Convention Booklet 2025

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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