Greetings from your new Senior Warden!
I thought it might be nice to introduce myself to those in the congregation who don’t know me and to provide deeper insight for those who do. I’m sure you realized that I am not a native of this fine state as soon as I began to speak. Could you recognize my accent? It’s a mixture of several regions, reflecting my travels during my life. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. I went to college in Cleveland, Ohio, then returned to the East Coast for graduate school, landing in New Jersey. I even spent a few years living right outside of New York city. Most of my adult years were spent living and working in New Jersey. My husband and I moved from NJ to Wake Forest in 2017 and we never looked back. It did take a little getting used to, having resided for over 30 years in a very urban setting, but once I adjusted to the extreme quiet at night, I was in love. North Carolina is a beautiful state! And no, I don’t miss shoveling snow!
I’m a cradle Episcopalian, growing up in St. Augustine’s Church of the Covenant in Phila. My mother was very active in church life and so of course, was I. She was good for volunteering one of her four daughters for a task that needed a warm body. I had shared with the congregation the fiasco of my very brief stint as a Candy Striper at the Episcopal hospital. After the first day, the hospital and I both knew that that was not my calling. I was a member of the Youth group, the Junior choir, Sunday School, and anything else that came along. It provided me with a firm foundation for helping others through service.
As I raised my four children, I found myself following my mother’s footsteps. I served on the Vestry several times, taught Sunday School, developed a Lenten meditation experience for our Lenten Quiet Sunday, ran a parent support group, was Head Usher, a member of the Altar Guild, a Lay Reader, the Junior Girl Scout leader, and responsible for the weekly bulletin. I was also a member of the Diocesan council and a representative at Convention. It seemed like I was always at church, and yes, my children were involved in church-based activities as well.
I spent most of my adult years working with children as a psychologist and later as a Director of Special Education. Improving the lives of children and those who cared for them was my passion and it showed. In that setting I was Dr. Johnson, and I frequently took on Goliath to fight for my students, staff, and parents. It was a very rewarding career.
This brief synopsis of my life tells you that I am passionate about serving others, dedicated, and well steeped in the Episcopal church. I am taking my role of Senior Warden very seriously but don’t look for a stern countenance on my part, I love humor and often use it to diffuse tense situations. I will bring all my talents to ensuring that:
- Every parishioner feels heard. Please come up to me and let me know how things are going for you at church, the good and the not so good. Ideas are welcomed and I would love to get to know you if I don’t already.
- St. John’s continues to attract new members in the community while continuing to embrace our current members. This will involve my active participation in all major areas of the church and working closely with Mo. Sarah and the Executive committee to ensure that we as a congregation continue to grow and thrive.
- I will assist our Rector in whatever capacity is needed to ensure that her needs, as they pertain to St. John’s are met.
In closing, I’m here for you and St. John’s. I may not know all your names (I’m a face person) but I hope to get to know you as we move through the church year. I’m looking forward to working with you as we grow deeper into our faith together.