Annual Convention 2022

103rd Annual Convention

Robert (Bob) Weatherall, Christ, Martinsville I am honored to be nominated as a Standing Committee Lay Member. My background consists of serving as Senior Warden and Lay Reader at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Martinsville prior to the merger with Christ Episcopal. My background in assisting the management of a small parish gives me valuable insight into the everyday “real world” workings of the church. At our small church, we had numerous outreach programs for the community. This included free clothes closets, movie nights (with food), and community picnics. If selected, I promise to serve with the true Episcopal values to which we subscribe.

Standing Committee, Clergy Member

The Rev. Emily Edmondson, Christ, Marion I have had the privilege of serving Christ Marion since 2012. In my time as clergy, I have served one successful term on the Standing Committee. I currently serve on the Commission on Ministry, the Board of Trustees of Boys’ Home, and I am on the Boards of the Mountain to Mountain Partnership and Grace House on the Mountain. If elected, I will bring years of Diocesan experience to the Standing Committee with a firm commitment to serving God in his church.

The Rev. William (AJ) Heine, Trinity, Staunton If elected to the Standing Committee, I will bring the experience I've gained through eighteen years of ordained parish ministry. I will also offer my “prior life” experience in marketing and employee benefits consulting. Since I am new to the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, I come with fresh eyes and a desire to learn. Most of all, I come with love for the Church, faithfulness to my vows, a commitment to the Gospel of Christ, and the firm belief that Love is the most powerful force in the universe.

The Rev. Gail Goldsmith, Trinity, Lynchburg In decision-making and discernment, I seek to follow Jesus’ grace and pray for God’s will. As a parishioner, I served on a small church’s visioning team and in our outreach ministries. As a priest, I have served a growing program parish in the Diocese of Alabama as curate and college minister. At Trinity, Boonsboro, we are building our kids’ program, strengthening our Christian formation, and shifting to an intergenerational culture. Fr. Ben Cowgill of St. John’s, Lynchburg and I are planting a college and young adult ministry, YAE Hill City (YAE= Young Adult Episcopal). Small church is a call and commitment for me. and this particularity’s representation is crucial in diocesan conversation. Our Episcopal tradition is a gift to our communities and worth our commitment to building up our witness. I offer energy, my trust in God’s promises for us, and the perspective of my age and peers to our spiritual practice of church governance.

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