Vestry Members:

Senior Warden: PAT MACKENZIE (February 2008)

We MacKenzie’s joined St. George’s in 1985 and appreciated the emphasis on family right from the start. We became part of the “Parent’s Group”. With this bunch of wonderful people, we raised our kids and made fast-friends. Under the umbrella of St. George’s we have worshipped, camped, dined, worked on ministry projects, and have cultured relationships that affirm our faith in God and our appreciation of our extended St. George’s family. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to be a part of this church. I have met such good people and have made friends and acquaintances with so many of you. I’ve volunteered to conduct youth activities, ushered, became a chief usher, perennially participated in the Annual Spaghetti Dinner (I have been Antonio Pepperoni’s straight man in perpetuity), and became the Buildings and Grounds Chairman which led to becoming the Visions Implementation Committee Chairman. Most recently, I served as Junior Warden. I’ve learned a lot in these past two years as understudy to Senior Warden, Jim Montgomery. He has taught me the meaning of patience, concern and devotion to our church. We’ve worked together as a team to make numerous upgrades to our church. We’ve worked tirelessly on incorporating our new property, 41 Manor into our campus. We’ve done a good job of making St. George’s a place to fulfill your spiritual needs. We are a church in transition. We have two young new priests whom we have charged with invigorating our numbers. They have a lot of energy and I think things will be very exciting these next few years. I would be honored to provide the leadership necessary to involve a new wave of young families in our congregation. The future will be filled with new demands. The economy is having a rough time of it. So is the national Episcopal Church. Through it all we must nurture a strong clergy, support each other as the bedrock of our church and provide a welcoming place of worship and activity for new families.

Junior Warden: Rob Johnson (February 2008)
I am 37 years old and am a life long Episcopalian. My wife is named Michele and we have a seven year old son named Adam. I am originally from Connecticut and moved to the Dayton area nearly ten years ago for my job at Reynolds & Reynolds. I am a Product Manager for one of our software applications. We began attending St. George’s a few months after moving to Dayton and have always been very glad that we found this church. In my job as a Product Manager, I am responsible for aligning priorities for my product and deciding what features and enhancements will be implemented. These decisions are often based on our resource availability as well as the market demand. Sometimes these decisions are also made because it is the right thing to do. I believe this experience will help me in my role as Junior Warden. As I have not moved around much, most of my church experiences are limited to the church I grew up in and
St. George’s with some short periods at a couple other churches. Growing up in my hometown church, I participated in many of the activities and ministries my church offered that many youth go through. Other than Sunday school, my first involvement was with the Junior Choir followed by serving as an acolyte and crucifer. In my later high school years, I also served as a chalice bearer/lector. I would also mention the eleven years I spent attending and working at my Diocesan (Connecticut) summer camp. Perhaps the most important thing I learned going to summer camp was that God is fun (among many other things)!  That may sound strange but growing up, I always felt that many of my peers thought that God was there but was not something worth putting much time into. Summer camp showed that you could still have a good time and not need to neglect God. Since Michele and I arrived at St. George’s nearly ten years ago, our involvement has grown. I started out serving as a chalice bearer/lector at the 5:00 service and then became a verger for the Cornerstone service. I have also been a member of the Stewardship committee. Michele and I have also been involved with many other activities like the Spaghetti Dinner, Rummage Sale, etc. The outgoing and welcoming atmosphere is what attracted Michele and me to St. George’s several years ago. I don’t think this has been lost over the years and I would like to see it continue as we grow our ministries. Whether it is a service like Cornerstone or the addition of our new staff members, I think we need to continue to find new ways to reach out to those who don’t know Christ or have been away from him and need to return.At the same time, I also think we need to maintain the strong traditions that the Episcopal Church represents.

Ward Best (February 2006)

Hello, I am Ward Best, and I have accepted the invitation to run for Vestry. I currently work as an IT Manager for the Department of Energy in Cincinnati. Prior to this I worked in nuclear safety, submarine quality assurance and project management. I am married and have three children. My family has been coming to St. George’s for about four years. We were first attracted to St. George’s by its warm and friendly atmosphere and traditional service. My family has come to appreciate the many opportunities for Christian fellowship and spiritual growth this congregation has given us, especially those for my children. They have had wonderful experiences at Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, and as Acolytes. My two boys had the time of their lives during the last MVERN trip to Russia, and I appreciate the lengths the Church
went to for my son’s Eagle Project. St. George’s has something for everyone, and as a member of the Vestry I would hope to continue that pattern in the coming years so that everyone can have the same great experience that we have had. I look for the Church to work financially within its means while looking at what lies ahead. I hope that I can apply some of my business experience in guiding the Church through the many issues we face.
 

Susan Daly (February 2007)

My family and I have been members of St. George's since August of 2003. I have three children ages 17, 16, and 5. Each has found a different aspect of the church in which to participate: Erin is active in youth group; Kathleen sings in the choir; Ian benefits mightily from Patti King's excellent Christian education program. My husband, Bryan, and I sing in the choir as well as other organizations outside of church.
My employment background includes data analyst positions for a marketing research company and a university Provost office, a stint as a quality engineer for an optical manufacturing firm, and adjunct professor at both a community college and a university. For the past 5 years I have been a stay at home mom. These dissimilar experiences give me the analytical skills to examine options dispassionately as well as the patience and flexibility to see things through with enthusiasm (or at the very least, obstinance).
When I was first asked to consider being on the vestry, I wondered how a newcomer could possibly contribute anything. Then it dawned on me that I am no longer a newcomer and maybe this was a hint from God to stop thinking like one. I have attended both Alpha and Via Media, and have been involved in organizing both the coffee hour and newcomer's brunch. These experiences have been part of my growth in the church and I believe the Vestry would be another step on that path.

Annette Fredenburgh (February 2007)

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve St. George’s as a member of the vestry.  Returning to the St. George’s family after living away for the last 11 years felt like coming home.  I was confirmed at St. George’s and it is here I began a deep love for and commitment to the church.  I also began my spiritual journey here, which is still in process and ever changing and evolving.  It is a journey which will continue to grow and develop as I serve the church in this role.
Not only do I have my commitment to the church to offer, but I also have experience working for the church in an administrative capacity.  While working as convention coordinator for the Diocese of New York, I was also the staff liaison to the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council.  In these positions I learned about the administrative and business side of the church.  As a clergy wife, I gained an “insider’s” view of the problem and the triumphs; the struggles and the love in the church.  I hope my varied experience will be valuable in my service here at St. George’s.
I grew up in Oakwood and lived in the Centerville area until we moved 12 years ago.  My husband, John, is an Episcopal clergy and recently retired after 42 years in the ministry.  We are now living close to our 5 of our 7 grandchildren – 2 in Dayton – 3 in Columbus – and 2 in Portland, Oregon.  My daughter, Amy, is living in Manhattan but still calls St. George’s her home.  I work full time at Beth Abraham Synagogue as bookkeeper/administrator.  It has been very interesting to be involved with a completely different religion which faces many of the same day to day issues we face. Although I enjoy my work and have met many wonderful people, I am always aware of my deep love for Christ and my devotion to the Episcopal Church.

Barb House (February 2006)

David and I have been members of St. George’s at two different stages in our lives. We were members from 1994-1996, moved to Boston, and then returned to St. George’s in 1998, pregnant with our daughter, Hannah. Hannah is now 7 and Alex, our son, is 4. I am passionate about my family – I guess as all parents are – and I feel strongly about involving my children in a welcoming, loving community where they can grow in Christ’s love and feel His presence around them. While at St. George’s I have been involved with Habitat for Humanity, our Confirmation program, the Capital Campaign, Logos, Sunday School, Mothers and Others and coordinating meals for families with new babies. I am a member who has done a few things but certainly one who could and should do quite a bit more. I believe that St. George’s is at a critical juncture. While we have welcomed new families to our church we have also lost good friends who have chosen to worship elsewhere. I want St. George’s to be a place where we not only welcome people, but we embrace them into our community. My vision for St. George’s is one where we all come together for spiritual nutrition from God and from one another and we share that with those who have yet to experience it. I believe the greatest gift I bring to the Vestry is the desire to be a part of the change and growth that I hope is yet to come at St. George’s.

Lynn Olive (February 2006)

I have been a member of St. George’s for over twenty years. During that time I have helped with the distribution of the altar flowers following the 10:30 Sunday service and may be known to some of you as ‘the flower lady”. Last year I joined the Lay reading team. Because of my work at Elder Beerman, I often attend the 8:00 Sunday mass or the 5:00 Saturday service. How good it is to have four choices of services at St. George’s with the diversity it brings for all of us. As a Vestry member, I would come with willing heart and trust that God would equip me to meet His challenge. I have been impressed with the work that Carol and Paul have done at St. George’s. Our growth since the 1980’s has been remarkable and will surely continue. The acquisition of the Manor Lane property east of us promises room for future growth when needed. Our biggest challenge in the near future is financial since we have the foresight and vision of a diverse congregation, now we need the dollars to achieve our vision.

Ron Shubert (February 2006)

Carolyn and I have been members of St George's for more than 40 years. I retired several years ago from NCR. Prior to retirement I had various engineering and management assignments. I previously served on the Vestry in the mid 80's.
Having both an engineering and management background helps me be a logical thinker and problem solver. My vision for St George's is to continue to assure that we meet the needs of our current members and create opportunities to attract new members. I also believe we need to have a comprehensive business plan and adequate financial resources to upgrade our current facilities and the recently acquired property next door. It would be a privilege and an honor to serve on the Vestry if I am elected.

 

Eric Schryver (February 2008)
First, it is an honor to be asked to run for a Vestry position. If elected, I will serve willingly and thoughtfully. I grew up in Dayton; attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and graduated from Oakwood High School. I attended the University of Colorado and the University of the Seven Seas. In 1967 I married Sue, also a native of Oakwood. By 1973 we were a family of four with two children -- our son, Lew, and our daughter, Elizabeth. After working at Dayton Power & Light for 20 years in Sales and Marketing, I left the corporate world to pursue my real passion -- photography. In the mid-seventies Sue, the children, and I joined St. George’s, where the opportunities to worship God, meet new friends and volunteer were endless. My journey of faith and walk with Christ was renewed and nurtured at St. George’s. I taught Sunday school, served on the Finance and Stewardship Committees, helped the Organ Committee raise funds, and worked on the Spring Festival. I was a member of the Vestry for eight years --the last four as Junior Warden. In the community, I was involved in Scouting as a troop leader, Centerville Rotary as president, the Professional Photographers of Southwestern Ohio as president, the Professional Photographers of Ohio as a board member, the regional high school arts review board, and Ohio’s Arts and Communications Panel for the State’s vocational schools. Our children have grown, graduated from college, established careers, married, and brought us four wonderful grandchildren. Currently, I am a Stephen Minister, a volunteer for our music outreach program, chairman of the Membership Committee, and attend Wednesday and Sunday Bible Study. And, oh yes, I enjoy ushering with Sue. As a candidate for the Vestry, I bring the
gifts of leadership and relationship experiences, an open but questioning mind, an innate curiosity, and a sense of humor. I come with the perspective of a strong
interest in the well being of family, friends, and St. George’s. I most appreciate the presence of a loving and tolerant church family. We should reach to activate our inactive members, and bring new members into the body of Christ.

Shannon Walker (February 2008)
I am a first generation Episcopalian who has been active in the church my entire life. I grew up as a member of Zion Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Rochester, New York. As a young person I served as an acolyte, choir member, lay reader and chalice bearer.  As an adult, I represented Zion at the Diocesan convention and I was a member of a yoked congregation search committee. I started my professional career at JP Morgan Chase in Rochester, New York and received a promotion in 1997 which brought me to Columbus. I joined St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in June of 1997. I was involved in many different aspects of the congregation in Westerville. I was the youth group director for 6 ears and taught Sr. High Sunday School. I sang in the choir, served as a Lay reader/Chalice Bearer and founded the singles ministry. I was a member of the Vestry, and a Diocesan convention delegate. Another job change brought me to the Dayton area in July of 2004. I spent a year visiting the churches in the Dayton Deanery until landing at St. George’s in June of 2005. Since joining St. George’s I have been a member of the choir, served as a volunteer youth advisor and served on the social issues committee. I coordinated the Silent Auction for the Spaghetti Dinner in 2007and 2008 and I was the St. George’s representative for the 2007 Deanery Habitat for Humanity build. I joined the Daughters of the King in 2007 and helped develop promotional materials for the Wrap it up Campaign. I enjoy spending time with family and friends - my parents and only sister still live in the Rochester Area. I am involved with the family selection committee for Habitat for Humanity in Dayton and reading a good juicy novel is one of my great pleasures. I believe that the depth and breadth of my Episcopal experience will be a huge benefit to St. George’s. I am able to provide a broad perspective on Episcopal issues having been a leader in both large and small congregations while they were going through some serious challenges. I am a great organizer and I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself for the right cause!  I am a fan of technology and would love to see it used more effectively within the St. George’s community. I believe that St. George’s is in a fantastic place for growth both physically and spiritually. The acquisition of 41 Manor Lane has helped increase our visibility on Far Hills Ave. and the joyous message of faith and inclusion that we preach and follow every day will continue to bring in individuals and families who possess wonderful gifts. The last 4 years have been challenging ones for Episcopalians but I believe that the future is bright and we are in the right place to take advantage of that light.

Susan Wehmeyer (February 2007)

My family started going to St. George’s in 1991.  Daughters Ellen and Mary are now in college, but their church activities were a big part of our lives while they were growing up.  In recent years, my husband, Jeff, and I have become regulars at the Cornerstone Service, where he serves as a verger.  My current activities include: serving as webmaster for this website, scheduling the Cornerstone technical crew, and scheduling the acolytes.  I’ve also volunteered in smaller capacities such as cooking for the Spaghetti Dinner and making breakfast casseroles for the Other Place. 
I work at Wright State as a librarian, managing the Information Delivery Services Department of the University Libraries.  Much of my job involves customer service, organization and planning, and management.   I have a feeling that serving on the Vestry will bring as much to my life as I can offer in return.  I sincerely care about St. George’s, and would do my best as a member of the Vestry.