Convention Booklet 2023

104th Annual Convention

The Rev. Susan Bentley, St. James, Roanoke I became active in our diocese in 1983 as the Director of Christian Education at Christ Church, Roanoke. Our diocese sponsored me for seminary, and I was ordained in 1990, serving in the Diocese of Chicago for five years and DioSWVA for 27 years. I have been the Rector of St. James, Roanoke for 22 years, and pastor for the Roanoke South Sudanese refugee community for 13 years. I have served on a number of diocesan committees throughout the years, with an extended time on the Commission on Ministry. I am knowledgeable about the Episcopal Church, our diocese, and issues that the Church at large is discussing. I have been at four General Conventions, an elected Deputy at two, and have served as Provincial Synod Deputy several times. I have experience, knowledge, and a heart for the Episcopal Church, as well as being dedicated to renewing/reforming/re-imagining the mission of the institutional Church.

General Convention, Lay Alternate

Jack Barrow, St. Thomas, Abingdon My strengths lie in my ability to listen to God. As a lifelong member of St Thomas, Abingdon, I bring my experience as a vestry member, senior and junior warden, and trustee. On the diocesan level, my experiences include participation in the Diocese as a Delegate to Convention, former member of the Standing Committee (serving during the election of our Bishop), and member of the Executive Board. I am a current member of the Province III Council and have served as a Deputy of General Convention.

Katherine Johnston, Christ Blacksburg I am privileged to be a cradle Episcopalian and a member of Christ, Blacksburg (off and on) for 44 Years. The ‘off’ was when I moved to Minneapolis and then Atlanta for my work. We returned to Blacksburg in 2005. Since that time, I have served as co treasurer (with my husband) for 10 years, a vestry member for three years, and on various committees over those years. My professional experience is in corporate finance and university finance and administration. If elected as an alternate, and subsequently called to substitute, I think I could assist in forming and communicating the financial aspects of the General Convention decisions.

Tim Buchholtz, St. James, Roanoke I am a cradle Episcopalian and have been a member of St. James in Roanoke since I was baptized in 1965. I have served in many positions such as Vestry member, Junior Warden, and Lay Delegate to Convention. The strength that I will bring is my wealth of knowledge that I have gained in these many positions that I have had at St. James.

23