Meet the Vestry
David Sheatsley, Sr. Warden
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.
Jenifer Bluhm, Jr. Warden
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.
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.
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.
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.
Margot Culhane
After confirming my desire to serve on the Vestry, Katherine emailed a link to Vestry biographies. They were immediately intimidating. “Oh God, what have I done?” God answered! “I called you. I’ve been calling you and will continue to call you. “Just walk in faith.” To which I said: “OK already.”
I want to serve St. David’s because of my deep and abiding love for this church, which saved my life. My desire for serving on the Vestry alongside the other members is to help ensure that the financial and business end of the church is robust and stable, enabling us to focus on being disciples of Christ to the community and beyond, growing our Church.
I worked in retail where I started as a salesperson and climbed the ladder to become assistant store manager at a large department store. During that time, I was tasked with opening a new store, which involved coordinating site construction, building a team from scratch and setting up an entire store of merchandise. Beyond retail, I worked in Operations Management with clients such as Boeing and Texas Instruments and their vendors on quality control and adherence to industry standards. I worked in Accounts Receivable serving as the liaison on the corporate steering committee. In my professional career, I’ve worked intimately with everyone from the line worker to the CEO, diligently working to build the big picture and iron out the details. I believe this will be an asset on the Vestry.
I was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and baptized Presbyterian. Early on, we moved to Falls Church and attended Falls Church Presbyterian where I sang in the choir. I did not want to move when my father – a Foreign Service Officer – was reassigned so I kept pulling up the for-sale sign. It didn’t work.
Off we went to Saudi Arabia. I was in 2nd grade where there were 20 different nationalities and ethnicities represented by less than 30 children. Dhahran was an alien landscape. Outside our yard on the compound, the desert was inhabited by scorpions, swarms of dragonflies, even wild dogs! Practicing Christianity was illegal. Being Christian could be dangerous. I hid my cross when we went to church. My father told us to respect, accept, and celebrate with joy that other places had other languages, religions, and customs. We were guests in their country, representing the U.S. I loved it there. And Santa came on a camel!
We went on to live in Istanbul, Tel-Aviv and spent a summer in Beirut and Amman. The horror of Hitler and the dangers of being Jewish was reinforced in Tel-Aviv. We had classrooms in the bomb shelter at school, and soldiers were everywhere with weapons visible and ready. I was blessed with the opportunity to worship in Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas and at the Garden Tomb in Gethsemane for Easter Sunrise service. Oh, it is wonderful to be Christian! We attended churches from Southern Baptist to Anglican. We left Tel-Aviv for Amman by car, crossing the Allenby Bridge. Along the way, we drove past a huge refugee camp. It is dangerous to be Palestinian! This brought me to a crisis of faith. How could this be happening here in the center of all Abrahamic faiths? Where was God? I was mad at Him and determined he must be dead. (Yet, I still talked to Him!?!)
Back in the U.S., 9/11 backlash then taught me it was dangerous to be Muslim!
Because of these life experiences, I know to consider the other side(s) of the story and to be open to, and balance, opposing ideas. For over 40 years I wandered the desert of belief without faith or hope, a prodigal child of God.
Then, what felt like a lifetime later, I was in crisis and despair. My son was exploring spirituality and we attended an evening service at St David’s. Throughout my life I was welcomed at all the churches I attended, but St. David’s was a warm hug that doesn’t let go. God called me home through Rev. Mary Kay and this congregation.
I was received into the Episcopal Church in June 2021. I have been online since the start of COVID and participated in a book group and the confirmation class. I look forward to returning and participating in person.
After confirming my desire to serve on the Vestry, Katherine emailed a link to Vestry biographies. They were immediately intimidating. “Oh God, what have I done?” God answered! “I called you. I’ve been calling you and will continue to call you. “Just walk in faith.” To which I said: “OK already.”
I want to serve St. David’s because of my deep and abiding love for this church, which saved my life. My desire for serving on the Vestry alongside the other members is to help ensure that the financial and business end of the church is robust and stable, enabling us to focus on being disciples of Christ to the community and beyond, growing our Church.
I worked in retail where I started as a salesperson and climbed the ladder to become assistant store manager at a large department store. During that time, I was tasked with opening a new store, which involved coordinating site construction, building a team from scratch and setting up an entire store of merchandise. Beyond retail, I worked in Operations Management with clients such as Boeing and Texas Instruments and their vendors on quality control and adherence to industry standards. I worked in Accounts Receivable serving as the liaison on the corporate steering committee. In my professional career, I’ve worked intimately with everyone from the line worker to the CEO, diligently working to build the big picture and iron out the details. I believe this will be an asset on the Vestry.
I was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and baptized Presbyterian. Early on, we moved to Falls Church and attended Falls Church Presbyterian where I sang in the choir. I did not want to move when my father – a Foreign Service Officer – was reassigned so I kept pulling up the for-sale sign. It didn’t work.
Off we went to Saudi Arabia. I was in 2nd grade where there were 20 different nationalities and ethnicities represented by less than 30 children. Dhahran was an alien landscape. Outside our yard on the compound, the desert was inhabited by scorpions, swarms of dragonflies, even wild dogs! Practicing Christianity was illegal. Being Christian could be dangerous. I hid my cross when we went to church. My father told us to respect, accept, and celebrate with joy that other places had other languages, religions, and customs. We were guests in their country, representing the U.S. I loved it there. And Santa came on a camel!
We went on to live in Istanbul, Tel-Aviv and spent a summer in Beirut and Amman. The horror of Hitler and the dangers of being Jewish was reinforced in Tel-Aviv. We had classrooms in the bomb shelter at school, and soldiers were everywhere with weapons visible and ready. I was blessed with the opportunity to worship in Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas and at the Garden Tomb in Gethsemane for Easter Sunrise service. Oh, it is wonderful to be Christian! We attended churches from Southern Baptist to Anglican. We left Tel-Aviv for Amman by car, crossing the Allenby Bridge. Along the way, we drove past a huge refugee camp. It is dangerous to be Palestinian! This brought me to a crisis of faith. How could this be happening here in the center of all Abrahamic faiths? Where was God? I was mad at Him and determined he must be dead. (Yet, I still talked to Him!?!)
Back in the U.S., 9/11 backlash then taught me it was dangerous to be Muslim!
Because of these life experiences, I know to consider the other side(s) of the story and to be open to, and balance, opposing ideas. For over 40 years I wandered the desert of belief without faith or hope, a prodigal child of God.
Then, what felt like a lifetime later, I was in crisis and despair. My son was exploring spirituality and we attended an evening service at St David’s. Throughout my life I was welcomed at all the churches I attended, but St. David’s was a warm hug that doesn’t let go. God called me home through Rev. Mary Kay and this congregation.
I was received into the Episcopal Church in June 2021. I have been online since the start of COVID and participated in a book group and the confirmation class. I look forward to returning and participating in person.
Dave Schmidt
I have been a practicing Episcopalian (and very involved in the church) my entire life. As a young adult, I participated in the Young People’s Fellowship (YPF, a ministry designed for the youth of the parish) and as an acolyte for many years. I served on St. David’s Vestry from January 2012 through January 2015 and was appointed (to fulfill the remaining term of an elected Vestry candidate who had to resign) from January 2016 through January 2017. I previously served on the Vestry at the first Episcopal church that my family and I attended when I was growing up: Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Gales Ferry, CT. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and sincerely hope to have the privilege to serve all of you, and our broader community, in this capacity at St. David’s.
I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the Wharton School. I served in our nation’s nuclear submarine force for 6 years to begin my career. Since then, I’ve held executive positions at several outstanding organizations, among them Gateway, AOL, Pearson (Education), and the company that I founded in 2015, Vality. I believe that my background and education would serve me well on the Vestry for our church. I feel that I would bring a strong sense of perspective, balance, and financial acumen to our church leadership team.
My involvement with St. David’s: From October 2010 through January 2017, I enjoyed the privilege of serving as the Treasurer here at St. David’s, working alongside our CFO, clergy, Vestry, and many others. I have been an active member of the St. David’s community since 1995. During my time at St. David’s, I have been active in many activities, among them (a) discernment committees for both Holly Hanback (the precursor to her candidacy for ordainment as an Episcopal deacon) and Maggie Parrott, (b) Truth or Consequences workshop facilitator, (c) active in support of our church’s causes, programs, and charities, among them the Loudoun Interfaith Relief food pantry, Relay for Life, and Shepherd Group. I have always given of my first fruits to our church and our community.
Why I’m running for Vestry: I very much want to expand my Christian leadership in our church. I’m running for our Vestry for the continued opportunity to serve God, His Christian community, and each one of you. Our church and community are in critical times of transition, and we need hard-working, passionate leaders to fulfill the void left when our amazing shepherd Rev. Mary Kay Brown resigned in February.
My Vestry priorities: Continue to evolve and improve our Christian faith community, including the following: (1) work with the St. David’s community to assist in hiring our next Rector, (2) continue our investment in, and recognition of, outstanding leadership for our church, (3) maintain and nurture a strong Christian foundation among our children and young adults, the future of our parish community, (4) support a strong financial framework for our church, and (5) build upon our momentum in spreading God’s word, within our church, among other Christians, and among those who do not yet know Him.
I have been a practicing Episcopalian (and very involved in the church) my entire life. As a young adult, I participated in the Young People’s Fellowship (YPF, a ministry designed for the youth of the parish) and as an acolyte for many years. I served on St. David’s Vestry from January 2012 through January 2015 and was appointed (to fulfill the remaining term of an elected Vestry candidate who had to resign) from January 2016 through January 2017. I previously served on the Vestry at the first Episcopal church that my family and I attended when I was growing up: Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Gales Ferry, CT. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and sincerely hope to have the privilege to serve all of you, and our broader community, in this capacity at St. David’s.
I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the Wharton School. I served in our nation’s nuclear submarine force for 6 years to begin my career. Since then, I’ve held executive positions at several outstanding organizations, among them Gateway, AOL, Pearson (Education), and the company that I founded in 2015, Vality. I believe that my background and education would serve me well on the Vestry for our church. I feel that I would bring a strong sense of perspective, balance, and financial acumen to our church leadership team.
My involvement with St. David’s: From October 2010 through January 2017, I enjoyed the privilege of serving as the Treasurer here at St. David’s, working alongside our CFO, clergy, Vestry, and many others. I have been an active member of the St. David’s community since 1995. During my time at St. David’s, I have been active in many activities, among them (a) discernment committees for both Holly Hanback (the precursor to her candidacy for ordainment as an Episcopal deacon) and Maggie Parrott, (b) Truth or Consequences workshop facilitator, (c) active in support of our church’s causes, programs, and charities, among them the Loudoun Interfaith Relief food pantry, Relay for Life, and Shepherd Group. I have always given of my first fruits to our church and our community.
Why I’m running for Vestry: I very much want to expand my Christian leadership in our church. I’m running for our Vestry for the continued opportunity to serve God, His Christian community, and each one of you. Our church and community are in critical times of transition, and we need hard-working, passionate leaders to fulfill the void left when our amazing shepherd Rev. Mary Kay Brown resigned in February.
My Vestry priorities: Continue to evolve and improve our Christian faith community, including the following: (1) work with the St. David’s community to assist in hiring our next Rector, (2) continue our investment in, and recognition of, outstanding leadership for our church, (3) maintain and nurture a strong Christian foundation among our children and young adults, the future of our parish community, (4) support a strong financial framework for our church, and (5) build upon our momentum in spreading God’s word, within our church, among other Christians, and among those who do not yet know Him.
Tanya Kerr
My name is Tanya Kerr. I am a Navy Vet, AF wife, mother (2 college age kids), dog owner (2 jumbo size dogs), and Realtor. I was introduced to the Episcopal faith at the age of 28 by my husband Jim. After 2 years of his wonderful example, I decided I wanted the peace Jim exhibited in his daily for myself. I began my spiritual journey in 1999. I was baptized Lutheran at the Gloria Dei church in Hampton Roads, besides my newborn son in April 2000.
We first attended St. David’s while our family was stationed in Hampton Roads (~2001). We were visiting my husband's parents for a holiday and Father Stephen won us over with a moving and enjoyable sermon, the people were welcoming and we were hooked. After that, we made sure to attend service any weekend we were in town. Being a military family, we went church shopping every 2 years, so we had a vast experience that made us truly appreciate how special St. David’s was.
Several years later, in 2004, when my husband got stationed at the Pentagon, we made Ashburn our chosen spot, knowing we already had a church "home". I assisted in running the Sunday school (I think I was in charge one year, but the preschool years are a blur, lol) We were assigned to Texas in 2007 and regretfully moved on (and on). Then an old Ashburn neighbor reached out telling us that they were selling the home next door to the one we had rented all those years ago. We knew it was time to come home.
My husband retired from the Air Force in 2013 and we moved to Broadlands. We helped out with St. David’s youth group and traveled to the Reach mission trips (4 or 5 times), but as our children grew older we had to work harder to stay connected in the church. I helped with Monday night Alleluia ministry and Jim got active with the sound team. I was also one of our voting delegates at the Episcopal convention in 2021 and will be for 2022. We also started doing Dining Outs and loved the Zoom calls for game nights during Covid.
My name is Tanya Kerr. I am a Navy Vet, AF wife, mother (2 college age kids), dog owner (2 jumbo size dogs), and Realtor. I was introduced to the Episcopal faith at the age of 28 by my husband Jim. After 2 years of his wonderful example, I decided I wanted the peace Jim exhibited in his daily for myself. I began my spiritual journey in 1999. I was baptized Lutheran at the Gloria Dei church in Hampton Roads, besides my newborn son in April 2000.
We first attended St. David’s while our family was stationed in Hampton Roads (~2001). We were visiting my husband's parents for a holiday and Father Stephen won us over with a moving and enjoyable sermon, the people were welcoming and we were hooked. After that, we made sure to attend service any weekend we were in town. Being a military family, we went church shopping every 2 years, so we had a vast experience that made us truly appreciate how special St. David’s was.
Several years later, in 2004, when my husband got stationed at the Pentagon, we made Ashburn our chosen spot, knowing we already had a church "home". I assisted in running the Sunday school (I think I was in charge one year, but the preschool years are a blur, lol) We were assigned to Texas in 2007 and regretfully moved on (and on). Then an old Ashburn neighbor reached out telling us that they were selling the home next door to the one we had rented all those years ago. We knew it was time to come home.
My husband retired from the Air Force in 2013 and we moved to Broadlands. We helped out with St. David’s youth group and traveled to the Reach mission trips (4 or 5 times), but as our children grew older we had to work harder to stay connected in the church. I helped with Monday night Alleluia ministry and Jim got active with the sound team. I was also one of our voting delegates at the Episcopal convention in 2021 and will be for 2022. We also started doing Dining Outs and loved the Zoom calls for game nights during Covid.
Mike Gibson
My name is Mike Gibson. I’ve lived in Ashburn and attended St. David’s for over 20 years. I have 2 daughters, Holly (21) and Kelly (20), both of whom live with me.
I believe in service, commitment and giving back to others in all aspects of my life. Here at St. David’s, I have served as the Director of Youth Ministry, Vestry Member, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Chair of the Finance Committee, Secretary for the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, Secretary for the St. David Men’s Fellowship (current), and a member of the Prayer Team (current).
Outside of St. David’s, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Goose Creek Village Homeowner’s Association, a 656-home community in Ashburn. As Treasurer, I am responsible for developing and managing a $600,000 annual community budget. I have held this position for 10 years and I have also served on the Board of Directors of 2 other Homeowner’s Associations in Ashburn, holding various positions including President, Vice President and Treasurer.
To me, service is not about being recognized for what you do. It’s not about getting credit. It’s not about getting a pat on the back. It’s about lifting others up. It’s about supporting the mission. It’s about giving back selflessly. It’s about doing the right thing. It’s about looking for ways to impact those around you in a positive way. It’s about changing lives.
This is a time of great change and great opportunity for St. David’s. There is so much that our St. David’s community has done to serve the Lord, serve our members, and serve our community, and so much more that we want to do! During this transitional period, we need to look for ways to harness the vast untapped synergies that exist among members and ministries, and I am blessed and humbled to be able contribute my experience, my energy, my passion, my vision, and my commitment to the St. David’s family.
My name is Mike Gibson. I’ve lived in Ashburn and attended St. David’s for over 20 years. I have 2 daughters, Holly (21) and Kelly (20), both of whom live with me.
I believe in service, commitment and giving back to others in all aspects of my life. Here at St. David’s, I have served as the Director of Youth Ministry, Vestry Member, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Chair of the Finance Committee, Secretary for the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, Secretary for the St. David Men’s Fellowship (current), and a member of the Prayer Team (current).
Outside of St. David’s, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Goose Creek Village Homeowner’s Association, a 656-home community in Ashburn. As Treasurer, I am responsible for developing and managing a $600,000 annual community budget. I have held this position for 10 years and I have also served on the Board of Directors of 2 other Homeowner’s Associations in Ashburn, holding various positions including President, Vice President and Treasurer.
To me, service is not about being recognized for what you do. It’s not about getting credit. It’s not about getting a pat on the back. It’s about lifting others up. It’s about supporting the mission. It’s about giving back selflessly. It’s about doing the right thing. It’s about looking for ways to impact those around you in a positive way. It’s about changing lives.
This is a time of great change and great opportunity for St. David’s. There is so much that our St. David’s community has done to serve the Lord, serve our members, and serve our community, and so much more that we want to do! During this transitional period, we need to look for ways to harness the vast untapped synergies that exist among members and ministries, and I am blessed and humbled to be able contribute my experience, my energy, my passion, my vision, and my commitment to the St. David’s family.
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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 Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am-2pm Monday and Friday by appointment St. David's Preschool www.stdavidspreschool.org 703-723-0286 School office: psfrontdesk@sdlife.org |
