Vestry and especially to the marketing efforts at St. David’s.
My name is Jen Peiler. My son Felix and I have been members of St. David’s for several years. I’ve been involved with the Restoring Eden Garden and the Green Team, and have on occasion participated with the Youth Group. I chaperoned on the Reach mission trip 2 years ago.
I love it here at St. David’s. When I was looking for a church home, a friend of mine in our Cub Scout pack suggested I might like St. David’s. Felix and I were so warmly received, and I feel I’ve really found my people in this congregation. I’ve been very involved with scouting for more than 10 years, as a parent, Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster and for five of the years as Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 58, chartered by St.David’s.
Originally from New Jersey, I attended Smith College in Massachusetts, graduating with a BA in German Language and Literature. After graduation, I promptly moved to northern Germany ...because what else do you do with a German degree? We moved back to the States in 2003 and then settled in Ashburn in 2004.
Except for a short stint as an English teacher in Germany, I’ve spent my entire professional life involved in graphic design, print production, marketing and advertising. Currently I design and produce the monthly magazine and handle communications for the Ashburn Village Community Association. I hope to be able to bring my design and organizational skills and my enthusiasm to the Vestry and especially to the marketing efforts at St. David’s.
David Sheatsley
My wife, Josie, and I attended St. David’s for the first time on Easter Sunday 2017, thereby making us new comers. We both immediately knew we had found a new church home. We received the warmest welcome we had ever received among the Episcopal churches we have attended over the years. We also felt a dynamic from the clergy, congregants, and choir that was absolutely refreshing. Knowing that high Sunday’s may be somewhat atypical, we attended St. David’s the following Sunday and found the same characteristics we had witnessed the week before. We were hooked and let Mary Kay and others know that we had found a church home.
Since my r-r-retirement year before last (still hard to say), I have been trying to find an channel for people interaction and an ability to contribute in the many ways I can…something to get my creative juices flowing. I joined the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, which has been a blessing, never having had the opportunity to be part of a men’s group. BOSA has become an integral part of my spiritual journey. Prior to our last meeting, I was speaking with Brother Ken Coulter and during our brief talk I mentioned that I had been a vestry member in a previous life. He said that he wished he had known that, basically suggesting that he thought I would be a welcomed candidate for the upcoming vestry election. I took his comment to heart and wished that I had taken steps to allow my name to be placed with the extremely talented and prayerful group of candidates. Knowing the highs and lows of serving on a vestry, I asked for God’s guidance. God came through last Sunday, when the three candidates were presented for four openings. Without hesitation, I stood up and made it known to Rev. Mary Kay, the members of the vestry and congregants that I would gladly fill the fourth opening. I have rarely done this before and I know that God gave me not only the opportunity I was seeking, but also the strength to make such a public pronouncement.
Born in Tacoma, WA, and raised in Spokane and Oklahoma City, my parents moved the family to Northern Virginia in 1964, where I have stayed except for job moves to Los Angeles and Orlando. I received my strong church foundation at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City, the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. As such, it was a fairly high church with acolyte training almost comparable to a seminary course. We learned not only how to take the right actions, but also why. Oklahoma City is where I entered scouting and earned, along with my twin brother, the Eagle Scout award as well as scouting’s highest religious honor. We carried all of these as part of our relocation to Northern Virginia.
In general, my career can be best summed up as learning about populations and collecting data to understand what is taking place and why. I served as the demographer for Fairfax County back in the 70s and early 80s, estimating population growth and the widely changing characteristics of the population. A fortuitous job changed got me involved in the travel and tourism industry for the Commonwealth of Virginia, destination marketing organizations, the U.S. industry and then the private sector. I thrive on survey research and discerning trends and marketing insights based on these data. This is a specific skill I can bring to the vestry as St. David’s continues to evolve while ensuring that its core foundations remain strong. As an aside, I was hired by the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island to conduct an analysis recommending which, if any, churches should be shuttered due largely to declining membership and pledging, resulting in an oversupply of churches. I also prepared and marketed a guide to church planning, which was an offshoot from my time on the vestry and treasurer at Christ Church, Charlottesville.
As a relative new comer, I have much to learn about St. David’s and the many populations it serves. I don’t pretend to have a grasp of the opportunities and challenges facing St. David’s in the short- and long-term. What I do know is the importance of St. David’s to the community, both inside and outside its walls. Given my previous vestry experience and ability to measure and discern trends, I hope to add an “empirical” aspect to the vestry and clergy to help in the decision-making process. I am excited about the proposed parish hall and, especially, the outdoor chapel. The architectural rendering reminds me of Shrine Mont, the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration and the cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia, located in Orkney Springs, VA. Josie and I first attended Shrine Mont when we were in high school and it remains one of my favorite places on this earth.
My wife, Josie, and I attended St. David’s for the first time on Easter Sunday 2017, thereby making us new comers. We both immediately knew we had found a new church home. We received the warmest welcome we had ever received among the Episcopal churches we have attended over the years. We also felt a dynamic from the clergy, congregants, and choir that was absolutely refreshing. Knowing that high Sunday’s may be somewhat atypical, we attended St. David’s the following Sunday and found the same characteristics we had witnessed the week before. We were hooked and let Mary Kay and others know that we had found a church home.
Since my r-r-retirement year before last (still hard to say), I have been trying to find an channel for people interaction and an ability to contribute in the many ways I can…something to get my creative juices flowing. I joined the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, which has been a blessing, never having had the opportunity to be part of a men’s group. BOSA has become an integral part of my spiritual journey. Prior to our last meeting, I was speaking with Brother Ken Coulter and during our brief talk I mentioned that I had been a vestry member in a previous life. He said that he wished he had known that, basically suggesting that he thought I would be a welcomed candidate for the upcoming vestry election. I took his comment to heart and wished that I had taken steps to allow my name to be placed with the extremely talented and prayerful group of candidates. Knowing the highs and lows of serving on a vestry, I asked for God’s guidance. God came through last Sunday, when the three candidates were presented for four openings. Without hesitation, I stood up and made it known to Rev. Mary Kay, the members of the vestry and congregants that I would gladly fill the fourth opening. I have rarely done this before and I know that God gave me not only the opportunity I was seeking, but also the strength to make such a public pronouncement.
Born in Tacoma, WA, and raised in Spokane and Oklahoma City, my parents moved the family to Northern Virginia in 1964, where I have stayed except for job moves to Los Angeles and Orlando. I received my strong church foundation at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City, the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. As such, it was a fairly high church with acolyte training almost comparable to a seminary course. We learned not only how to take the right actions, but also why. Oklahoma City is where I entered scouting and earned, along with my twin brother, the Eagle Scout award as well as scouting’s highest religious honor. We carried all of these as part of our relocation to Northern Virginia.
In general, my career can be best summed up as learning about populations and collecting data to understand what is taking place and why. I served as the demographer for Fairfax County back in the 70s and early 80s, estimating population growth and the widely changing characteristics of the population. A fortuitous job changed got me involved in the travel and tourism industry for the Commonwealth of Virginia, destination marketing organizations, the U.S. industry and then the private sector. I thrive on survey research and discerning trends and marketing insights based on these data. This is a specific skill I can bring to the vestry as St. David’s continues to evolve while ensuring that its core foundations remain strong. As an aside, I was hired by the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island to conduct an analysis recommending which, if any, churches should be shuttered due largely to declining membership and pledging, resulting in an oversupply of churches. I also prepared and marketed a guide to church planning, which was an offshoot from my time on the vestry and treasurer at Christ Church, Charlottesville.
As a relative new comer, I have much to learn about St. David’s and the many populations it serves. I don’t pretend to have a grasp of the opportunities and challenges facing St. David’s in the short- and long-term. What I do know is the importance of St. David’s to the community, both inside and outside its walls. Given my previous vestry experience and ability to measure and discern trends, I hope to add an “empirical” aspect to the vestry and clergy to help in the decision-making process. I am excited about the proposed parish hall and, especially, the outdoor chapel. The architectural rendering reminds me of Shrine Mont, the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration and the cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia, located in Orkney Springs, VA. Josie and I first attended Shrine Mont when we were in high school and it remains one of my favorite places on this earth.
Anne Shively
My name is Anne Shively. I am originally from Long Island, NY, and was raised in the Catholic faith. My husband, son, and I moved to Ashburn, VA in 2001 after my husband retired from the Air Force. That same year, we were looking for a new church home. We discovered St. David’s nestled in the woods and have been attending ever since.
My professional background is in education. I have a master’s degree in Special Education. My most recent position was serving as Student Partnership Exchange Program Director at the George C. Marshall International Center in Leesburg. I am a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization), Chapter AZ, Herndon, which supports women’s education. I currently chair our chapter’s Scholar Award Committee, with the responsibility of seeking and nominating outstanding PhD candidates for scholarships as well as serving on a scholarship committee for high school students. I have delivered food to homebound residents and have driven the elderly and people with disabilities to medical appointments with Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers for the past eight years.
At St. David’s, I have served as a Sunday School teacher, a Hospitality Team ministry member, as the head of the Loudoun Hunger Relief and Good Shepherd Alliance ministries for Domestic Outreach, and on the Eden Garden ministry.
I am honored to serve on the vestry to promote and support the continuing growth of St. David’s and further our involvement in the local community.
My name is Anne Shively. I am originally from Long Island, NY, and was raised in the Catholic faith. My husband, son, and I moved to Ashburn, VA in 2001 after my husband retired from the Air Force. That same year, we were looking for a new church home. We discovered St. David’s nestled in the woods and have been attending ever since.
My professional background is in education. I have a master’s degree in Special Education. My most recent position was serving as Student Partnership Exchange Program Director at the George C. Marshall International Center in Leesburg. I am a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization), Chapter AZ, Herndon, which supports women’s education. I currently chair our chapter’s Scholar Award Committee, with the responsibility of seeking and nominating outstanding PhD candidates for scholarships as well as serving on a scholarship committee for high school students. I have delivered food to homebound residents and have driven the elderly and people with disabilities to medical appointments with Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers for the past eight years.
At St. David’s, I have served as a Sunday School teacher, a Hospitality Team ministry member, as the head of the Loudoun Hunger Relief and Good Shepherd Alliance ministries for Domestic Outreach, and on the Eden Garden ministry.
I am honored to serve on the vestry to promote and support the continuing growth of St. David’s and further our involvement in the local community.
|
St. David's Episcopal Church & School
43600 Russell Branch Parkway Ashburn, VA 20147 703-729-0570 703-729-7481 (Pastoral Care emergency line) Church office: office@sdlife.org School office: psfrontdesk@sdlife.org |
