Convention Booklet 2023

104th Annual Convention

Provincial Synod, Lay Deputy

Karen Gilmer, St. Thomas, Abingdon I am a cradle Episcopalian and lifetime member of St. Thomas, Abingdon. Before the pandemic, I was active with the introduction of Living Local, Joining God at St. Thomas, convener of the Community Living Committee, and an Usher. More recently, I have been active as a member of the Diocesan Executive Board and Finance Committee, as well as Abingdon Convocation President. If elected to serve as your General Convention Lay Deputy, I will responsibly represent DioSWVA at the 2024 General Convention in Louisville, KY by soaking up as much knowledge as possible throughout the proceedings and relaying it back to you.

Eric Swortzel, Good Shepherd, Folly Mills I have been attending Good Shepherd, Folly Mills for about 10 years, serving both on the vestry as a delegate and as Lay Worship Leader. As a Synod delegate, my responsibility would be to facilitate the exchange of ideas among the dioceses. By bringing a background of study in education and work in law enforcement and as an attorney, I can see various points of view and help others understand someone else’s perspective.

Charlie Schindler, St. John’s, Lynchburg I am a cradle to grave Episcopalian. I have been at St. John's, Lynchburg since 2009. I have served in numerous positions to include vestry, vestry nominating committee, search committee chair, VBS, men's breakfast, numerous mission trips, youth group, Eucharistic minister, acolyte organizer, and many more. I am a VMI graduate with a mechanical engineering degree. I spend most of my time helping with church and am the Scout Master for Troop 7. I have been a delegate for St. John's for about 10 years and feel it is time for me to look out and find new opportunities to serve the great people of this diocese.

Charlie Herbert, Christ, Pulaski If elected, I would bring my strengths of listening, leadership, networking, and community building. My corporate career was in process building. Currently, I am very active in the leadership of our parish and as the founder/gardener for the Giles Community Garden where we feed thousands and operate healthy programing for children and adults in the NRV. The Love of our Lord drives me to be as useful and productive as possible and gives we the “Why” as to the “How” I live. Kindness Matters!

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.

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