Convention Index

Schedule and General Information

Proposed Resolutions

Submitting Resolutions

Positions to be filled by election

Ministry Fairs

Nominees for Positions to be filled by election at Convention 2009

Download Mountain Echo pages with nominee information

Brookhaven Trustees – Three Members to be elected for 3-year terms
The Board has full jurisdiction over the management and operation of the Brookhaven Home and School, including the program, discipline and regulation, and the engagement or dismissal of faculty and staff.
Nominees:
            James Kennedy, a member of St. Mary’s, Northfield. He currently serves as president of the Brookhaven Board and wishes to continue to serve the school community as a board member.
            Linda Runnion is a member of St. John’s, Randolph, where she has been active in fundraising and many other parish activities. She is assistant to the academic dean at Vermont Technical College, former chair of the Brookfield School Board and assistant town clerk and treasurer in Brookfield. She says she has been impressed with the work at Brookhaven and by the commitment of the staff. She says, “I believe that all children can learn, and that every child must be given that opportunity, whether it be in a traditional school setting or in a setting that can better serve that child.”
            David Shuffleburg, a member of St. Mark’s, Springfield, has served as a Brookhaven trustee since October 2007. He is a former member of Diocesan Council and its Communications Committee, and he served on the 175th Anniversary Committee. He is active in prison ministry at the Springfield Correctional Facility and notes that “many inmates have been ‘short-changed’ early in their lives.” He says, “I feel that Brookhave has a ‘forward thinking view’ when dealing with its youth. I see many children today in the wider world that could benefit from the love and compassion provided by Brookhaven.”

(Nominee needed for one unexpired term to 2010 to be filled)

Diocesan Council - Four At-Large Members to be elected for 2-year terms and two youth representatives to be elected for 1-year terms (ages 16 through 20)
The Bishop and the Council exercise the executive power of the Diocese between conventions and are responsible for the promotion of the mission of the church. The Council, in consultation with the Treasurer of the Diocese, prepares a comprehensive budget each year for submission to the annual Convention. Of the 26 elected members, 16 are elected by deaneries, 8 are at-large members, and 2 are youth members.
Nominees:
            Robert Bowler is administrative assistant and member at Immanuel, Bellows Falls. He also serves on the Stone Church Arts program staff, the worship committee, and as a preacher, acolyte, and adult education leader. He was part of the diocesan Companions Program in 2007-2009. He says, “My experiences at Immanuel and as a diocesan Companion have reinforced my love of baptismal ministry,” which he understands to be “a primary mission in the diocese and as the future of the Episcopal Church.” One of his main concerns is financial, “the need to cut the budget while maintaining staffing and service levels.”
            Barbara Hoar, a retired teacher, currently serves as senior warden at St. Peter’s, Bennington, and is a member of the Diocesan Convention Nominating Committee. She served on Diocesan Council from 2002–2005, and she has been on the Bishop Booth Conference Center Board. She is interested in “encouraging and fostering parishes to use their assets for the people of their communities and surrounding areas to promote the work that the Lord has given us.” She is concerned about the future of Rock Point and says, “I feel that this property belongs to us as stewards of this part of the world.”
            Alan Kittelson has been rector at St. Paul’s, Vergennes, since 2008. Prior to being called to St. Paul’s, he served congregations in Maine (10 years) and Western Massachusetts (10 years). He believes his experience in these dioceses with a “largely rural flavor…may translate as some insight into the Diocese of Vermont. He says, “One of my particular interests is the role of the arts in the formation and expression of faith.”
            Judith McManis, a liturgical artist and calligrapher, is a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington. She has served on St. Paul’s vestry and as junior and senior warden at a congregation in Connecticut. She wants to “contribute to the building up of something I value greatly.” A good listener, she says, “Our beloved church is in the unique position to serve all who come to us. Our job is to be ready for that service.”
(Two members age 16–20 to serve to 2010)
            Cheyenne Garland is a member of St. James’, Essex Junction, who attended the Episcopal Youth Event in 2008, and the 2007 Diocesan Convention. Of the latter, she says, “I found the whole process fascinating and would like to be further involved.” She notes that issues addressed by Convention and Council, such as the environment, gay marriage and equality/human rights, will directly affect those of her generation, “so I feel drawn to get involved and share my feelings and thoughts on these subjects.” She is concerned about the dwindling attendance by youth at church-related functions and at Rock Point Summer Camp and says, “It saddens me that apparently my peers have found something ‘better’ to do.”

Ecclesiastical Court – One Clergy member for a 4-year term, one Clergy alternate member for a 4-year term
The Court consists of five persons, three Priests or Deacons and two Lay persons who are adult confirmed communicants in good standing of a parish or mission admitted into union with the Convention. At least one person must learned in the law.
Nominees:
            George Moyser, chair of the political science department at UVM, is currently serving as interim Sunday supply priest at St. Luke’s, St. Albans. He was previously rector at Calvary, Underhill. He says, “I have had lengthy experience in a managerial position that involves dealing with at times sensitive personnel issues.”
(One clergy alternate to serve to 2013)
            Alfred Stefanik is a retired priest who has served congregations in Vermont, Long Island, Hawai’I and Massachusetts. He has served as supply priest during the transition period for St. John the Baptist, Hardwick, and is chaplain to the retired clergy and their spouses and partners. He says he has the “ability to listen and discern and to discuss and, when necessary, to make a judgment.”

Oversight and Audit Committee – Two members (1 Clergy and 1 Lay) to be elected to 3-year terms
The committee of three clergy and three lay persons is responsible for implementing and enforcing the audit, financial reporting, funds management and other requirements of diocesan and national canons relating to diocesan and parish financial management. They provide resources and consulting to parishes and diocesan organizations and are responsible for an annual audit of accounts of the Diocese and Trustees.
Nominees:
            Gary Eley, a member and former rector at All Saints’, South Burlington, is president of Eley Financial Management. He says his financial background and previous service on the committee qualify him to serve.
            Carolyn Fouts, senior warden at St. Luke’s, St. Albans, is current president of the Trustees of the Diocese and a member of the Insurance Committee. She is a former member of the Commission on Ministry and trustee of Rock Point School. She says she feels qualified because, “professionally, I was an auditor for over two years and have prepared for corporate audits annually since 1995.”

Rock Point Board – Three Members to be elected to 3-year terms, 1 person to fill an unexpired term to 2011
The Board is responsible for administration and maintenance of the buildings and grounds of Rock Point. The duties include planning for the use, maintenance, management and security of the property and purchasing and contracting for all goods and services.
Nominees:
            Alice Daley, a member and former senior warden at St. Andrew’s, Colchester, is completing her first term on the Rock Point Board, which she serves as secretary. A school nurse, she also served as nurse for the Rock Point Summer Camp and says she is “passionate about preserving RPSC and trying to build up enrollment.”
            Iris Darling, a member of All Saints’, South Burlington, where she serves as treasurer, is currently vice-president of the Rock Point Board. She says, “I have a good knowledge of the Board’s current work and future challenges. I would like to continue to be a part of the Board’s work.”
            John King, parking manager for the Burlington Police Department, is a member of St. Andrew’s, Colchester. He is a current member of the Rock Point Board and the Bishop Booth Conference Center Program Committee as well as coordinator for the diocese’s two annual silent retreats. He is concerned to “ensure the continued success of the BBCC.”
(One member to serve until 2011)
            Beth Garland, a member of St. James’, Essex Junction, works for Paydata Payroll Services. He chairs the Martha Society at St. James’ and is a eucharistic minister. She is a past senior warden/vestry member and served four years as president of the Women of St. James’. As a mother of teenagers, she is motivated “to keep this inspirational option operating at its full potential for their generation as well as that of their future children.. She says, “It is imperative that we keep Rock Point vital so we may share the presence of the Holy Spirit, which is so evident in this place.”Nominees:

Rock Point School Trustees – Four members to be elected to 3-year terms
The Board of Trustees has full jurisdiction and authority over the management and operations of Rock Point School, including the curriculum, discipline, regulation and the engagement or dismissal of the faculty and staff.
Nominees:
            Frances Farnsworth works at Middlebury College and is a member of St. Thomas & Grace, Brandon, where she serves on the vestry. She is a current member of the RPS Board. Her son is a RPS graduate, and she says, “During my two years as a Rock Point parent, I came to know what an important ministry the diocese has in this school and the role the school has in changing lives of young people.” She has “learned the ropes” in her first term on the Board and welcomes the opportunity to serve a second term. She says, “I believe that all schools should be structured so that the students who have different learning styles can succeed; until that day comes, there will be a need for Rock Point School.”
            Margaret Mathauer, a long-time professional educator, is deacon at All Saints’, South Burlington. Two of her adopted children were RPS students, and she has continued to keep up with the school. She says she would like to “make myself visible in the school, offer assistance in curriculum planning and perhaps be a resource for special interest groups of students.” She adds, “I look forward to learning more and giving back to Rock Point School!”
            Barton Merle-Smith works for NRG Systems and lives in North Ferrisburg.
            Lisa Simon is an administrative assistant who lives in Charlotte. She is a current member of the Board and says, “I am committed to ensuring that Rock Point School can maintain the community in which students thrive as full human beings now and prepare for thair lives as adults in the future.” She sees RPS as a “model of education and community from which other schools can learn. We must,” she says, “Keep focused on both preserving the values of this model while we go through the dynamic changes ahead.”

Standing Committee – Two Members to be elected (1 Clergy and 1 Lay) to 4-year terms, 1 lay person to fill an unexpired term to 2010
The Standing Committee – four clergy and four lay persons – is an advisory committee to the Bishop and acts in the absence of the Bishop as the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese. The committee must consent to ordinations and to Episcopal elections in other dioceses.
Nominees:
            Lee Alison Crawford, priest-in-partnership at Trinity, Rutland, is a member of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, a deputy to the last 5 General Conventions, a deputy to Provincial Synod, and chair of the diocesan Global Reconciliation Committee. She has served previously on the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and as member and chair of the Commission on Ministry. She says her current work in the wider church and her15 years of service in the diocese will bring a sense of history and experience to the committee. She says, “More important is being part of this body during a time of change in the church on many levels. As the bishop’s council of advice, Standing Committee can listen to dreams and challenges and advise where possible. I look forward to being part of these discussions.”
            Robert Wertz, senior warden at St. Thomas & Grace, Brandon, has seen the congregation through a recent transition in clergy leadership. He has held a variety of management positions in the healthcare and hospitality fields. He is currently filling an unexpired term on Standing Committee and is a member of the Committee on the Environment. Prior to joining The Episcopal Church 30 years ago, he was an ordained Methodist minister. He is a strong supporter of issues relating to environmental sustainability, a proponent of localvore causes, and a member of an energy co-op. He says, “I strongly support all efforts within The Episcopal Church at both the diocesan and national levels to create liturgies to celebrate and honor marriage equality.”
 (One lay member to fill a term to 2010)
            Duncan Tingle, a member of St. John’s in the Mountains, Stowe, and a retired educator, is filling an unexpired term on the Standing Committee. He is a former member of the Commission on Ministry Committee on Discernment and the Rock Point Summer Camp Committee. Having served three years, he says filling a one-year position would allow him to serve a full term. “I am interested,” he says, “in providing advice to the bishop when asked and in what is happening in The Episcopal Church outside of our own diocese,” as well as in “those discerning for holy orders in The Episcopal Church.”

Trustees of the Diocese – One member to be elected to a 7-year term
The Board of Trustees is responsible for receiving, holding and properly disposing of all assets, real and personal, of the Diocese. In other words, the Board is owner of all diocesan property and is responsible for management of diocesan investments.
Nominee:
          Ronald Calise, a member of St. Paul’s, Vergennes, is a self-employed investor. He is a current trustee and member of the Investment Committee. He says his extensive educational and professional background in finance, economics and accounting enables him to assist with the fiscal affairs of the diocese. And he says, “In a period of financial turmoil, it is particularly challenging to protect the assets of the Diocesan Unit Fund. Further, the Fund must be positioned to benefit from any improving economic environment.”

Vermont Ecumenical Council and Bible Society Trustee – One person for 3-year term.
Nominee:
            Peg Hamlin, a member os St. James’, Essex Junction, is a current VEC trustee and a member of its Faith and Order Committee. She is also associate ecumenical officer of the Diocese of Vermont and has been active for many years in ecumenical activities in Vemront and New England. She says she supports “The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion priorities for the work of ecumenism and visible Christian unity, including engaging the Lund Principle.”