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Candidates for Election at the 175th Convention
Clergy Deputy to 2009 General Convention
(Four to be elected; alternates will be elected in 2008)
Thomas James Brown, rector
of St. Michael’s, Brattleboro, is
a member of the Commission on Ministry and the Cathedral Chapter and
is the diocesan ecumenical officer. He served as a deputy to the 2006
and 2003 General Conventions, chairing the Vermont deputation in 2006.
He is “committed to working with others to bring justice to all
who are outcast” and is a “strong advocate for out church’s
commitment to eradicating extreme hunger and poverty.” He was secretary
of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of a Presiding Bishop
(2003-2006), and he currently serves on The Episcopal Church’s
Standing Committee on Structure. In 2003 and 2006, he served on the Church
Pension Fund Legislative Committee. He says, “Besides my experience
with General Convention, I bring an enthusiastic respect for the way
our national church develops policy and theology. In short, I find myself
exhilarated and affirmed by my work at General Conventions.” He
adds, “If given the opportunity to serve as a Deputy, I would take
to Anaheim a faithful regard for the Diocese of Vermont, and the issues
we face, and a fierce reliance on the Wisdom of God to guide my speaking
and my voting.”
Lee Alison Crawford, rector of St. Mary’s, Northfield, is on the Standing Committee, chairs the Global Reconciliation Committee and represents Vermont on Provincial Synod. She is Province I clergy representative on the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church (TEC) and its representative on the Standing Committee on International Concerns. She has served as clergy deputy to four General Conventions, where she has been appointed each time to the World Mission Legislative Committee. She says, “I am currently secretary of the sub-group of Executive Council that is monitoring and responding to drafts of the proposed covenant for the Anglican Communion. Being a member of Executive Council and being a deputy go hand-in-hand, and I can offer knowledge to our deputation.” She notes the importance of “seasoned voices” and says, “I thrive at General Convention and look forward to serving again this great diocese.” She is excited and pleased to see how Vermont is responding to the challenge of the MDGs and says, “Knowing the many connections Vermonters have with Anglicans throughout the world, I am interested in continuing to be a bridge-person between this diocese and the larger Communion.”
Reid D. Farrell, Jr., rector of Holy Trinity, Swanton, and vicar of St. John’s, Highgate, is a member of Diocesan Council, served on the bishop’s Capital Campaign Think Tank, and was an alternate deputy to the 2006 General Convention. He served in a variety of diocesan-wide ministries in his former Diocese of Michigan. He says, “I believe with my diocesan and parish experience that I understand our ‘Episcopal polity and processes.’ We face many challenges as TEC in the USA. We have led the way in the Anglican Communion in many areas of ministry, justice, and social concerns, and I believe we have a responsibility to continue to lead the way through these challenges.” He concludes, “I am concerned about the future of our church, and I would consider it both an honor and a privilege to serve our diocese as a deputy to General Convention.”
John C. Morris, rector of St. Martin’s, Fairlee, is dean of the Diocesan Study Program and a former president of the Standing Committee. He attended General Convention in 2003 and 2006 as first clergy alternate, which means, he says, “that I attended all meetings of the House of Deputies, participated in the worship life and spent some time at each Convention as a voting member. I think these experiences would be beneficial if I am elected as a deputy. Also, having served for 36 years in the Diocese of Vermont, I think I have a good perspective on how actions of the General Convention might impact our diocese.” Noting his support for the direction the Convention has taken, he says, “In our very difficult situation of trying to be a a very inclusive Church while also being faithful to our Anglican heritage, I think it is important for us to maintain our integrity while diligently seeking to maintain ongoing relationships with those within our Church and within the Anglican Communion who disagree with actions taken by our General Convention.” He is also “interested in Christian education for all ages and…helping members of our Church understand and live more deeply into the Baptismal Covenant.”
Sherry Osborn has been rector of St. Mark’s, Springfield, since September 2006. She says, “I respect and am thankful for the unique polity of our denomination that honors many diverse voices and views while faithfully seeking to walk the walk of Christ.” She has “been intentional about keeping current with the dioceses where I have served as well as the news of TEC and the wider Communion.” She believes “we are called to be a reconciling church….If we proclaim the radical hospitality of God, then all must be welcomed into the full life and ministries of the Church. No exceptions. Otherwise we establish second-class citizens.” She says this is a hopeful time for the diocese, TEC and the Anglican Communion. Interests include “the environment, children and youth, faith formation for all ages, developing and deepening baptismal ministries, relevant and accessible liturgy, prison ministry, native people’s ministries, domestic violence and the relationship between prayer and play (recreation).” She attended Convention in 1997 as an observer and says, “I would be honored to return to General Convention and serve this diocese as a member of the deputation.”
Judson Pealer, rector of St. Paul’s, Windsor, serves as a chaplain at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and is a member of Diocesan Council. He is a member of the Diocesan Convention Resolutions Committee and was elected an alternate deputy to the 2006 General Convention. He says, “I have been a priest twenty years with a broad church experience in the Dioceses of Vermont, West Virginia and Albany serving in small parishes. I have served in an integrated parish and in a parish in opposition to their diocesan without schism.” He adds, “I care that TEC is on the cutting edge of our culture and that all people have the opportunity to manifest their innate goodness and God-given talents. I’m proud of our church to stand firm for what is right in support of our new presiding bishop as well as the bishop of New Hampshire. I am a team player and generally progressive yet aware of the confusion that comes with change.”
Diane E. Root, canon missioner of Three Rivers Regional Ministry (Bethel and Killington), is a member of the Standing Committee and the Dismantling Racism Commission and is coordinator for Vermont’s participation in Living Stones. In 2000, she chaired the bishop search committee. As deputy to the 2003 and 2006 General Conventions, she served respectively on the Constitution and the Ministry in Small Congregations Legislative Committees. She says, “This Convention will need to address the relationship between TEC and the Anglican Communion, and I have been part of the work of the last two conventions as well as listening to the conversations here in Vermont.” She adds, “I would go to General Convention open to new developments and learnings, but see at least two areas as not negotiable. I would not vote to change TEC into a ‘confessional’ church…and I would not vote to further centralize and concentrate authority and power.…At the same time, I feel very strongly about maintaining our relationship with the larger communion. We go in prayer!” She is excited by work on the MDGs and is also interested in development of local and regional ministries.
Craig Smith, rector of Trinity, Shelburne, serves on the Rock Point Board of Governors and has been active in a variety of diocesan ministries, including Diocesan Council and its Executive Committee, the Convention Dispatch of Business Committee and the Brookhaven Board. He says, “I am familiar with legislative and group processes and have 24 years of experience helping congregations and church groups through time of conflict in addressing issues from sexuality to building design and capital campaigns to budget choices around mission priorities. I have done so with reconciliation as the first priority. I believe differences embraced wholeheartedly make for stronger families, parishes, and communities of al kinds.” He adds, “I believe we can find ways to reconcile with the larger Anglican Communion by focusing on joint mission imperatives, emphasizing our intention to continue our partnership, regardless of whether they sever formal ties. I take the long-view vision of Anglicanism with regard to our present tensions, trusting that the historic Anglican understanding of the church as a ‘mansion with many rooms’ will prevail.”
Tanya R. Wallace, canon educator at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, serves on the Cathedral Chapter, the Rock Point School Board and the Commission on Ministry, and she is an EFM mentor. She is a former member of Diocesan Council and its Executive Committee and has represented the diocese at conferences on Christian formation and young adults. She says, “I feel called to serve as a bridge between our diocese and the national church. I believe it is vitally important to represent the gifts and needs of young people in the church, youth and young adults alike, and to find creative ways to share those gifts and give voice to those needs. As a young person with a young child, I am in a unique position to be able to represent a constituency which is often overlooked, but is essential to the future of our churches. And as an educator, I think it is essential to make connections among all people and places in order to provide Christian education and formation resources to support individuals, parishes and the diocese in our lifelong journey of formation as Christians. I hope to be able to use my experience with the national church, as a young priest and as an educator, to help foster these connections.”
Lay Deputy to 2009 General Convention
(four to be elected; alternates to be elected in 2008)
Stannard “Stan” Baker, a
member of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, is clinical director for Howard
Center Developmental Services in Burlington. He is a former vestry member
and senior warden at the Cathedral and currently a postulant discerning
diaconal ministry. (If that process leads to ordination, it will not be
before General Convention.) He served on the Task Force on Blessing Same-Gender
Unions and is a graduate of EFM. He attended the 2006 General Convention
as first lay alternate and says, “I spent considerable time on the floor and experienced
voting on difficult issues, calling on faith and conscience. I am well
aware of the grueling schedule, the demands of Convention and the duty
to be on the floor at all sessions. It was an honor to be there.” He
says that as a gay man, he brings an inclusive spirit to conversations
about issues of oppression and justice, and “I am able to interact
with people of differing views without antagonizing them and am skilled
at finding common ground.” He adds, “I am particularly concerned
with mission, and I fully support and celebrate the MDGs adopted at last
General Convention. If—as a church—we can focus on the mission
that Jesus calls us to, full inclusion will naturally follow.”
Anne Clarke Brown, senior warden at Church of Our Saviour, Killington, is communication minister for the diocese. She is a member of the Global Reconciliation Committee and served as co-chair of the diocesan Task Force on Blessing Same-Gender Unions. She has served as a deputy to the past three General Conventions, each time as a member of the Social and Urban Affairs Legislative Committee. She says, “I am an experienced deputy with a clear understanding of the workings of Convention and the issues it has and will continue to face. I am a member of a TEC task force that will be presenting to the 2009 General Convention some exciting proposals for revamped ways of funding the mission of the church. I am committed to TEC’s continued active participation in the Anglican Communion. I am equally committed to the stances taken by previous conventions and hope to be able to be part of finding a way through the current climate of divisiveness so we can turn our focus to the very important work of God’s mission in a hurting world. I have the stamina and passion necessary to being an effective deputy and would love the opportunity to represent Vermont again in 2009.”
Nanci Gordon, a member of Trinity, Rutland, works with the Rutland Area Prevention Coalition and WJJR-FM. She is a member of the Diocesan Convention Resolutions Committee and the Spiritual Retreat Committee. She has served on the BBCC Board, the Communications Committee and the Nominations Committee. She says, “I am a twenty-five year member of this diocese who has been active enough to get to know people and congregations around the state. I believe that I have a feel for who we are as a group.” Noting the listening skills honed in her media career, she says, “I am someone who will respectfully represent and articulate viewpoints other than my own. When disagreements arise, I strive to interpret the views of opposing parties to each other in order to find our common ground and make progress together.” She adds, “My thinking is not easily categorized. I am very conservative in my personal conduct, but respectful of the diversity of our church and our world and mindful of the social dimension of the Gospel.” She says, “I have long wanted to attend General Convention and would consider it a great honor to represent the Diocese of Vermont in Anaheim.”
Thomas A. Little, a member of Trinity, Shelburne, is an attorney working with the Vermont Student Assistance Corp. He serves as chancellor of the diocese and has been a deputy to the last four General Conventions, where he served on the Legislative Committee on Canons. In 2005-6, he filled an unexpired term on the Executive Council of TEC. He says, “I have learned a lot at the four General Conventions I have attended and now believe I can contribute this learning and experience to help our diocesan deputies and our bishop at the 2009 General Convention. My understanding of the General Convention legislative process, and of the canons, will help our deputation.” He adds, “I am strongly committed to a fair and open legislative process at General Convention. I believe the legislation adopted should be data-driven but also based on the faith traditions and shared truths of our church.”
Jennifer S. Ogelby is a member of St. James’, Essex Junction, where she is head of the Altar Guild, a member of the Pastoral Care Team, and a Eucharistic Visitor. She chairs the Commission on Ministry’s Committee on Christian Formation, is member of the Rock Point Board and is representative to the Province I Education Committee. She has been involved for many years in Christian education in a variety of parochial and diocesan settings. She attended the 2000 General Convention as an alternate deputy. She says, “I am a good listener. I am passionate about equipping everyone for our baptismal ministry and using our spiritual gifts to build up God’s Kingdom.” She adds, “Our Baptismal Covenant is very clear about how we go about our work as Christians. With God’s help I will look at each of the issues through the lens of my baptismal promises. Sacred listening and prayerful response are also important.” She is interested in local and global outreach, worship inclusive of all ages and life-long learning and formation.
Scott Alan Paul, senior warden at St. Michael’s, Brattleboro, is the director of operations at Community Action Enterprises, Inc. He serves on Diocesan Council, and he attended the 2006 General Convention as an observer. He says, “I believe I am well-informed about the issues our church faces, and I strive to lead a life in Christ that is progressive, inclusive and respectful of the opinions of all members of the church. I believe I can give every viewpoint on the issues equal opportunity before making any decisions.” He adds, “I am enthusiastic about the opportunities our church has to alleviate world poverty through education and sharing of resources that are the focus of the MDGs. I am particularly pleased with the church’s stance that each and every one of us can make a difference—one action at a time. As part of our church’s efforts at global reconciliation, I hope our church can preserve our worldwide communion. But I also hope TEC will not shy away from being an example of Jesus’ commandment to love one another and uphold a spirit of inclusion for all people who desire simply to walk in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
Standing Committee
(One clergy and one lay member to serve to 2011)
The Rev. Donald R. Morris, who is retired after serving
as rector and interim in three congregations in Vermont (Vergennes, Killington
and Swanton), worships at St. Stephen’s, Middlebury. A former member of Diocesan Council and the
BBCC board, he also chaired the Oversight and Audit Committee. He says, “I
strongly support the positions our Bishop and Council have taken on the controversies
stemming from the Windsor Report. I welcome the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
in our corporate life!”
Alice Winn is a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, where she serves as a verger. She is a former member of Diocesan Council, and for several years, she organized the crew who served as volunteers at Diocesan Convention.
Province of New England Synod
(One clergy and one lay deputy to serve until 2010)
The Rev. Lee Alison Crawford, rector of St. Mary’s, Northfield, is the
current representative to Provincial Synod and the Province I clergy representative
to the Episcopal Church Executive Council. She says that since the latter term
runs to 2012, “I believe it crucial that I continue to work with the Province
of new England.”
Michelle Peattie, an active member of St. Peter’s, Bennington, works in management of environmental health and safety. A member of the Global Reconciliation Committee, she is committed to the mission of the MDGs. She says, “I bring a mature understanding of consensus-building and presenting positions with transparency.”
(One clergy and one lay alternate to serve until
2010)
The Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert, rector of St. Peter’s, Bennington,
is a member of the Standing Committee and in previous dioceses served
on education and stewardship committees. She says, “I believe that
the governance of The Episcopal Church at the provincial level is a vital
link between diocesan policy and national oversight. Concerned about “the
looming environmental crisis,” she serves on the board of Vermont
Interfaith Power and Light.
Joseph B. Board, a member of Zion, Manchester, is an emeritus professor of government and law. He serves on Diocesan Council and has been on the vestry at Zion.
Diocesan Council
(Four at-large members to serve to 2009)
Susan Ainsworth-Daniels, a member of St. Andrew’s,
Colchester, is completing her first term as a member of Council.
Lisa Eash, a member of St. Peter’s, Bennington, is a bookkeeper. She has been involved at St. Peter’s since childhood and now serves on the Altar Guild and as a greeter. She says she would “like to learn more about The Episcopal Church.”
Scott Alan Paul, senior warden at St. Michael’s, Brattleboro, is a current Council member. He says, “I am naturally drawn to the business of running a church, and I am particularly interested in church finances and ways of helping struggling parishes remain financially viable.”
Nicole Stevens, a member of St. Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury, is a nurse. She serves on the vestry and is a former member of the finance and stewardship committees. She says that as a member of Council, she would “increase the communication between the struggling, challenged small congregations and the diocese.”
(Two Youth to serve to 2008)
Emily Adams, a member of St. Peter’s, Bennington, has been head
life-guard and fill-in counselor at the Rock Point Summer Camps and a
counselor at Camp Agapé. She says she would “like to make
more youth events happen.” She
has been involved in projects to heighten awareness of the MDGs and says, “I
have a true passion for reaching out and sharing God’s love with
the world. It would be a great honor to serve as the youth representative
to Diocesan Council.”
Victoria Zajan is a member of St. Andrew’s, Colchester, where she is a member of the Sunday school team and the youth service planning team. She went on a summer mission trip and says, “I am interested in increasing youth participation within the church.”
Ecclesiastical Court
(One clergy and one lay member to serve to 2011)
The Rev. Mary Robb Mansfield is rector of St. John’s in the Mountains,
Stowe, and a former member of the Commission on Ministry. She says, “I
am able to listen carefully and compassionately to people, reflecting before
forming an opinion or making a decision.”
Joseph Board, a member of Zion, Manchester, is an emeritus professor of government and law. He serves on Diocesan Council and has been on the vestry at Zion. He has experience in arbitration, mediation, and other forms of conciliation.
(One
clergy and one lay alternate to serve to 2011)
The Rev. Carole Wageman, associate rector at
Trinity, Shelburne, recently completed a term as chair of the Commission
on Ministry’s Committee
on Christian Formation. She says, “I am a good administrator with
wide experience in secular work as well as in church.”
Alban Richey, a member of Good Shepherd, Barre, serves on the Rock Point Board and has been involved in a variety of diocesan ministries. He says, “I have over 15 years of court experience as guardian ad litem in Family and Probate Court.”
Oversight and Audit Committee
(One clergy and one lay member to serve to 2010)
The Rev. John Mitchell, rector at Zion Church, Manchester,
is a current member of the O & A Committee. He has served on Diocesan
Council, the Long Range Planning Committee and the Spiritual Life Committee.
Alice Rouleau, a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, is associate registrar at Middlebury College. She has served on the vestry and as treasurer of the Cathedral and is a current member of the O & A Committee.
Rock Point Board
(Three members to serve to 2010)
The Rev. Ken Hitch, rector of St. James’, Essex Junction, served as chaplain
at the Rock Point Summer Camps as well as for Camp Agapé. He emphasizes “the
importance of having and maintaining a serene and Spirit-filled setting for the
young people of our diocese,” and hopes to “represent the desires
and needs of current as well as future campers at Rock Point.”
Carol Hood-Cross, a self-employed accountant, is a member of St. Andrew’s, Colchester, where she has been senior warden, treasurer and Sunday school teacher. She has been Rock Point Board treasurer for the last two years and hopes to continue work begun on a treasurer’s handbook for the board.
Robert Laidman, Jr., a member of St. Paul’s, Vergennes, is a computer systems engineer. He currently serves on the Rock Point Board and is excited about recent efforts and opportunities to establish and build programs. He says, “I love this place and want it to be available for many future generations.”
Trustee of the Diocese
(One member to serve to 2014)
Laurel Broughton, a member of Trinity, Shelburne, is a current
trustee. She has served on various Rock Point boards and the Strategic Planning
Committee. She says, “I bring to the board a long familiarity and involvement
with one of the diocese’s singlemost valuable assets, the Rock Point property,
to which the trustees hold the deed.” She supports prudent investment of
diocesan and parish funds and is interested in oversight of diocesan real estate.
Brookhaven Trustees
(Three members to serve to 2010)
Pam Macy is an educator and singer who lives in Essex
Junction. She says, “I
have had students placed at Brookhaven and believe it is an important option
available for students who are struggling with severe issues of attachment, their
biologically fragile mental health and are beyond the skills of a regular school
environment.”
Brett W. Murphy, a member of St. Mary’s, Northfield, is a retired special educator who has previously served as Brookhaven trustee and treasurer. He says, “I am aware of the demanding but rewarding work carried out by the staff and supportive of the work by the administration to adapt the programs to meet the needs of the boys.”
Dale Willard, a member of Holy Trinity, Swanton, is a retired director of governmental affairs of a metropolitan area chamber of commerce. He is completing his first term as Brookhaven trustee and says, “I’m concerned about the reduction in funding by the state for schools such as Brookhaven, and I wish to work toward a solution so that the ministry of the school will continue.”
(One member to fill an unexpired
term to 2009)
David Shuffleburg, a member of
St. Mark’s, Springfield, is retired. He
has been active in diocesan affairs, serving currently on the 175th Anniversary
Committee. He volunteers at the correctional facility in Springfield and believes
that most problems of the inmates “stem from their childhoods,
where they lacked love, guidance and understanding.”
Rock Point School Trustees
(Four members to be elected to 2010)
Mark Archambault is a current member of the board and
a former RPS dorm parent, teacher and volunteer. He says, “I want to see every student leave school
feeling they can find their niche in life because thay had the tools to succeed.” He
would like to share his leadership skills, financial knowledge and management
experience with the staff and board.
Ann P. Guillot, a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, is a pediatrician and pediatrics educator at the UVM College of Medicine. She is a former RPS Board member who says she “would love to rejoin the RPS Board at this time and to become part of the good work that is being done there.”
Richard McGuire, the parent of a former RPS student, is the town manager in Williston. He appreciates the caring environment of RPS and wishes to offer his experience in budgeting, personnel matters, risk management and construction management, as well as his familiarity with Vermont laws and state and local officials.
Liza Rixon, a current member of the board and a graduate of RPS, is a nurse. She says, “I am determined to continue the mission of the school. There needs to be a safe, nurturing environment for kids who do not excel in the traditional school setting.”
