Convention Booklet 2023

104th Annual Convention

Provincial Synod, Clergy Deputy

The Rev. John Church, The Appalachian Alliance I would be honored to serve The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia in any office to which I have been nominated. I will bring the experience of my two-year Curacy in the Appalachian Alliance. I am also coming up on my first year as Priest-in-Charge of the Alliance. I have extensive experience working with Grace House, Binns-Counts Community Development Center, and Neighbors Aid. I will bring a unique voice from far Southwestern Virginia, highlighting the experiences and needs of parishes located in the area. I have served several times on the Executive Board and look forward to serving the Diocese in the future.

The Ven. Brian Hutcherson, Non-Parochial I love the Church! And I love this Diocese! It is such a joy when the body of Christ can come together on Sundays to worship the Lord and encourage one another in fellowship. And it makes my heart full when we can step outside of our parishes and join for larger gatherings of the Diocese, Province, National Church, or Anglican Communion. If elected, it would be an honor to represent the Diocese at the meetings of Province III.

The Rev. Ben Cowgill, St. John’s, Lynchburg If elected, I would bring my experience as a priest and lay-person in the Episcopal Church to my role. I have served as a leader in our church as a layperson, including in provincial settings and at General Convention. Following, I have served on our Diocesan staff supporting youth ministries, and in various roles in DioSWVA, Eastern Tennessee (during seminary), and now as curate at St. John's, Lynchburg. At St. John's, I have led formation ministries and aided the parish in building our communications and community engagement efforts. I've also served Sunday mornings with numerous parishes around our diocese as a diocesan curate – all of which will help me represent you all well in the larger church setting!

The Rev. William Yagel, Grace, Radford I am eager to learn the workings of Province III and would diligently and faithfully serve DioSWVA as a clergy representative. As a newly ordained priest, if I am elected to the Provincial Synod I would only be able to bring about seven months of Ordained ministry experience to the role. But I am confident that my “prior life” experiences would serve me well. I have served our church in many capacities from Junior Warden to Diocesan Camp Director (Diocese of VA) and have loved every moment. Also, my career as a builder has taught me to be a close listener in order to create the best possible outcome. I look forward to serving if elected.

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