Convention Booklet 2025
The Right Reverend Mark A. Bourlakas, Presiding
The Right Reverend Elizabeth Gardner, Keynote Speaker and Preacher
Convention Booklet
Table of Contents
Convention Committees
03 04 07 09 10 12 14 16 21 22 23 26 27 28 29
Agenda
Announcements
Report from the Secretary of Convention
Action Items Rules of Order
Election Results from Convocation Meetings
Nominee Profiles
Sample Ballot
2025 Proposed Summary Budget
2025 Detail Budget
2024-2025 Voluntary Proportionate Giving Report Report of the Constitution and Canons Committee
Resolutions
Workshop Descriptions & Room Assignments
Convention Committees
Resolutions The Very Rev. AJ Heine (Chair) Staunton-Trinity David Todd Roanoke-St. John’s
Finance Todd Ayers (Chair) Roanoke-Christ Tom Fechtel Staunton-Trinity Beth Marshall St. Paul-St. Mark’s
Constitution & Canons Laura Beth Weaver (Chair)
Blacksburg-Christ Canon Pattie Ames Diocesan Secretary Mark Loftis Diocesan Chancellor The Rev. Alexander MacPhail Roanoke-Christ David Cox Lynchburg-Trinity David Bice Lynchburg-St. John’s
Heather Wamsley Norton-All Saints Mitzi White
The Rev. John Church Appalachian Alliance Chuck Reedy (Treasurer) Roanoke-Christ
Staunton-Emmanuel The Rev. Matt Rhodes Forest-St. Stephen’s
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106 th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia January 24—26, 2025 Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center Agenda FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025 Online Prayer Requests: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/q3bjqf70ngw8hv/ Requests will be prayed for by the Diocesan Chapter of the Daughters of the King Prayer Chapel open throughout Convention
Tinker Room
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
In-Person Check-In for All Delegates, Alternates, and Visitors
Crystal Court
Delegates & Alternates pick up ballots and other materials from Diocesan Staff.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom
Exhibitors may set up displays. Check in with John Shaner for table assignment.
Coffee and tea available
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Crystal / Roanoke Foyer
ORIENTATION TO CONVENTION PROCESS Open to all. Recommended for new lay delegates and new clergy. Mark Loftis, Chancellor Canon Pattie Ames, Secretary
1:15 PM
Roanoke Ballroom
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Crystal Ballroom
2:00 PM
OPENING BUSINESS SESSION
Roanoke Ballroom
Opening Devotion Dwelling in the Word
Establishment of a Quorum: Canon Pattie Ames, Secretary Introduction of Head Table: The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas Introduction of Postulants, Other Visitors and Guests: Bishop Bourlakas Introduction of New Clergy to the Diocese: Convocation Deans Appointment of Convention Committees: The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas Report on Convention Procedures & Nominations: The Rev. AJ Heine Elections, nominations to be moved by Bishop Bourlakas as a block: Secretary – Canon Pattie Ames Treasurer – Chuck Reedy Historiographer – The Rev. Scott West Ecumenical Officer – The Very Rev. Donna Steckline Commission on Ministry Trustees of the Funds Directors Southwestern Virginia Episcopal Fund Directors Communications/Reports: Report on Convention: Canon Pattie Ames Receive Late Reports/Recommendations for Disposition: The Rev. Gail Goldsmith, Standing Committee President Constitution & Canons Committee Report: Laura Beth Weaver, Chair
Voting Procedures Resolution: Mark Loftis Resolutions: Reference to the Committee Nominations: To be elected during Convention: Disciplinary Board and Standing Committee
2:30 PM
Introduction and Moving of the Budget:
Todd Ayers, Executive Board Finance Working Group, Chair Chuck Reedy, Diocesan Treasurer
3:30 PM
Open Hearings
Roanoke Ballroom
Chancellor: Mark Loftis Convention Finance Committee: Todd Ayers, Chair Resolutions Committee: The Rev. AJ Heine, Chair Constitution and Canons Committee: Laura Beth Weaver, Chair Motions to amend are to be received at the hearing on Friday, just prior to
Recess of Convention. Changes to the budget and canons require a day layover. Committees will meet in the evening as needed.
4:15 PM
Announcements from the Secretary Episcopal Relief Development Announcement—Nick Moga
ERD Online Offering: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/m1upl0n30gecd3n/
4:30 PM
Evening Prayers
Roanoke Ballroom
5:00 PM
Recess of Convention
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Election: First Electronic Poll
6:00 PM
Dinner: The color-coded tickets
Roanoke Ballroom
included with your nametag will be collected at the buffet line.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025 Online Prayer Requests: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/q3bjqf70ngw8hv/
Requests will be prayed for by the diocesan Chapter of the Daughters of the King Prayer Chapel open throughout Convention
Tinker Room
7:00 AM
Buffet breakfast available
Regency Room OR Roanoke City Market
or on your own
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
In-Person Check-In
Crystal Court
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Crystal Ballroom
9:00 AM
Opening Devotions
Roanoke Ballroom
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Bishop’s Address & Morning Program
Roanoke Ballroom
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Coffee Break
Crystal / Roanoke Foyer
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Election: Second Electronic Poll
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Keynote Address: The Rt. Rev. Elizabeth Gardner
Roanoke Ballroom
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Election: Third Electronic Poll
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch: The color-coded ticket included with your nametag will be collected at the buffet line. Main Lunch for Delegates and Visitors
Roanoke Ballroom Appalachian Room
Commission on Ministry Lunch
[Listing in Crystal Foyer]
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Mission Workshops
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
BUSINESS SESSION / PRESENTATIONS
Roanoke Ballroom
Report of Convention Finance Committee: Todd Ayers, Chair Vote on Adoption of the Budget Report of the Resolutions Committee: The Rev. AJ Heine, Chair
3:45 PM
United Thank Offering Announcement—Lynn Robertson
Roanoke Ballroom
UTO Online Offering: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/q1eajnbs10qd9xg/ Closing Devotion
3:35 – 4:05 PM
(If necessary) Polls Open for Elections: Only lay and clergy
Roanoke Foyer
delegates may vote. Be prepared to show your voting card.
4:00 PM
Recess of Convention
Roanoke Ballroom
6:00 PM
Buffet Dinner
Roanoke Ballroom
A color-coded ticket is included with your nametag. Tickets will be collected at the door. A cash bar will be available in the North Foyer.
Bluegrass Music by High Knob Ramblers ( begins at the end of dinner)
7:00 PM
Roanoke Ballroom
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025 Online Prayer Requests: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/q3bjqf70ngw8hv/
Requests will be prayed for by the diocesan Chapter of the Daughters of the King Prayer Chapel open throughout Convention
Tinker Room
7:00 AM
Buffet breakfast available
Regency Room OR Roanoke City Market
or on your own
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Coffee and tea available
Roanoke Foyer
8:45 – 9:15 AM
(If necessary) Polls Open for Elections
9:45 AM
Youth@Convention-led sing-along
Roanoke Foyer
10:00 AM
HOLY EUCHARIST: Adults and Youth@Convention Celebrant – The Right Reverend Mark A. Bourlakas Preacher – The Right Reverend Elizabeth Gardner Clergy vest and process. Green stoles Necrology Installation of Standing Committee, Convocation Dean, & Disciplinary Board Members Plate Offering –
Roanoke Ballroom
Online Offering: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/q5bw83c1fgww9e/
11:30 AM
BUSINESS SESSION (if necessary)
Roanoke Ballroom
Adjournment One Hundred Seventh Annual Convention: January 30—February 1, 2026
Announcements • Prayer Chapel & Prayer Requests : The Diocesan Chapter of the Daughters of the King invites you to visit the Convention Prayer Chapel in the Tinker Room. The chapel is open at all times to individuals who desire a silent and contemplative place to pray. Prayer requests may be made at any time online using the following online prayer card: https://dioswva.wufoo.com/forms/q3bjqf70ngw8hv/. • Registration: In-person registration including paying for meals continues at the hotel until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025. To register, please visit the check-in table in the Crystal Court lobby. If you need assistance, you may also email Sally Parker Willmore at spwillmore@dioswva.org. • Business Sessions for Delegates: All formal business proceedings of this year’s Convention will take place in-person . The in-person meeting format means delegates who desire to exercise voice and vote during business sessions must be present in-person in the Roanoke Ballroom at the Hotel Roanoke. All registered and certified clergy delegates may participate in business sessions. To be certified, delegates must check-in with the Convention Registrar, Kristen Hester. • Delegate Check-In and Certification: After registering in advance online, delegates must be certified by the Convention Registrar Kristen Hester at Convention Check-In. Once certified, you become a “live” delegate and can begin to participate in formal business sessions. If certified, you may also vote in elections for offices such as Standing Committee and Disciplinary Board. If you have check-in or certification questions, please email Kristen at khester@dioswva.org. • Voting Electronically for Elected Offices: This year, elections for offices such as Standing Committee and Disciplinary Board will be facilitated by electronic ballot. You must be a registered and certified delegate to vote. Certification will be in-person only at the hotel, so you must be present at the hotel to vote. At designated polling times, electronic ballots will be emailed to all certified delegates. If you are a delegate and it appears for any reason that you did not receive a ballot by email, please check your SPAM or Promotions folders to make sure ballot emails are not accidently filtered by your email provider. You can also search your inbox for the word “ballot”. If you check these folders and still have issues, please email Kristen Hester. • Watching Convention Online: Saturday’s morning program and Sunday worship may be viewed online via livestream on the diocesan YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@DioSWVA. There will be no livestream of business sessions this year. • Keynote Speaker: This year’s Keynote Speaker is The Rt. Rev. Elizabeth Gardner, Bishop of The Diocese of Nevada. You can read about the Bishop here: https://ednv.org/who-we-are. • Sunday Eucharist: A diocesan-wide Convention Eucharist will take place in the Roanoke Ballroom at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, January 26. All are welcome in-person or online. Delegates, alternates, and other diocesan leadership are expected to attend. Bishop Mark Bourlakas will preside. Bishop Elizabeth Gardner will preach. Clergy present in-person are invited to vest and process. Canon Pattie Ames will line up clergy for the service. Vestments are cassock, surplice, and green stole. Newly elected Standing Committee members and Disciplinary Board members will be commissioned during the service. Newly elected leaders should arrive in the ballroom around 9:30 a.m. and check-in with the Master of Ceremonies, Canon Jonathan Harris. Churches throughout the Diocese are to use the service livestream as the principal service for Sunday, January 26. Please distribute the Diocese’s YouTube channel link to your congregation: https://www.youtube.com/@DioSWVA.
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• Workshops: There will be 4 workshops offered this year from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday: A Becoming Beloved Community: A Call to Action Workshop in the Mill Mountain Room; The Dream of God Workshop in the Buck Mountain Room; Practices of Growing Churches in our Diocese in the Monroe and Wilson Rooms. No pre-registration is required. See the back of this booklet for more information. • Saturday Evening Bluegrass Music: Bluegrass music provided by High Knob Ramblers, parishioners from Christ Church, Big Stone Gap will begin around 7:00 p.m. during dinner in the Roanoke Ballroom on Saturday night. Music is free and open to anyone who may wish to listen even if you’re not eating dinner. • Exhibit Hall: The Exhibit Hall will be in the Crystal Ballroom this year. This is the best and only appropriate place for parishes, institutions, non-profits, and others to offer handouts, solicitations, sharing information about parish ministries, and selling goods and services. Please contact John Shaner, Exhibit Hall Coordinator for more information at jshaner@salemva.gov. • Orientation for All Delegates: An orientation for all delegates will be held at the beginning of business on Friday, January 24 at 1:15 p.m. Chancellor Loftis and Canon Ames will review both the procedural and technical aspects of how to participate in Convention this year. • Substitutions of Alternates: Lay alternates who are listed on each parish’s Certificate of Election may serve as a substitute for a delegate if their rector (or senior warden) formally certifies the substitution with Convention Registrar Kristen Hester. Rectors (or senior wardens) may also email Kristen with certification changes in regard to delegate-alternates substitutions at khester@dioswva.org. • Business Session Seating: All business sessions will take place in the Roanoke Ballroom. Delegates and alternates may sit at the round tables. Visitors and guests may sit in the rows of seats along the back and sides of the room. Tables in the ballroom are to remain free of advertisements, solicitations, and handouts not otherwise distributed by Convention staff or volunteers. Alternates who are not actively checked in as “live” delegates for business may not participate in voice votes. • Convention Meals: The 3 major meals of Convention will take place in the Roanoke Ballroom at designated times in the agenda. The cost of all 3 meals (Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and Saturday dinner) is included in the Convention registration fee. Color-coded meal tickets are included with each registered person’s nametag. Please present your ticket when going through the buffet line. All meals are buffets. Those with particular dietary restrictions will receive a special table tent at check-in. • Convention Committees : The Convention Committees including Constitution & Canons, Finance, and Resolutions will meet only as needed. If there are meetings, they will likely occur just after the end of business on Friday. Please contact Canon Pattie Ames if you have questions about these 3 committees. • Youth@Convention: Y@C will take at the St. John’s, Roanoke this year. For further information, please contact Canon Jenni Faires at jfaires@dioswva.org. • Commission on Ministry: Saturday lunch will be held in the Appalachian room. • Convention Announcements: Individuals or groups that wish to make specific announcements are invited to submit them in writing to Canon Pattie Ames at pames@dioswva.org. Timely submitted announcements with appropriate, streamlined content may be displayed on slides or verbally announced.
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Report from the Secretary of Convention
Special Thanks for the 106 th Annual Convention I offer special thanks to the following individuals for their assistance with preparing for the 106 th Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia:
Mark Loftis, Diocesan Chancellor Kristen Hester, Registrar
Sally Parker Willmore, Registration Coordinator Beth Spiker, Convention Minutes Coordinator John Shaner, Exhibit Hall Coordinator Carey Harveycutter, Convention Activities Coordinator The Rev Joseph Butler, Audio Visual Coordinator Jennifer Moore, Head Teller Bill Kershner,Sara Combs,Tellers The Rev. Dick Willis, Ballroom Projectionist
Chris Yoder & The Rev. Ben Cowgill, Workshop Assistants The Rev. Gail Goldsmith, Standing Committee President Laura Beth Weaver, Chair of the Constitution and Canons Committee Todd Ayers, Chair of the Convention Finance Committee The Very Rev AJ Heine, Chair of the Convention Resolutions Committee All Workshop Leaders Lynn Robertson, Diocesan Coordinator for United Thank Offering Nick Moga, Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development High Know Ramblers - Trevor White, Tyler Hughes, Cody White and Ryan Blevins Emmanuel, Staunton Worship Band Canon Jenni Faires, Youth@Convention Coordinator The Rev. Canon Jonathan Harris, Master of Ceremonies for Sunday Eucharist
Respectfully submitted,
Canon Pattie Ames, Secretary of Diocesan Convention
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Action Items Report on Program and Dispatch of Business
Motion #1 That Robert’s Rules of Order (summary printed in this Convention Booklet) be adopted as the Rules of Convention, subject to the exceptions printed in the Convention Booklet. Motion #2 That the reading of the minutes of the previous day's session of this Convention be omitted and the approval of the minutes of the entire Convention be left to the Bishop and the Secretary. Motion #3 That the printed agenda in this 2025 Convention booklet be adopted as the official agenda of the Convention.
Motion #4 That seat and voice be given to the following: —Presidents, Board Chairs, and Directors of the following institutions: Boys Home of Virginia, Covington Stuart Hall School, Staunton Westminster-Canterbury of Lynchburg, Inc. Virginia Episcopal School, Lynchburg Phoebe Needles Center, Inc., Callaway —Anita Boyd, Director of Grace House on the Mountain —David Todd, Chair of the Grace House on the Mountain Advisory Board —Chief of the Monacan Indian Nation
—Diocesan Postulants and Candidates for Holy Orders —Carey Harveycutter, Convention Activities Coordinator —John Shaner, Convention Activities Coordinator
Motion #5 That, the Standing Committee shall be the Credentials Committee of Convention, and a member of the Standing Committee shall meet with a representative of the parishes that have not submitted a 2023 Parochial Report or FY 2023 Audit Report and make a recommendation to this Convention concerning these parishes’ seat, voice, and vote at this Convention.
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Additional Nominations and Elections:
That the nominees for terms to the Trustees of the Funds be approved as follows:
• 5-Year Term: March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2030 o Tom Fechtel, Staunton - Trinity o Pam Bradford, Lynchburg – St John’s o Tony Martin, Blacksburg – Christ Church That nominees for terms to the Southwestern Virginia Episcopal Fund be approved as follows:
• 3-Year Term: May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2028 o Donna Porterfield, Norton – All Saints o The Rev. Donna Steckline, Arrington - Trinity
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Robert’s Rules of Order
1. Main Motions: The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the membership for their consideration. Main motions cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor, and they yield to privileged, subsidiary, and incidental motions. 2. Subsidiary Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled and are voted on before a main motion. 3. Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or important matters unrelated to pending business. 4. Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure a. Wait until the last speaker has finished b. Rise and address the Chair c. Wait until the Chair recognizes you a. Speak in a clear and concise manner. b. Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than, "I move that we do not ...." c. Avoid personalities and stay on your subject. 3. Wait for someone to second your Motion 4. Another member will second your motion or the Chair will call for a second. 5. If there is no second to your motion, it dies. 6. If seconded, the Chair states your motion a. The Chair will say, "it has been 2. Make Your Motion concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion.
The general rules of parliamentary procedure set forth in the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of Convention except if there are other procedures provided by the Diocesan Constitution or Canons or as modified by (i) a motion or Rule of Order proposed by a Committee and approved by a majority of delegates present and voting; or (ii) the unanimous consent of the delegates present and voting. The following summary was prepared from the Introduction to the 12 th Edition of Robert's Rules of Order and from information available from www.robertsrules.org. Parliamentary Law is a set of rules for conduct of meetings designed to “enable assemblies of any size, with due regard for every member’s opinion, to arrive at the general will on the maximum number of questions of varying complexity in a minimum amount of time and under all kinds of internal climate.” Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed order of business. Below is a typical example: 1. Call to order. 2. Establishment of a quorum to transact business. 3. Officers reports 4. Committee reports. 5. Special orders (Important business previously designated for consideration at this meeting). 6. Unfinished business. 7. New business. 8. Announcements. 9. Adjournment. The method used by members to express themselves is in the form of motions. A motion is a proposal that the entire membership take action or a stand on an issue. Individual members can:
How are Motions Presented? 1. Obtaining the floor
moved and seconded that we ..." Thus, placing your motion before the membership for consideration and action. debates your motion or may move directly to a vote. c. Once your motion is presented to the membership by the Chair it becomes "assembly property," and b. The membership then either
1. Move a motion 2. Second a motion 3. Debate motions 4. Vote on motions
There are four Basic Types of Motions:
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Robert’s Rules of Order (continued)
1. Motion to Table -- This motion is often used in the attempt to "kill" a motion. The option is always present, however, to "take from the table," for reconsideration by the membership. 2. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely -- This is often used as a means of parliamentary strategy and allows opponents of a motion to test their strength without an actual vote being taken. Also, debate is once again open on the main motion. Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings. But it will only work if you use it properly. 1. Allow motions that are in order. 2. Have members obtain the floor properly. 3. Speak clearly and concisely. 4. Obey the rules of debate.
cannot be changed by you without the consent of the members.
7. Expanding on Your Motion
a. The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than at the time you present it. b. The mover is always allowed to speak first. c. All comments and debate must be directed to the Chair. d. Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established. e. The mover may speak again only
after other speakers are finished, unless called upon by the Chair. 8. Putting the Question to the Membership a. The Chair asks, "Are you ready to vote on the question?" b. If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken. c. On a motion to move, the previous question may be adapted. Voting on a Motion: The method of vote on any motion depends on the situation and the by-laws or policy of your organization. There are five methods used to vote by most organizations, they are: 1. By Voice -- The Chair asks those in favor to say, "aye," those opposed to say "no." Any member may move for an exact count. 2. By Roll Call -- Each member answers "yes" or "no" as his or her name is called. 3. By General Consent -- When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chair says, "if there is no objection ...." The membership shows agreement by their silence; however, if one member says, "I object," the item must be put to a vote. 4. By Division --This is a slight variation of a voice vote. It does not require a count unless the Chair so desires. Members raise their hands or stand. 5. By Ballot -- Members write their vote on a slip of paper or submit their vote through an electronic voting system. This method is used when secrecy is desired.
Most importantly, BE COURTEOUS.
There are two other motions that are commonly used that relate to voting.
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ABINGDON CONVOCATION
AUGUSTA CONVOCATION
Elected
Elected
President
President
No election this year
Steve Berneking Staunton – Emmanuel
Dean
Dean
No election this year
Jonathan Bauer Staunton – Emmanuel
Executive Board Lay
Executive Board Lay No election this year
Billy Lyons
Tazewell – Stras Memorial Executive Board Clergy
Executive Board Clergy
Emily Edmondson
Jonathan Bauer
The Appalachian Alliance
Staunton – Emmanuel
Nominated
Nominated
Standing Committee Lay
Standing Committee Lay
Tammy Brown
Kevin Cole
Tazewell – Stras Memorial
Covington – Emmanuel
Standing Committee Clergy
Standing Committee Clergy
John Church
Cara Modisett
The Appalachian Alliance
Staunton – Trinity
Disciplinary Board Lay
Disciplinary Board Lay
Stephenia Tibbs ELECTION AND NOMINATION RESULTS From Fall Convocation Meetings 2024 for Convention 2025 Marty Siebken Tazewell – Stras Memorial Waynesboro – St. John’s
Disciplinary Board Clergy
Disciplinary Board Clergy
David Bridges
No nominee
Bristol – Emmanuel
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LYNCHBURG CONVOCATION
NEW RIVER CONVOCATION
ROANOKE CONVOCATION
Elected
Elected
Elected
President Jim Ackley Lynchburg – St. Paul’s Dean Chris Roussell Lynchburg – St. John’s
President No election this year
President Christie Wills Roanoke – St. John’s
Dean No election this year
Dean No election this year
Executive Board Lay No election this year
Executive Board Lay Peggy Weston Pulaski – Christ
Executive Board Lay No election this year
Executive Board Clergy John Adams Martinsville – Christ
Executive Board Clergy Ben Cowgill Lynchburg – St. John’s
Executive Board Clergy Paul Hicks Wytheville – St. John’s
Nominated
Nominated
Nominated
Standing Committee Lay Carey Harveycutter Salem – St. Paul’s Standing Committee Clergy John Heck Callaway – St. Peter’s Disciplinary Board Lay Thomas Copenhaver Salem – St. Paul 's Disciplinary Board Clergy Ned Morris Salem – St. Paul’s
Standing Committee Lay Bob Miller Blacksburg – Christ Standing Committee Clergy Sarah Lusk Blacksburg – Christ
Standing Committee Lay Debbie Williams Arrington – Trinity Standing Committee Clergy No nominee
Disciplinary Board Lay Andrea Zirkle Lynchburg – St. Paul’s
Disciplinary Board Lay No nominee
Disciplinary Board Clergy William Yagel Radford – Grace
Disciplinary Board Clergy Todd Vie Lynchburg – St. Paul’s
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106th Annual Convention
2025 CONVENTION NOMINEE PROFILES Delegates will elect new members to positions of diocesan leadership. All nominees were invited to provide a digital photo and to respond to the following question: In 150 words or less: If elected, I would bring the following strengths to this position. Standing Committee, Lay Member
Tammy Brown, Stras Memorial, Tazewell I have been a member of Stras Memorial Episcopal Church since 2011. During this time, I have served as a lay reader and as Altar Guild Chairman. In addition, I have enthusiastically participated in many community activities, especially those focused on substance abuse recovery, re-entry for released inmates and assistance for indigent residents. If elected, I will bring to the committee out-of-the-box thinking and a commitment to the betterment of the Appalachian Alliance. I desire to grow in my devotion to God and the Episcopal Church, and serving as a Standing Committee Lay Member will assist me in furthering my walk with Christ.
Kevin Cole, Emmanuel, Covington I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1979 with a BS in Chemical Engineering and moved to Covington, Virginia on graduation. I have been a member of Emmanuel Covington since moving to Covington and married to my wife Lisa at Emmanuel in 1982. We have three children, and all were baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel. I spent my career in various operation and management positions at the paper mill in Covington for 37 yrs, retiring in 2017. During my career I gained a lot of experience managing human organizations forced on a common goal. I have continued to consult as a Material and Construction Manager since 2019. I have served Emmanuel on vestry for fifteen years, completing several terms as Junior and Senior Warden. I am currently the Senior Warden at Emmanuel. I have attended Annual Convention for 17 years, serving as a delegate from Emmanuel for most of those.
Debbie Williams, Trinity, Arrington As a member of Trinity, Arrington, I have served as Senior Warden, on the Vestry and Vestry clerk. I currently serve on the board of Trustees of the Funds and the Commission on Ministries. I am also a former Standing Committee Member. On my 3 rd attempt, I retired as COO from Blue Ridge Medical Center, Arrington, where I worked for 19 years. Prior to BRMC Debbie worked in radio station sales and sales management in North Carolina and in Miami, in account management for PIMS New York and Washington, DC, and as Director of Communications for the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians. I am a native of North Carolina and in my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
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106th Annual Convention
Bob Miller, Christ, Blacksburg My past experience includes Search Committee for the past two bishops, Nine years service on executive committee (vice chair), Trustee of the Funds (six years, chair) Commission on ministry, Phoebe Needles board, Board Member for Boy’s Home, Parish vestry, Trustee of Christ Church, Montgomery Parish 24 years. I would be honored to serve on Standing Committee.
Carey Harveycutter, St. Paul’s, Salem As a life-long Episcopalian and a member of St. Paul's in Salem I will bring an open and discerning mind to discussions facing the Standing Committee. I have served previously and consider it an honor to be nominated. Advising the Bishop, giving consent to candidates for Holy Orders and voting to accept Bishops in the wider church are important matters of which I feel qualified to participate.
Standing Committee, Clergy Member
The Rev. John Church, The Appalachian Alliance I am a 2020 graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee. I have served on the Executive and Disciplinary Boards of the diocese. I am also currently serving as Dean of the Abington Convocation. As the Priest-in-Charge of the Appalachian Alliance, I have developed a unique set of skills specifically related to the development and growth of small parishes. These skills will be a critical asset in our ongoing mission to expand our reach within Southwestern Virginia. The parishes of the Alliance have experienced significant growth and financial improvement during this time. They are also developing new outreach and evangelism strategies to communicate with communities in the Appalachian region. If chosen to serve on the Standing Committee, I would be committed to bringing these skills to the rest of the diocese as we work to expand our presence throughout Southwestern Virginia.
The Rev. Cara Modisett, Trinity, Staunton I would welcome the opportunity to serve the diocese on the standing committee. I am associate rector of Trinity, Staunton, where my work includes overseeing all ages of faith formation and regular involvement with the Haiti Collaborative. Prior to ordination, my work moved from the secular world to lay ministry in small parish, large parish and diocesan contexts. I advised and directed communications for St. John’s, Roanoke; Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis, Tennessee and for our diocese, as well as serving as music director for St. Elizabeth’s, Roanoke. I graduated in 2022 from Virginia Theological Seminary, where I held positions in student government and the worship committee and was elected a class steward at graduation. My work-study roles included communications for VTS Lifelong Learning; I also wrote, co-planned and/or shepherded various online and physical-space seminary and grant-funded program liturgies. 17
106th Annual Convention
The Rev. Sarah Lusk, Christ, Blacksburg I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Standing Committee. I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Curate at Christ Church, Blacksburg since July 2023. Though my ordained ministry has only just begun, I grew up in this diocese at Grace Memorial, Lynchburg, and have worked in ministry and served in leadership roles for over 20 years. Before ordination, I served as the Program Director at St. Paul’s, Salem and as the Director of Evangelism at St. John’s, Lynchburg. At the diocesan level, I’ve served on Executive Board, the Christian Education Consortium, the Bishop’s Search and Nominating Committee, coordinated Children @ Convention, and served as a mentor for the Youth Ministry Team. A “church nerd” at heart with a deep love for the Episcopal Church and a passion for collaborative ministry, it would bring me great joy to serve the diocese in this capacity.
The Rev. John Heck, St. Peter’s, Callaway Canonically resident in this diocese since 1998, my service has included 25 years concurrently as the executive director of the Phoebe Needles Center, Inc., and the rector of Saint Peter’s, Callaway. After retiring from the camp and conference center, I continue to serve at Saint Peter’s. My experience in the Diocese includes membership on the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee. Since my semi retirement, much of my spare time is occupied by hanging out with our four year old grandson, Jaxon.
Disciplinary Board, Lay Member
Stephenia Tibbs, Stras Memorial, Tazewell I would be honored to serve on the Disciplinary Committee. As a cradle Episcopalian, I have served in various roles with various responsibilities as Senior Warden at Stras Episcopal, Lay Reader at Stras Episcopal in the Appalachian Alliance and currently serving on the Southwest Virginia Episcopal Fund. My background was in the insurance claims industry where I learned to listen to all parties in every situation and to see the different viewpoints in every situation. It would be an honor to represent the small and growing Appalachian Alliance in our Diocese on the Disciplinary Committee.
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106th Annual Convention
Marty Siebken, St. John’s, Waynesboro I am an active member of the congregation of St. John’s, Waynesboro. My family and I have been members since the early 1990’s, during which time I have served in many capacities from kitchen clean up to Senior Warden. At a diocesan level I have worked with the Youth Ministries Team, participated in work at Grace House and been a convention delegate for St. John’s. These activities have helped inform a well-rounded understanding of the workings of the Episcopal Church. This coupled with professional experiences in management and leadership has helped equip me to serve on the Disciplinary Board, and render fair and unbiased judgements in the unfortunate event they are needed. I would be honored to serve the Diocese of Southwest Virginia as a member of the Disciplinary Board.
Andrea Zirkle, St. Paul’s, Lynchburg I have been a member at St. Paul’s, Lynchburg, for almost 10 years. During that time, I have served as a choir member, lector, Vestry member, and chair of the Communications Committee. I currently serve as Vestry clerk and as a delegate to Convention. In my professional life, I worked for over 30 years as a paralegal in the private law firm sector and am currently engaged as the Ethics & Compliance Program Manager for an international company. My professional background lends itself particularly to the duties of a lay member of the Disciplinary Board and, if chosen, I would be honored to serve the diocese in this capacity.
Tom Copenhaver, St. Paul’s, Salem As a retired Navy Captain and career Judge Advocate; I have a background that has prepared me well to handle the complexities of disciplinary matters. Having processed many hundreds of sensitive personnel and disciplinary matters including Administrative Separations, Boards of Inquiry, and Special/General Courts Martial; I will ensure all cases are handled with respect for those involved and that a fair resolution is reached. Currently serving as St. Paul’s Parish Treasurer, Executive Committee Member and Endowment Board Member. Additionally, served as a Salem Museum Board Director and was Treasurer of the Glenvar Rotary Club. I am currently the Chairman of the Salem Board of Zoning Appeals. Wife Cathy and I live in the former St. Paul’s Rectory with our retired racing greyhounds. Fr. Bob Copenhaver is my father.
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106th Annual Convention
Disciplinary Board, Clergy Member
The Rev. David Bridges, Emmanuel, Bristol My paternal family settled near Hiltons, Virginia in 1735. My father was born in Rogersville, Tennessee in 1925. I am a graduate of the School of Theology at Sewanee, Tennessee (M.Div. 2001; D.Min. 2015). I have served parishes in Northern California, Oklahoma, and now Emmanuel, Bristol. I have served twice on Disciplinary Boards and twice as Dean of a Convocation. I have served one term on a Diocesan Council.
The Rev. Todd Vie, St. Paul’s, Lynchburg I have had the tremendous honor and privilege of serving St. Paul's, Lynchburg for seventeen years, first as Associate, then Priest in Charge, and now as Rector. I have served the diocese as a member of Executive Committee, Standing Board, as a member of Bp. Bourlakas' Search Committee, and as a board member of Boys Home of VA. I have also served the community of Lynchburg as President of the Board of Interfaith Outreach Association, Member of the board of Churches for Urban Ministry, and member of the board of the Centra Health and Pastoral Advisory Panel. I would appreciate the chance to serve the diocese, and fellow lay and ordained colleagues, as a member of the Disciplinary Board.
The Rev. William Yagel, Grace, Radford “I am an old man, but a young priest” is one of my favorite quips to laugh with folks when they find out that I have only been ordained for a couple of years. I had a full (20+ year) career in construction before finally yielding to this call to the ordained ministry. I believe those years in my first career have afforded me a perspective that is both unique and helpful as I continue to grow as a priest. I presume that the work of the Disciplinary Board is not joyful, but it is truly necessary. As such, I cannot say that I would be “happy” to serve on the Disciplinary Board, but fully support the work that is needed and would prayerfully diligently dedicate myself to the work.
The Rev. Ned Morris, St. Paul’s, Salem I am excited to be the Rector of St. Paul’s, Salem as of January 2025. I began serving there as Priest-in-Charge last February. My introduction to the beauty of SWVA was as a Roanoke College student (Class of ’88). After a year away, I continued at Roanoke on staff in the Chaplain’s Office. I was a member of St. John’s, Roanoke, and after graduating from General Seminary (2001), served as the Associate Rector of Trinity Church, Staunton. During my time in SWVA, I have served on Executive Board, Commission on Ministry, Finance Committee, and Grace House on the Mountain Board. Most recently, in Upper South Carolina, I served on Diocesan Executive Council, Commission on Convocations, Constitution and Canons Committee, Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, as Convocation Dean, and as an Intake Officer. If elected, I will bring my experience and prayerful presence to this important ministry.
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106th Annual Convention SAMPLE BALLOT
Your Name *
First
Last
Parish/Organization Name *
Select your delegate status below. * Clergy Delegate Lay Delegate
STANDING COMMITTEE Nominees are listed by Convocation.
Standing Committee Lay Member - Vote for one (1) * Tammy Brown, Tazewell - Stras Memorial
Kevin Cole, Covington - Emmanuel Debbie Williams, Arrington - Trinity Bob Miller, Blacksburg - Christ Carey Harveycutter, Salem - St. Paul's
Standing Committee Clergy Member - Vote for one (1) * The Rev. John Church, The Appalachian Alliance
The Rev. Cara Modisett, Staunton - Trinity The Rev. Sarah Lusk, Blacksburg - Christ The Rev. John Heck, Callaway - St. Peter's
DISCIPLINARY BOARD Nominees are listed by Convocation.
Disciplinary Board Lay Member - Vote for one (1) * Stephenia Tibbs, Tazewell - Stras Memorial Marty Siebken, Waynesboro - St. John's
Andrea Zirkle, Lynchburg - St. Paul's Thomas Copenhaver, Salem - St. Paul's
Disciplinary Board Clergy Member - Vote for one (1) * The Rev. David Bridges, Bristol - Emmanuel The Rev. Todd Vie, Lynchburg - St. Paul's The Rev. William Yagel, Radford - Grace The Rev. Ned Morris, Salem - St. Paul's
By clicking “I Acknowledge” and submitting this ballot, I confirm that I am a Clergy Delegate or Lay Delegate of the 106th Convention of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. I also confirm that I am not presently serving as an Alternate or participating as a Visitor of this Convention. I understand that if I inadvertently submit multiple ballots, the final ballot form I submit will be used as my final and definitive ballot for this round of voting. * I Acknowledge
Submit
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22
The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia 2025 DETAIL OPERATING BUDGET
2025
2024
2025 Mission
Proeosed
2024 Budget
Projected
Asking
Budget
INCOME
Current Year Parish Pledges
996,465
1,070,806
1,021,726
989,507
Prior Year Parish Pledge Pledges
45,315
45,000
10,000
10,000
All Other Ministry Income
60,174
69,700
88,800
88,800
1,094,996
1,120,526
1,112,165
1,169,606
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME
Expenses MISSION INITIATIVES Global Goals Grants
13,204
13,000
13,100
13,000
Ministry to People with Disabilities
300
300
300
Ecumenical Ministry
250
250
250
Adult Formation
3,750
2,490
5,000
5,000
Daughters of the King
1,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
Way of Love-Joining God Evangelism Resources
1,000
2,000
2,000
536
2,500
2,195
Bishop Marmion Resource Center
3,000
3,000
Children's Christian Formation
1,000
1,000
144
1,000
Youth Ministry
42,538
36,000
50,000
50,000
Young Adult Ministry
250
903
2,000
2,000
33,547
Higher Education Ministries
33,000
33,000
31,000
Beloved Community
3,195
7,500
7,500
7,500
Beloved Community Grants
30,000
30,000
Prison Ministry
1,200
1,200
1,500
1,500
United Thank Offering
200
1,000
1,000
Digital Resourcing
1,000
1,000
1,000
0
Appalachian Ministries
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
29
Stewardship Resourcing
1,000
1,000
1,000
Haiti Missions
1,000
917
1,000
1,000
Total MISSION INITIATIVES
105,154
104,795
157,550
157,550
STAFF
Staff Stipends
698,181
678,047
678,047
670,450
Pensions
95,562
84,985
84,985
90,970
151,176
Insurance Benefits
151,176
175,840
161,537
25,832
FICA Expense
26,194
31,309
31,309
Travel
33,333
34,400
32,265
34,400
Business Expenses
11,450
11,500
11,500
7,795
Continuing Education
8,000
8,000
8,000
6,968
Contract Labor
68,106
78,656
78,656
55,000
Total STAFF
1,065,353
1,078,073
1,078,073
1,102,130
23
The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia 2025 DETAIL OPERATING BUDGET
2025
2025 Mission
Proeosed
2024
Projected
Asking
Budget
2024 Budget
CANONICAL
Commission on Ministry
400
0
400
400
Annual Convention
66,144
60,000
70,000
70,000
Standing Committee
0
500
50
500
Audit
23,450
25,000
25,000
18,800
Safe Church Training
194
200
500
500
Ordination & Formation Support
5,390
7,700
10,200
10,200
Curacies
85,000
88,351
30,000
30,000
Total CANONICAL
172,150
136,600
136,600
183,529
ORGANIZATION House of Bishops
4,987
4,000
7,500
7,500
3,032
Deacon Travel
3,500
3,500
3,500
2,482
Clergy Development
6,500
6,500
5,650
Fall Mission Day
3,009
4,200
4,200
4,200
Hospitality
2,425
3,000
3,000
3,000
Episcopal ChurchPledge
223,178
223,178
209,766
209,767
Communications
22,800
22,800
20,000
16,134
298
Executive Board
300
300
300
Deacon Continuing Education
0
500
500
500
45,222
Organizational Insurance
38,000
38,000
38,000
Property Management
10,247
30,610
31,100
31,100
Stewardship/Planned Giving
190
0
Province Ill
6,595
5,960
6,207
6,207
Total ORGANIZATION
324,115
346,785
346,785
305,759
EVANS HOUSE Repairs & Maintenance
27,000
18,349
20,000
20,000
Capital Upgrades
39,200
26,707
20,000
20,000
Cleaning
12,525
13,000
13,000
13,000
Utilities
13,323
13,300
14,508
14,508
Office Expenses
28,049
30,800
30,800
31,400
Total EVANS HOUSE
123,900
98,953
98,308
98,308
DIOCESAN INSTITUTIONS Boys Home
8,000
8,099
8,000
8,000
Phoebe Needles Cente,r Inc.
8,000
10,000
8,000
8,000
Grace House on the Mountain
13,000
13,000
8,000
8,000
Total DIOCESAN INSTITUTIONS
29,000
24,000
24,000
31,099
24
The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia 2025 DETAIL OPERATING BUDGET
2025
Proeosed
2024
2025 Mission
Projected
Asking
Budget
2024 Budget
Total OPERATING EXPENSES
1,807,845
1,841,316
1,841,316
1,838,093
(725,928)
(712,849)
(671,710)
(720,790)
Net Operating Income
OTHER INCOME Investments
463,357
487,090
487,090
463,367
Trusts
310,700
294,071
296,200
296,200
1,000
3,943
1,000
Miscellaneous
70
Total OTHER INCOME
774,127
761,381
784,290
784,290
OTHER EXPENSES Reser ve Funds
48,100
48,100
63,400
63,400
Miscellaneous Expense
0
0
0
0
48,100
48,100
63,400
63,400
Total OTHER EXPENSES
713,281
726,027
Net Other Income
720,890
720,890
432
100
49,180
100
Net Income
25
Voluntary Proportionate Giving Report 2024-2025
2024 Payment on Pledge 11.06.24
2024 VPG ASK
2024 VPG Pledge
2025 VPG ASK
2025 VPG Pledge
Abingdon, St. Thomas Altavista, St. Peter Amherst, Ascension Arrington, Trinity Bear Mountain, St. Paul Bedford Co., St. Thomas
30,807) 3,001) 5,789) 7,990) 2,865) 2,279) 29,895) 1,710) 47,070) 3,908) 47,843) 2,029) 8,818) 10,007) 9,063) 4,864) 19,487) 3,271) 12,562) 4,509) 1,974) 3,120) 67,074) 16,055) 101,422) 51,816) 12,349) 7,573) 29,493) 9,169) 35,423) 3,994) 1,315) 5,719) 8,181) 61,850) 11,673) 12,865) 165,132) 14,812) 48,020) 894) 565)
30,807) 3,001) 5,789) 6,667) 2,865) 2,279) 29,895) 1,710) 47,070) 3,908) 47,843) 2,029) 8,818) 10,007) 9,063) 4,864) 19,487) 3,271) 12,562) 4,509) 1,974) 3,120) 67,074) 16,055) 101,422) 51,816) 12,349) 7,573) 29,493) 9,169) 35,423) 3,994) 1,315) 5,719) 8,181) 61,850) 11,673) 12,865) 165,132) 14,812) 48,020) 894) 500)
23,130) 1,583) 5,824) 5,001) 15,000) 1,800) 40,219) 5,200) 24,420) 1,899) 7,141) 8,150) 7,340) 3,668) 20,170) 9,189) 4,378) 1,500) 4,649) 54,850) 8,331) 81,278) 42,680) 8,397) 7,730) 18,750) 9,084) 24,612) 1,982) 1,106) 4,100) 5,985) 42,340) 8,067) 11,121) 133,650) 5,000) 34,669) 0) 0) 870) 0) 500)
30,807) 3,001) 5,789) 7,990) 2,865) 2,279) 29,895) 1,710) 47,070) 3,908) 47,843) 2,029) 8,818) 10,007) 9,063) 4,864) 19,487) 3,271) 12,562) 4,509) 1,974) 3,120) 67,074) 16,055) 101,422) 51,816) 12,349) 7,573) 29,493) 9,169) 35,423) 3,994) 1,315) 5,719) 8,181) 61,850) 11,673) 12,865) 165,132) 14,812) 48,020) 894) 565)
30,807) 3,001) 5,789) 6,667) 2,865) 2,279) 29,895) 1,710) 47,070) 3,908) 47,843) 2,029) 8,818) 10,007) 9,063) 4,864) 19,487) 3,271) 12,562) 4,509) 1,974) 3,120) 67,074) 16,055) 101,422) 51,816) 12,349) 7,573) 29,493) 9,169) 35,423) 3,994) 1,315) 5,719) 8,181) 61,850) 11,673) 12,865) 165,132) 14,812) 48,020) 894) 500)
Bedford, St. John
Big Stone Gap, Christ Blacksburg, Christ
Blue Grass, Good Shepherd
Bristol, Emmanuel Buchanan, Trinity Buena Vista, Christ Callaway, St. Peter
Christiansburg, St. Thomas
Clifford, St. Mark
Covington, Emmanuel
Fincastle, St. Mark
Folly Mills, Good Shepherd Forest, St. Stephen Galax, Good Shepherd
Glasgow, St. John Hot Springs, St. Luke
Lexington, Grace
Lynchburg, Grace Memorial
Lynchburg, St. John Lynchburg, St. Paul Lynchburg, Trinity Martinsville, Christ Massies Mill, Grace Moneta, Trinity Norton, All Saints Pearisburg, Christ Pocahontas, Christ Marion, Christ
Pulaski, Christ Radford, Grace Roanoke, Christ
Roanoke, St. Elizabeth Roanoke, St. James Roanoke, St. John Rocky Mount, Trinity
Salem, St. Paul Saltville, St. Paul St. Paul, St. Mark
1,693)
600) 875)
0)
1,693)
600) 875)
851)
21,468) 53,650)
851)
Staunton, Emmanuel
23,784) 66,955) 5,934) 17,042) 26,292)
23,784) 66,955) 5,934) 17,042) 26,292)
23,784) 66,955) 5,934) 17,042) 26,292)
23,784) 66,955) 5,934) 17,042) 26,292)
Staunton, Trinity
848)
Tazewell, Stras Memorial Waynesboro, St. John
4,180) 14,085) 16,870) 806,464)
Wytheville, St. John
1,070,806)
1,068,349)
1,070,806)
1,068,349)
Note: This report reflects payments made on 2024 VPG pledges before, during, and after fiscal year 2024. 26
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