Vestry Nominees Class of 2023

Who is Eligible to Serve on the Vestry?

According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Canon 11, Section 4: Only lay persons who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of the church, as defined in General Convention Canon 1.17., shall be eligible for election as Vestry Members of such church. However, regardless of eligibility of a person for election, no person shall be elected at a duly convened congregational meeting to consecutive full terms on a congregation’s Vestry or Vestry Committee.

So what does this mean in plain English?
“Confirmed Adult Communicant in good standing” means the following:

• You are age 16 or older.

• You have been baptized and confirmed in the church, and we have your baptism and confirmation duly recorded.

• You are active in worship, and have received communion at least 3 times this year.

• You have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God (meaning you are active and intentional about your participation in the life of the church and are known to the treasurer of the church). Furthermore, this Canon states that you can only serve one consecutive full term (3 years) on the Vestry.

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Alix Coolidge
I was born and raised in North Carolina but the Middleburg area has been my home for over 23 years. I am a cradle Episcopalian, married to Richard. Our children Sam and Sophie were raised at Trinity Church. I have served on the Trinity Vestry, Stewardship, Altar and Flower Guilds, headed up Outreach and served twice on the Trinity Search/Discernment Committee.

I am a full time mom and sell Real Estate locally when I have time, as well as serving as President of the Middleburg Library Board. I love my church and my church family and am humbled to be asked to run for Vestry. It will be an honor to continue to serve Trinity as we move forward into a new chapter with Jonathan at the helm. I am excited for our future!

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Daniel Leger
Daniel lives and resides in The Plains, Virginia with his twin daughters, Emerson & Finley, who attend eighth grade at Powhatan School. He has been an active parishioner at Trinity since shortly after moving to the region from New York 7 years ago. Daniel makes his career in the asset management business where he works as a Managing Director for MGG Investment Group, a private lending firm based in New York. Prior to joining MGG, Daniel worked at Akre Capital Management in Middleburg, Virginia beginning in 2013. Daniel received his doctorate in political philosophy and international relations from The University of Notre Dame in Indiana and his BA from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

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Laurie Volk
I am honored to be considered for the vestry of Trinity Church. I have been a member of Trinity for over thirty years and attend the eight o’clock service. Over the years I have been involved with various Church activities. Most recently, I was the 2020 Stable Tour Chairman, the first year the Stable Tour was to be cancelled because of a pandemic. Last spring I completed the four-year Education for Ministry (EfM) program at Emmanuel Church, Middleburg. I also was a member of the recent Discernment Committee and am delighted that Jonathan Adams and his family have joined us at Trinity.

If elected, I will have the time and energy to devote to vestry duties. Professionally, I am winding down my private law practice devoted to international horse sports. My 24-year old daughter, Letitia, was home for the Covid-19 quarantine period, but now is off to work with Teach For America in Las Vegas so my nest is empty again. Outside of church, I serve on the board of an organization devoted to the protection of open space land and the environment and provide pro bono legal services with a non-profit, Kids in Need of Defense.

Because I have been a member of Trinity for many years, I believe I have a good sense of who we are as a Church family. After working with the Discernment Committee to analyze the results from the parish survey, I developed an understanding of what our church wants and needs today. This is a critical time for Trinity and I would like to be a part of welcoming our new rector, assisting with the transition and helping our Church set a course for the future.

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Ed Moore
I’m delighted to be asked to serve on Trinity’s vestry. I look forward to working with other members to meet the many new challenges of today as well as supporting our new minister as he and his family begin making Trinity their home.

I have been an active member and volunteer at Trinity for over 23 years. During my time here, I’ve enjoyed teaching Sunday School and volunteering with many children related activities, including renovating the nursery when our children were younger. I was even a guitar player in our own Trinity Rock Band! Having previously served on the vestry, I understand the many jobs and challenges that are required. Professionally, I work as a content analyst for SAGE Publishing in DC., previously from the city but from home for now.

My wife (Margaret) and I were both born and raised in the Mississippi Delta and have made Upperville our home since 1997. Our two sons, Charles (now 23) and Robbie (21), have been baptized and confirmed at Trinity as well as participated as acolytes, and in the Sunday School and Youth Group.

I look forward to serving and can’t wait to see where Trinity’s next chapter takes us.

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NOTE From the Senior Warden

The Vestry and Bishop Townsend met January 25th for a retreat that focused on our vision and finances. We heard from those in our parish who previously have led Trinity’s finances and endowment committees, as well as those who are serving now. The Vestry is crafting a 2020 budget that reflects our values and hopes, and cares for Trinity’s future.

The Vestry is united in our commitment to support children, youth, and families in our parish. You will be hearing soon from Melinda Gable and Chandler Van Voorhis about initial efforts and long term plans for children and youth activities. I encourage all of you to attend their meeting, we want to hear from you so we can build programs that meet the needs of our parishioners and community. We are excited about what lies ahead for Trinity and we are grateful for your support.

Discernment Committee Updates

Thank you to many of you who attended our recent forum to discuss the status of our search process for a new rector as well as other church business. For those who did not attend, here is a brief summary of where we stand on the search.

As many of you know, we created a Community Ministry Profile based on our survey, forum hour discussions, one-on-one discussions and the prayerful discernment of your committee. Potential applicants were able to review this and then decide if they felt called to apply.

The window to apply closed on September 9th. The committee believes we have a number of qualified applicants to consider. We have already started an intensive process of review involving reference checks and interviews with the applicants. This will be followed by site visits, and, for a candidate or candidates that we believe would be a good fit for the position, visits to our own community.

Ultimately, we will recommend a candidate to Vestry for their consideration and final approval.

Please continue to keep the committee in your prayers as we enter into the next steps in our search and discernment process.

Matt Blunt
Discernment Committee Chair.

Vestry Nominees Class of 2020

Who is Eligible to Serve on the Vestry?

According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Canon 11, Section 4:
Only lay persons who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of the church, as defined in General Convention Canon 1.17., shall be eligible for election as Vestry Members of such church. However, regardless of eligibility of a person for election, no person shall be elected at a duly convened congregational meeting to consecutive full terms on a congregation’s Vestry or Vestry Committee.

So what does this mean in plain English?
“Confirmed Adult Communicant in good standing” means the following:

• You are age 16 or older.

• You have been baptized and confirmed in the church, and we have your baptism and confirmation duly recorded.

• You are active in worship, and have received communion at least 3 times this year.

• You have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God (meaning you are active and intentional about your participation in the life of the church and are known to the treasurer of the church).

Furthermore, this Canon states that you can only serve one consecutive full term (3 years) on the Vestry.

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Chandler Van Voorhis

My parents instilled in me a simple truth --- the two greatest joys in life are the tilling of the land and the cultivation of character. One anchors us, and the other elevates us. For centuries, we have understood the tilling the land, but we have only faintly grasped how the cultivating of character deepens the soil of the mind and spirit to promote public virtue. Trinity creates the space, structure, and sense of place that enables this cultivation to happen. Our community is enlarged, and its betterment realized through the compounding nature of God’s love made manifest.

For over twenty years, Trinity has been an integral part of my family. My wife Heidi and I were married at Trinity in 1998. Both our children, Claiborne and Haley, were baptized and confirmed at Trinity. As they grew, they participated as acolytes under the wonderful guidance of Lillian. We still have many those beautiful handwritten notes she sends to all the acolytes after their service.

While the cultivation of character takes place at home and in the pubic square, my professional work has been about the tilling of the soil. Along with Carey Crane, we co-founded a company that has become the leading carbon reforestation project in the world. In partnership with 500+ landowners, comprising roughly 120,000 acres, some 42+ million trees have been planted. The growth of those trees helps to purify the air, filter the water, and provide habitat. These actions of commerce are about building equity in each other and our land.

As citizens, congregation members, and children of God, our cross is comprised of two structural elements. The first is the vertical alignment between ourselves and God. The second is the horizontal alignment by loving our neighbors as ourselves. As we individually and collectively as a congregation find that equilibrium, divine love compounds and enlarges the heart of us all.

The love that compounds and enlarges will only deepen and anchor Trinity Church also. Trinity is getting ready to write the next chapter with a new rector. If elected, my hope is, we as a congregation can find a new equilibrium that becomes a steppingstone to that future.

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Melinda Gable

Melinda has been entrenched in advancing natural resource issues on the political playing field for 25 years. Her passion is a blend of taking ideas from conception to execution and the facilitation of bringing federal, private and NGO partners together to advance natural resource policy and achieve common goals as well as helping organizations excel in launching new programs and major marketing initiatives. Her current work is on promoting the sustainability and economic viability of family forest landowners and the stewardship of the natural resources under their care.

Married to Brad, a lifelong resident of Loudoun, Melinda has been entrenched in the community and Episcopal church for twenty years. She has two daughters who were active in Trinity's former youth program and current robust and lively acolyte program. I feel most at home in Trinity when the congregation is full of generations of families old and young.

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Dan Murphy

Beth and I have been part of the Trinity Congregation for over 25 years. Our daughters, Grace and Molly, were baptized here, sang in the choir, and joined in youth activities. Beth serves on the Outreach Committee. I sang in the choir for years and have previously served on the Vestry, leading the Stewardship effort for two years.

My work as a museum exhibit consultant has given me insight in non-profit governance and experience in building mission-driven programs to inform dialogue and strengthen communities. I am excited to renew my commitment to Trinity through service on the Vestry during this period of transition. I am so grateful to those that have worked hard over the years to build such a wonderful church and community, but I truly believe that Trinity’s best years are ahead. If elected to the Vestry, I look forward to listening to the heart of the congregation and working to make our church strong and our future bright.

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Bob Appenzeller

Thank you for considering me for the Vestry Class of 2022. Kathy and I have made Northern Virginia our home since 2001 and we have been members of Trinity Upperville for over 8 years.

I am a small business owner producing Defense electronics and was honored to have served on the 2016 Vestry while leading the Outreach Committee. Our class weathered significant issues within the church that still resonate today. We met the challenges head-on and with prayerful discernment. I am committed to the idea that Trinity is and will continue to be a congregation that can change the world for the better; we have the capability along with the drive.

My commitment to Trinity Upperville is stronger now than ever because I understand the delicate balance between church leadership and the congregation. Vestry is key to maintaining that vibrant Trinity community with all of its inherent complexities. If our wonderful building and campus ceased to exist tomorrow, Trinity would still be a Church in Upperville, VA. We have strong bonds that keep us doing God’s work out in the world.

I am ready to serve again.

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Elizabeth H. Thomas

Because we are a congregation under the banner of “Trinity,” I will try to introduce myself through three identities:

Episcopalian - This is our foundation and my religious orientation, one that I treasure while still having questions about my Christian faith. Trinity has been my church home since moving to the country in 2010. Like a beacon, Trinity draws me to worship, to fellowship, and to the gift of grace in all endeavors.

Psychotherapist - My professional life concerns human beings in distress, but just as often wanting to learn more about their interior world. Some might understand this to be attention to one’s soul. It’s what I try to attend to in my practice as well as what is most assuredly attended to in participation in the life of Trinity.

Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, etc. - Family is the fabric of life, be it generationally determined or experientially cultivated. Family and friends are everything. Trinity is both and more. It is the hope, the conflict, and the promise – three in one – that propels us forward. It is vital, and I would like to serve in a more active way the mission of the Church.

Vestry Candidate Forum

SUNDAY’S VESTRY CANDIDATE FORUM

All Trinity parishioners are urged to attend the Forum between services this Sunday morning, OCTOBER 6, in Cox Hall.  Please come to hear the individuals who have volunteered to serve the Church and the Lord by standing for election to the Vestry.  You will be free to ask questions or chat informally with the candidates who are offering to represent the Members of the Church in financial and other matters.   Four of these candidates will constitute the “Class of 2022” and will be instrumental in keeping Trinity strong and engaged as it moves through the transition to a new Rector.   

Vestry elections will be held outside Cox Hall (or inside if the weather is poor) starting at 9:00 a.m. on October 20, before our one service, and continue until 11 a.m.  The Annual Meeting will commence immediately after the service.   Members must vote in person at that time.

A Note of Thanks

Dear Trinity Family,

The Outdoor Sanctuary Committee would like to thank the folks who generously volunteered their time to fill the water bags surrounding the newer trees at the Outdoor Sanctuary.

This year, special thanks goes out to: Joe Fluet, Jim Gemmer, Ellen & Sydney Hall, Becky & Jim Hoecker, Sandy Diday, Bob Appenzeller, the Moore family, Brett & Sabine Bibb, and Holly & Chuck Bimba. Thanks, also, to Tommy Breeden for keeping the grounds mowed and “weed-whacked,” and to the Vestry and Parish Life Committee for hosting summer picnics. No thank you list would be complete without acknowledging Betsy Crenshaw who reminds us of our promises and our good intentions in such a wonderful way.

Sincerely,
The Knapps and The Gibbens

From the Wardens

With Spring just around the corner, we want to acknowledge new growth and rebirth in several aspects of our life at Trinity Church in Upperville. Thanks to several parishioners who have taken the laboring oar, our Sunday school program for the Lenten season is up and running. The parents and teachers who have participated in this revitalization, with the eager support of our Interim Rector Ed Miller, are a cause for rejoicing. Our Christian education program for youth is being resurrected as well. We are grateful for the support of all participants in this critical part of life at Trinity, especially Melanie Hitchen, Lisa White, and Sheila Harrell.

As you are keenly aware, our 60th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour is a mere two months away. Kat Gemmer’s team has lined up eleven farms for the Tour. It is always a fun event for our visitors but also it is the lifeblood of our growing Outreach to the community. We urge everyone to volunteer your time and treasure to ensure the Stable Tour is a magnificent success.

Under the chairmanship of Matt Blunt, the Discernment Committee formed by the Vestry to identify a permanent Rector has begun its work. We will apprise you of this work as the committee moves forward. Soon, parishioners will have an important opportunity to help the Discernment Committee develop a profile of our Christian community by responding to a thoughtful and confidential survey. We would very much like to see 100% participation.

Through the efforts of the Committee, Trinity will ‘put its best foot forward’ in attracting Rector candidates. Our website, our internal communications, our management systems, and our financial profile are among the ways we communicate the vitality of the Church. We are happy to report that the Church has made important strides recently in these respects, again with Ed’s support and direction.

The Church’s internet security is being upgraded. Staff’s aging desktops, printers, and the Rector’s laptop are being replaced or upgraded. Once the new devices arrive and are set up, we will deploy Office365 across all staff devices. Campus internet signal strength, speed, and security are being addressed. We are turning our attention to improving our database and hope to organize it in ways that better serve our missions. Over the coming year, everyone should experience better communications and outreach capabilities. With God’s help, these initiatives will be in place by the end of Spring.

As many of you know, our database and our member guide need to be unified and updated. Our Junior Warden appeals to everyone to help correct the problem. If you, a group, or a committee you are involved in has member lists with contact information, please send that information to Di, our Parish Administrator and please use “Member List” as the subject line of your email.

All the systems currently being improved will ensure that we can carry out our Christian mis-sion and our ministries effectively. Christian Education, The Stable Tour, Outreach, and innumerable other ministries depend on this infrastructure, and we depend on you, the faithful members of Trinity Church.

Blessings,
Jim Hoecker, Sr. Warden
Sandy Diday, Jr. Warden

Important Message From the Wardens

We are pleased to tell you that the following parishioners have graciously agreed to serve on the Discernment Committee that will seek a new Shepherd on our behalf: Matt Blunt (Chair), Jonathan Catherwood, Alix Coolidge, Ellen Hall, Ashley Hambrick, Margaret Moore, and Laurie Volk. The Vestry has worked prayerfully to choose these dedicated people for this faithful and fateful task. We are asking a great deal from our fellow parishioners and now we ask for your trust and prayerful support for the process they are undertaking.

Please keep in mind that, as the committee seeks to discern the Lord’s will for Trinity and its leadership, we should each open our hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Although the search process is necessarily confidential, we will do our best to keep the congregation apprised of what is occurring.

Of course, everyone has a role. The discernment process will begin with challenging questions that our Members will be called upon to answer. What is the history and tradition of Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville, VA? How is it situated demographically, geographically, and historically? Who have we been? Who are we now? And, importantly, who is God calling us to be next? All of our likes and dislikes, hopes and concerns, as well as our thoughts, feelings, and opinions are relevant.

Based on our mutual conviction that the Church exists for the glory of God, we ask for your prayers, trust, and enthusiastic support for the discernment committee’s labors.

“A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:37-38

Blessings,

Jim Hoecker, Senior Warden
Sanford Diday, Junior Warden

From the Wardens

As you read this, it has been one month since The Rev. Ed Miller began his spiritual and administrative leadership. As we continue moving through this period of transition, our hope for the future of Trinity Church affords numerous opportunities to reflect on the things that are best about us as well as our relationship to God and our community.

As part of this reflection, The Vestry is assessing how our committees communicate with one another, Vestry, and staff. It is important that we place communication between one another at the fore of our shared labor of God’s work, especially during this time of transition. Doing so is a transparent learning experience that helps us stay in touch with one another, ourselves, and the needs of our church.

As new Wardens, we are gratified to learn about important ministries that are supported and joyfully guided by parishioners with a desire to do good. For example, we praise the efforts of numerous parishioners to revitalize children’s Christian Education. Additionally, our Outreach Committee is thoughtfully considering new ways of reaching out to the community and the region by working with other committees and churches to serve those in need and to help spread God’s message of love, grace, and acceptance. Importantly, we are also paying more attention to our digital environment by improving our physical and network security capabilities and communications. Finally, the endowment drive in honor of Rob and Janie Banse was an unparalleled success. Such initiatives are great signs that support the future of Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville. We thank Mr. Miller for his leadership and inspiration in helping to shepherd these programs (and others) during the early weeks of the year.

On February 10, The Rev. Dr. Mary Thorpe will conduct services at Trinity in Ed Miller’s ab-sence. She will be inspiring. We know this because she has been instrumental in preparing Trinity to search for a new Rector, the process for which has barely begun. Finding a permanent Rector starts first by selecting a group of parishioners who will be charged with discerning God’s desire for Trinity; this group is called the “Discernment Committee”. In Mary’s words (she literally wrote the book on this), “this is not a hiring process; it is a process of discernment.” Another theologian says, “Christian discernment is not the same as decision making” in which we might consider goals and options, pros and cons, in a straightforward way. Discernment is about “listening and responding to that place where our deepest desires align with God’s desire.” It reveals “new priorities, directions, and gifts from God.” In other words, the Church will vest in some of our fellow parishioners something more prayerful than a conventional ‘search’ process. Mary’s writing on the subject encapsulates where Trinity finds itself at this time:

“The Diocese of Virginia takes seriously the challenges and joys inherent in transition. Whether the incumbent rector … is retiring or taking another call, this ‘in-between time’ can be an opportunity for accepting the loss of a beloved shepherd, for healing old wounds, for discovering how the church and its surrounding community has changed since the last call, and for imagining how God is calling the church to the Body of Christ now and in the future. There will be anxiety about this future, but, approached faithfully, there may also be great discovery and growth.”

We are delighted and challenged by the prospect of finding a permanent Rector, hopefully by the end of 2019. With your prayers and discerning support, this will be an exciting and fulfilling process. Its success will depend in no small measure on how all the members of Trinity support this effort with prayer and active church work.

Faithfully,
Jim Hoecker, Senior Warden
Sanford Diday, Junior Warden

Vestry Notes January 2018

Dear Parishioners and Friends –

We begin 2019 re-invigorated from a wonderful Advent and Christmas season. We bade farewell to our Rector, Rob Banse, who retired after over 11 years leading our beloved Trinity Church. Our “Good Goodbye” reception on November 30, masterfully organized by the Parish Life committee, gave the Church a chance to say “thank you” in meaningful and fun ways. Reverend Banse presided over a series of joyous services in December as the Church embraced the Christmas season and the bitter sweetness of his anticipated departure. Thank you, Rob – you take our gratitude and many blessings with you.

We now welcome The Reverend Edward O. Miller, former Rector of St. John’s Church in McLean Virginia, as our presiding Interim Rector. His message to the Parish is published above and reflects his inclusiveness, pastoral nature, and his experience leading worshippers through times of change and uncertainty. We share his commitment to continuing Trinity’s welcoming approach to all people and his desire to make the best possible use of the Church’s human and material resources. Rev. Miller will serve as Rector for about a year as we launch a search for a permanent successor to Rev. Banse. During that time, Trinity will remain vital in its activities, its services to parishioners and the larger community, and its work of bringing Christian care and values to people of all ages. Come meet Reverend Miller on Sunday, January 6th, his first in our pulpit. WELCOME, ED.

An additional transition has already occurred this past Autumn, as the Church selected a new Parish Administrator, Diane “Di” Demaree of Bealeton, Virginia. Di’s tenure began in a rush of activity but as the year closes we find her settling into the job of mastering Trini-ty’s many activities and supporting the Rector and Vestry. She is succeeding beyond expectations.

The new Vestry held its first Retreat on December 8 in order to allocate responsibilities for various Church ministries among its members and discuss its many tasks and objectives for 2019. Before Advent began, the Church held its traditional Christmas Auction, which was another great success in terms of both funds raised and fun. Thanks go to Louise Crane, Ellen Hall and a dedicated committee for a superb effort. We are already looking forward to next year.

The coming year will be an exciting time at Trinity. The Vestry will consult with Dr. Mary Thorpe of the Diocese of Virginia on January 7, regarding the process of discerning where the Holy Spirit will lead our search for a new Rector.

Looking ahead, this year’s Hunt Country Stable Tour will be our 60th. Planning has already begun and the Chair, Kat Gemmer, assures us that it will be another tremendous event for visitors and a chance for our parishioners to reach out to our many friends in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and beyond.

As Wardens and Vestry Members of Trinity, we extend our very best wishes for the Peace of the Lord in 2019. We urge you to join us in our joyful mission at a wonderful country church.

Wishing you the Blessings of a New Year,
Jim Hoecker, Sr. Warden & Sandy Diday, Jr. Warden

Vestry Notes Nov 2018

It has been a privilege to serve as your Senior Warden for the past year. I was fortunate to do so alongside one of the finest people I know and the Junior Warden for three straight years, Ellen Hall. I was certainly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with her and the church was blessed by her constant concern and focus of the well-being of our congregation. The newly constituted Vestry is a talented group of Christians who are committed to serving Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Virginia.

Vestry has selected an exceptional Senior Warden in Jim Hoecker. I know Jim will lead Vestry well in the exciting year ahead. He will be ably assisted by Sandy Diday who is equally passionate about strengthening our church and living out the gospel. We are entering and exciting period of transition and your prayers, active participation in the life of the church, and financial contributions will be critical.

I know I will be praying that Vestry and others involved in this transition will be blessed with wisdom and discernment.

In faith,

Matt Blunt
Senior Warden

Meet the Vestry Candidates

Make Sure to Join Us for our Annual Meeting and Vestry Election October 21st
Immediately following the one worship service that will take place that morning at 9:30am

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Who is Eligible to Serve on the Vestry?  

According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Canon 11, Section 4:  

Only lay persons who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of the church, as defined in General Convention Canon 1.17., shall be eligible for election as Vestry Members of such church.  However, regardless of eligibility of a person for election, no person shall be elected at a duly convened congregational meeting to consecutive full terms on a congregation’s Vestry or Vestry Committee.    

So what does this mean in plain English?  
“Confirmed Adult Communicant in good standing” means the following:  
- You are age 16 or older.  
- You have been baptized and confirmed in the church, and we have your baptism and confirmation duly recorded.  
- You are active in worship, and have received communion at least 3 times this year.  
- You have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God (meaning you are active and intentional about your participation in the life of the church and are known to the treasurer of the church).

Furthermore, this Canon states that you can only serve one consecutive full term (3 years) on the Vestry.

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Barbara Augenblick

I moved to the area in 1978 with husband Mark and two children Amy and David (now thankfully adults). We started coming to Trinity at the invitation of Aileen DuPont, a neighbor. In the intervening years I have served on Vestries. I became a member of the Mary Neville Guild, joined the Flower Guild, Altar Guild, learned to be a lay reader and chalice bearer. I was a small cog in the wheels of many stable tours, Christmas auctions, finance and stewardship committees, mission statements and building and grounds plans. I even did a stint as Senior Warden. I can offer some institutional memory - until I forget.

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Paul Coyer

I am honored to be considered for election to the vestry. I am a historian of international relations and specialist in the role played by religion and culture in international affairs. I was baptized at the age of eight, have a degree from an Episcopal divinity school (Yale), previously served on the vestry at St. John's Episcopal Church, New Haven, Connecticut, and have been active in leadership in other Anglican and Episcopal churches, including All Souls, Langham Place, London. I have been active at Trinity since January 2008, have sung in the choir from that point until recently, and been active in numerous other ways including the annual Stable Tour, Adult Forum, a two year gig as the singer for our own in-house classic rock band, “Via Media”, etc. My wife, Marjory, is a classical violinist from Venezuela, who has played violin in Trinity for services and special events for the past 15 years or so (and has hosted many Venezuelan-themed coffee hours!). Marjory and I were married at Trinity in August 2013, with the participation of many Trinity members, and we have long considered our Trinity family an important part of our lives. I hope to be able to contribute in substantive ways as our congregation moves into this next phase of our lives together and our ministry to the broader community.

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Joe Fluet

With the upcoming loss of both Rob, our Rector, and Jane, our Parish Administrator, we are entering an important transition time in the life of our congregation. It is a time when our Vestry will benefit from members with experience in church work, Vestry operations, and Diocesan interaction. With this in mind, I have decided to once again stand for Vestry. I have been active in church work for more than 40 years; I served on Trinity’s vestry a few years ago; and, I served as Senior and Junior Warden in my previous parish during similar transition periods. I have also chaired several Rector Search Committees. I understand that serving on a Vestry is an honor, but not an honorary position. I hope I can help.

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Louise Crane

I was so honored when asked to be a candidate for the Vestry of Trinity Church and thank those who proposed me for this position. I was confirmed into the Episcopal faith at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hattiesburg, MS in 1989.  At Trinity, I served on many committees including, Parish Activity, Altar Guild, later the Flower Guild, worked with Christian Services Center preparing and cooking meals for the less fortunate, helped in the business office, the church school, and others.  I first attended Trinity, Upperville, in 2012 when I visited the area.  Since becoming a resident and marrying Carey, we have been faithful members worshiping here, as well as working on the Stable Tour, being ushers, and supporting all the fund raisers being held here at Trinity.  I am also a member of Parish Life.  While Carey grew up in Trinity, even being an acolyte many years ago, I have only begun my journey into the depths of the Christian fellowship and spiritual healing found here.  I pledge, if chosen to be on the Vestry, to continue my journey and to help others achieve this same feeling of spiritual peace.

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Hurst Groves

A native Hoosier, father (2 daughters), and grandfather (3 girls and a boy), I spent most of my career as a lawyer for Mobil Oil and its affiliates.  I’ve lived in New York, Paris, Tokyo and Fairfax, and spent significant time in Latin America, the Middle East (almost a year in Qatar), Asia and Africa.  In 2000, when Mobil merged with Exxon, I retired from the company and became the director of a new energy policy center at Columbia University.  I commuted weekly to New York from Washington and Middleburg for the next six years. After my wife’s death in 2007, I began to spend more time with my daughters’ families in Takoma Park and New York, occasionally flying to New York in my single-engine Cessna.  I continued to practice law, but on a part-time basis.  For example, I acted as special counsel for Overseas Private Investment Corporation on a project supported by the Skoll Foundation to provide laptop computers to school children in the West Bank of Palestine. I’ve been an Episcopalian since 1968, when I joined Trinity Church in Wall Street.  I was invited to sing in Trinity’s “family choir”, then directed by Larry King.  This was a wonderful experience, since Larry was not only a fine organist and choir director, but also a highly regarded composer.  We often tried out music he had composed to see if it appealed to the congregation.  I’ve also sung in the choirs at St. Alban’s Tokyo and Emmanuel Middleburg.  I have been a member of Emmanuel’s Vestry and was its Senior Warden for two years, before moving (with my fiancée, Barbara Sharp) to Trinity about 5 years ago. At Trinity, I’ve worked with the Finance and Outreach Committees, at the Stable Tour, and with Christian Myers to raise funds to pay for tuning our historic Aeolian Skinner organ.  If elected to the Vestry, I hope to strengthen the funding for Trinity’s music program.  Our organ will require a major refurbishing within the next 10-15 years that will substantially exceed the existing budget.  Developing an endowment or other strategy to provide for these costs before they are upon us is important as we plan for the future of our beautiful church.

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Jake Hambrick

I am honored to be nominated as a Vestry candidate. My family has been coming to Trinity since 2008. Many of my family members have played a role in facilitating church activities since. I have been away from the church for several years as I pursued an education in Texas, visiting several churches in my travels.  Upon my return to northern Virginia, I met my wife Ashley and we began to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord.  Ashley and I recently got married at Trinity and have enjoyed growing deeper in our faith as a couple while being supported by the church community and congregation. As we went through couple’s counseling we enjoyed cultivating a relationship with Reverend Banse and appreciate his guidance. I am fond of Trinity for several reasons; the congregation, the ministry, and the architecture of the church.  As a professional engineer, I would love to serve the Lord by helping to maintain our beautiful house of worship.  I look forward to furthering my spiritual journey and will follow where the Lord leads me.  

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Peter Hitchen

I am delighted to be considered for the Vestry class of 2021.  In 1997 I founded , and continue to own and operate, Tilton Enterprises which is an excavation company that specializes in equestrian projects, as well as BAC, a roll off and front load dumpster service that donates a portion of revenues to the Childhood Cancer Charities. I graduated from the Hill School and Loudoun Valley High and received my Bachelor of Arts from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. In addition to my work, I enjoy serving as a licensed professional Mate and Captain on sport fishing boats in Bald Head, NC. I am devoted to the community and participate in local nonprofit organizations, including our beloved Trinity Church, as well as serving on the Board of Buchanan Hall. I live with my wife Melanie and daughters Madilyn and Elaina in Marshall, VA. 

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Joe Markus

Joe Markus has been a member of Trinity Church for over 30 years.  He is married to Sandra Markus with whom he resides on Trappe Road in Upperville VA.  He has three daughters and four grandchildren.  His daughter, Stacy, and her husband, Jason, have recently been attending Trinity with   their three children.  Joe has a varied business background which he has used previously, serving for 2+ years as chair of Trinity's Finance Committee.

Vestry Notes

I hope that you and your family have had a refreshing summer.  As it neared its end we received important news for our church from our Rector.   

While we are saddened by Rob’s announced departure we know that he has sought God’s guidance as to what is best for Trinity and  his own ministry.  

Rob Banse has been a source of strength for Trinity for more than eleven years and the congregation has benefited immeasurably from his steady leadership.  He has challenged us to live out the Gospel in word and deed.  Trinity like all communities of faith has its challenges but remains a vibrant church committed to displaying the love of Christ to one another and to our broader community. Times of transition always require us to rely on our faith and this will be no exception.  Vestry will be meeting very soon to discuss our path forward.  We have been been in touch with the Diocese to acquire their guidance and assistance and will meet with a representative of the Diocese at our next meeting.    

We continue to be thankful for Rob and his compassionate and strong ministry to Trinity over the past eleven years and wish God’s continued blessing on Rob and his Family as he continues to serve Christ.  

Regards,  
Matt Blunt  

Outdoor Picnic September 11

Featuring live music from Birddog Open Air

Don’t Forget to Mark Your Calendars! Fall Picnic at the Outdoor Sanctuary sponsored by the Vestry. We hope you’ll join us for a potluck dinner, with an evening prayer to follow. All are encouraged to bring a side dish of your choosing. 

See you there! 

Join us September 11

Vestry Notes May 2018

We are experiencing a great spring of worship and service at Trinity.  I hope that you are enjoying the weather, change of season, and opportunity to get outside and experience God’s creation.    

You may remember that in November of 2017, I reported that Vestry had decided to transition the endowment to the financial management of the Trustees of the Funds (TOTF).  This decision was made after a great deal of consideration and tremendous due diligence by the Endowment Committee, the Finance Committee and Vestry; however, almost immediately after the decision had been made questions emerged about certain aspects of the relationship between the TOTF and its participants.  Until those questions are resolved it makes more sense for the Endowment Committee to continue to manage the Endowment.  We are fortunate that we have a cadre of financial and legal experts who are willing to do this.  

Thanks to their efforts the Endowment continues to do well.  Your gifts and bequests to the Endowment make a tremendous difference both now and for the future.  It remains important that we continue to increase the size of our endowment for the long term maintenance of our campus and the fulfillment of our mission.  

On another note, Kat Gemmer and her committee are organizing a wonderful Hunt Country Stable Tour.  If you have not donated or volunteered yet, and you are in the area for Memorial Day weekend, I urge you to pitch in and assist.  

In faith,    
Matt Blunt

Vestry Updates

As always, Easter was a great day of celebration and worship at Trinity. In fact, the entire Holy Week was a moving period of reflection and meditation on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Now we turn to the task of living as re- deemed people who serve God, one another and men and women in this community and beyond.

With that in mind, I would urge you to consider supporting one of Trinity’s most important events of the year. The Hunt Country Stable Tour is the pri- mary source of our outreach funding. It is what allows us to serve the people of Upperville, the surrounding area and men and women in crisis all around the world. The Tour can also attract those who are looking for a place to worship and have fellowship with other believers to Trinity. Stable Tour Chair Kat Gemmer and her committee have put together a wonderful itiner- ary. I would urge you to support the Stable Tour and the outreach work of Trinity.

Regards,
Matt Blunt

Vestry Notes March 2018

The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper was a nice way to commence Lent. Special thanks to Martha Williamson and the Parish Life Committee for the great decorations, and, of course, to the cooks who whipped up some great pancakes.

As we now continue through the Lenten season there are many opportunities to deepen our relationship with God – both individually and as a church body. I hope that each of you are experiencing a meaningful Lent and I also hope you will be able to participate in some of the discussions and studies that Trinity has between now and Easter. Our celebration of the Resurrection and what it means for us as individuals and for all of mankind will be here soon!I

Stewardship Chairman Jim Hoecker continues his excellent work on our stewardship pledge drive and we have enjoyed success. However, if we are going to meet identified needs on campus as well as enhance Christian education programs we still need more pledges. It is never too late to pledge and I am sure Jim will be follow- ing up with many of you to see if you can participate in 2018.

I am looking forward to a great March for Trinity and hope you and your family have a blessed season.

Vestry Notes Jan 2018

As always, the Christmas season was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship at Trinity. The Christmas Eve and Christmas services were wonderful reminders of the true meaning of the celebration. The Incarnation is a wonderful moment of hope as God redeems his people!

One of the highlights of the season was the Christmas auction. It was a tremendous success. It was an essential aspect of Trinity’s successful completion of its 2017 on budget. So special thanks to Nicky Perry, Ellen Hall and others who work so hard to make it such a great event.

Vestry has approved the provisional budget for the coming year and will be sharing it with the congregation at the congregational meeting on January 28, at 9:30am. While Trinity is grateful for its many blessings, the budget continues to be a challenge. The costs of maintaining our beautiful campus and the need for more robust youth and Christian education programs will require more pledges than we have received to date.

Our budget is balanced but there is more we can do if we are going to successfully meet the needs of our congregation and our community. I urge you to prayerfully consider your pledge for 2018 and if you have not yet pledged, I urge you to do so soon so Vestry can make the most of your faithful giving through a well executed budget.

Vestry continues to focus on how we can enhance the visitor experience at Trinity. In the near future Visitor Parking signs will be erected near the church. While this may sometimes be an inconvenience for regular attendees, Vestry has decided this is an important part of our efforts to welcome those who visit our church in search of fellowship, meaning and God.

Regards,
Matt Blunt

Vestry Planning Retreat

Vestry members: Save the date! Our next planning retreat is scheduled for Saturday, January 27 in Cox Hall, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vestry Notes Dec 2017

At the recent November meeting, Vestry continued to discuss how we can best fulfill our church goals of solid administration, meaningful worship, enlightening Christian education, healthy fellowship and evangelism that shares the Gospel in word and deed. To be a healthy church we need to thrive in all these areas.

As usual, the Treasurer provided a financial report . The 2018 budget will present challenges but with good stewardship and a solid finish for 2017 we can be successful. The Christmas auction and year end gifts are vital in the life of our church.

As I reported in November, Trinity has decided to transition the endowment to the financial management of the Trustees of the Funds (TOTF). The Trustees of the Funds is a related organization of the Diocese of Virginia and provides its services to Episcopal churches and entities in all three of the dioceses within Virginia. Overseen by an elected board of trustees, TOTF currently serves nearly 150 churches and organizations with the management of almost $140 million in assets. The Trustees will manage our endowment in trust for us and Trinity will retain the same legal control over the endowment that it has today. Vestry and appropriate committees will continue to monitor the endowment’s performance. This was a significant decision and one that was undertaken after a great deal of due diligence and consideration by both the Endowment Committee and the Finance Committee. The chief executive officer of the Trustees of the Funds, Mike Kerr, will be at Trinity at 9:30 on December 10, 2017 to make a presentation and answer any questions you may have. I urge you to attend. It remains important that we continue to increase the size of our endowment for the long term maintenance of our campus and the fulfillment of our mission.

The Christmas season is always a wonderful time in the life of our congregation. It is also a season that can bring many visitors to Trinity. Vestry has been discussing steps we can take to make visitors feel even more welcome when they arrive on our campus and walk through our doors. Let’s all make a special effort to warmly greet the visitors that will be among us as we worship during the Christmas season.

In faith,
Matt Blunt
Senior Warden

November Vestry Notes

At the recent October meeting of Vestry we elected new officers and wardens. I am pleased to report that Jolly de Give continues to serve as Registrar and Carol Miller continues to serve as Treasurer. We are extremely fortunate that these two parishioners are willing to be of continued service to our church. I was elected to serve as Senior Warden and was willing to serve because I knew I could rely upon the able assistance of our re-elected Junior Warden Ellen Hall. Jim Gemmer provided extraordi-nary service to Trinity and leadership to Vestry over the course of his two years of service as Senior Warden. He certainly set a high bar but I will do my best. 

Your 2018 Vestry, pictured from left to right, top to bottom: Mark Thompson. Sanford Diday, Ellen Hall, Debra Latiolais, Johanna Jackson, Melissa Neal, Kathryn Gemmer, Martha Williamson, Jim Hoecker and Matt Blunt (not pictured: Troye Plaskitt and Kevin Fox). 

At the October meeting the Treasurer provided a financial report. We remain slightly ahead of budget for 2017 though the final months of the year are extremely important to Trinity. Both the Christmas auction and year end gifts to the church are vital. 

You may have heard that recently Trinity decided to transition the endowment to the financial manage-ment of the Trustees of the Funds (TOTF). The Trustees of the Funds is a related organization of the Diocese of Virginia and provides its services to Episcopal churches and entities in all three of the dioceses within Virginia. Overseen by an elected board of trustees, TOTF currently serves nearly 150 churches and organizations with the management of almost $140 million in assets. The Trustees will manage our endowment in trust for us and Trinity will retain the same legal control over the endowment that it has today. Vestry and appropriate committees will continue to monitor the endowment’s performance. This was a significant decision and one that was undertaken after a great deal of due diligence and consideration by both the Endowment Committee and the Finance Committee. The chief executive officer of the Trustees of the Funds, Mike Kerr, will be at Trinity at 9:30 on December 10, 2017 to make a presentation and answer any questions you may have. I urge you to attend. It remains important that we continue to increase the size of our endowment for the long term maintenance of our campus and the fulfillment of our mission. 

In the coming weeks we will prepare our budget for 2018. Jim Hoecker’s excellent message on stewardship was a great reminder of our obligation to be good stewards of God’s blessings. He also did a great job pointing out how important it is to Vestry to have a record of pledges so that we can appropriately plan for 2018 and craft a budget that allows for Trinity to fulfill its mission. 

As we finish 2017 and head into 2018, I hope you will feel free to reach out to any member of Vestry if you have thoughts or concerns. November and December will be busy months at Trinity! 

In faith, 
Matt Blunt
Senior Warden