#vestry

In the world of religious institutions and places of worship, certain terminologies hold significant importance. Among these are the terms “sacristy” and “vestry.” Both sacristy and vestry are spaces within a religious building, often found in Christian churches, that serve distinct purposes. Though they might seem similar at first glance, they play different roles and hold specific historical…

Vestry House Museum

This house, built in 1730, and situated in an area of Walthamstow that still retains its original, rural south vibe, was originally used as a workhouse, and a meeting place for the local government, known as the Vestry. At the time, it contained a bakehouse for keeping the inmates fed, and a brewery to provide them with their allotted one pint of beer a day (any children residing there received a half pint – it was safer than the water). The paupers and officials were later joined by the local Watch, a forerunner of the police.

The Met moved into Vestry House in 1840, and one of their cells remains to this day. After they departed, the house became, in succession, an armoury, a builders’ store, a literary and scientific institute, then a private house, before Walthamstow Borough Council took over and turned it into a museum of local antiquities – the forerunner of today’s establishment, which displays items associated with the history of the Waltham Forest area.

The collection is quite varied, including everyday domestic items such as irons and clothes pegs, a fancy hand-painted tea service where each piece depicts a local landmark, period costumes, and novelty postcards. One room is given over to Walthamstow’s toy making industry – a lot of tin figures and trains!

An extensive garden to the rear displays plants that the workhouse inmates would have grown for culinary and medical purposes, and a memorial to a much-loved local cat, Tetley. The highlight of the entire collection though is the Bremer Car, believed to be the first British-built internal combustion engine car.

02/13/2022 BY SJECWARRENTON VESTRY CLASS OF 2024 Our vestry election is complete and thank you to our six outstanding candidates and to all of you who voted. This is a great sign of the health and investment in our parish. Our Vestry Class of 2024 is as follows:

Greg Arthaud Joanne Charles John Pearce Anita Sherman

Vestry Nominee Greg Arthaud

A person wearing glasses

Description automatically generated with medium confidence I grew up in Minnesota and began my career as a forester in northern Minnesota. I returned to school and completed graduate work at Virginia Tech, the University of Freiburg (Germany), and the University of Minnesota. I met my wife, Lisa, when doing my doctoral study in Minnesota. I was a professor at the University of Georgia and Yale University before taking on my current position as the lead for ecosystem services research at the U.S. Forest Service Headquarters in D.C. This work involves research on the connection between people and nature. Lisa retired in 2020 after working in the school system as an occupational therapist.

Both Lisa and I were raised Catholic and began attending Episcopal churches after moving to Athens, Georgia and continued to find a home at St. Peter’s Episcopal in Cheshire, Connecticut, and Saint James’ (in 2002). Our three children all grew up active at Saint James’ in youth missions work and as acolytes. They have all completed college and have begun their own careers.

My primary service at Saint James’ has centered on food. I served as a back-up for Café in its early days and have led a team since we went to a rotation of volunteers. In association with Food for Friends, I have been leading a team which produces breakfast sandwiches each month for the Fauquier County Food Distribution and the Fauquier Family Shelter. I also led cooking for three South Carolina youth missions trips and cooking for Mardi Gras. I enjoy our Saint James’ home and involvement with the Warrenton community, including the Fauquier Community Band (past President), Fauquier Conservation Roundtable, Living Christmas Tree orchestra, and Fauquier Arts Council.

We have found friends and spiritual connections at Saint James’. We are proud to be involved in a congregation that embraces inclusivity, participation, and outreach to the community. We would love to see Saint James’ continue on the path pf being a welcoming church for new members and increasing service to the community.

Vestry Nominee Joanne Charles

Joanne Charles is a retired family practice nurse practitioner, married, with a daughter, a stepson, and five grandchildren. She lives in an old country house in Orlean with her husband Randolph, two Labradors and two cats. She loves nature, reading, painting, playing with grandkids, and is a hobby Labrador breeder.

Joanne has been an Episcopalian for 37 years and has enjoyed multiple ministries as an active parishioner, including Sunday School teacher, EYC leader, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Adult Choir, Outreach programs, Layreader, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and Diocesan Council Parish Representative. She especially enjoys Adult Christian Formation and Social Justice Ministries, having been a member of The Gamaliel Foundation’s Empower Hampton Roads, The Mission of the Holy Spirit Youth Program in Norfolk, VA, member of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, JustFaith Mentor, JustMatters Mentor and Education for Ministry Mentor. Joanne has developed and offered a number of programs and retreats for Christian Formation, including Anticipatory Grief, Death and Dying, Breaking Bread for Justice, Spirituality and Prayer, and Women’s Spirituality.

She prayerfully looks forward to helping Father Ben and the St. James’ parish community through service on the Vestry.

Vestry Nominee John Pearce

My wife, Rachel, and I moved to Warrenton with our 2 children in 2007 and joined Saint James’. Since joining, I have served on Vestry two times, served as Senior Warden, chaired the Search Committee in 2012, and was a co-leader of the Stephen Ministry program from 2010-2018. We especially enjoy the 8:00 AM service. By day, I work in software product management for a global software company.

When considering our move to Warrenton, we contacted longtime family friend Gary Shook, who recommended joining Saint James’. Our first day was the same day Fr. Chris Pierce arrived in 2007.

I really enjoyed being part of the caring community of Saint James while co-leading the Stephen Ministry program for 8 years with Sue Gruszewski. I also had a tremendous and faithful experience working with the Search Committee and the Vestry during the search process that resulted in calling Fr. Ben to St. James.

I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because we care for each other.

I would love to see Saint James’ be the light during dark times by focusing outwards and not pulling inwards.

Anita Sherman

Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, I’ve called Virginia home since 1988 and Fauquier County home since 1995. I’ve been married to my husband Don for 38 years and we have three grown children, Sophia, Douglas and Alexander and four grandchildren – Maria, Piers, Ada and Harrison. We are blessed that they all call Warrenton home. Professionally, I’ve been a writer and an editor with more than 20 years’ experience working for several newspapers in the Piedmont area including Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock. Currently, I am a freelance writer and also working on my first novel (send prayers!) In my younger days I traveled extensively and would relish another adventure. In the meantime, I’m an avid reader.

When we moved to Warrenton, I was looking for a church home (we had been attending Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna). I was raised Catholic and my husband Methodist so embracing the Episcopal Church was a good marriage in addition to our own. Admittedly physical attractiveness was stunning at Saint James’ with the stained-glass windows and high arched ceilings. Everyone was very welcoming, and I immediately felt at home and embraced by this place of sanctuary. I love the way the light plays through the windows casting its colors in different shapes. It is hard not to feel God’s work at hand in this place blessed with so much brilliance and spirit.

To date, two experiences at Saint James’ stand out for me as particularly memorable and life affirming. The first was in 2011 when our son Douglas phoned in early December announcing his intentions to marry a young woman from the Philippines and that he would like a church wedding and could I help make that happen within a few weeks. He only had a short time off as he was serving in the U.S. Army at the time. The clergy and alter guild at Saint James’ came to the rescue in an unforgettable and beautiful family service. The other was an invitation from members of the choir to join them which I did affording me the opportunity to be part of Saint James’ music ministry – a joyous forum. I’ve always enjoyed singing but lifting voices together and connecting with the congregation as you are doing so is a powerful form of prayer.

During my time at Saint James’, I’ve served as a Sunday School teacher, attended study forums and am currently a member of the Episcopal Church Women, choir and a lay reader. The church community at Saint James’ is a caring family, a family that acknowledges and accepts its members, a family that trusts in the inherent goodness of all who choose to worship here and a family that I am proud to call my own. There is no question for me that God is at work within these walls and that the spiritual abundance received resonates beyond Saint James’ and into the greater community.

02/02/2022 BY SJECWARRENTON

VESTRY UPDATE

01/27/2022 BY SJECWARRENTON VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING FEB 6 AT 12:15 Meet 2022 Vestry nominees. Click on a name to learn more.

This year’s annual meeting and election will be held virtually. If you normally get our weekly emails you will receive the election link with a password and access key prior to Feb 6ths virtual meeting.

Vestry Nominee Anita Sherman

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Description automatically generated with low confidence

Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, I’ve called Virginia home since 1988 and Fauquier County home since 1995. I’ve been married to my husband Don for 38 years and we have three grown children, Sophia, Douglas and Alexander and four grandchildren – Maria, Piers, Ada and Harrison. We are blessed that they all call Warrenton home. Professionally, I’ve been a writer and an editor with more than 20 years’ experience working for several newspapers in the Piedmont area including Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock. Currently, I am a freelance writer and also working on my first novel (send prayers!) In my younger days I traveled extensively and would relish another adventure. In the meantime, I’m an avid reader.

When we moved to Warrenton, I was looking for a church home (we had been attending Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna). I was raised Catholic and my husband Methodist so embracing the Episcopal Church was a good marriage in addition to our own. Admittedly physical attractiveness was stunning at Saint James’ with the stained-glass windows and high arched ceilings. Everyone was very welcoming, and I immediately felt at home and embraced by this place of sanctuary. I love the way the light plays through the windows casting its colors in different shapes. It is hard not to feel God’s work at hand in this place blessed with so much brilliance and spirit.

To date, two experiences at Saint James’ stand out for me as particularly memorable and life affirming.  The first was in 2011 when our son Douglas phoned in early December announcing his intentions to marry a young woman from the Philippines and that he would like a church wedding and could I help make that happen within a few weeks. He only had a short time off as he was serving in the U.S. Army at the time. The clergy and alter guild at Saint James’ came to the rescue in an unforgettable and beautiful family service. The other was an invitation from members of the choir to join them which I did affording me the opportunity to be part of Saint James’ music ministry – a joyous forum. I’ve always enjoyed singing but lifting voices together and connecting with the congregation as you are doing so is a powerful form of prayer.

During my time at Saint James’, I’ve served as a Sunday School teacher, attended study forums and am currently a member of the Episcopal Church Women, choir and a lay reader. The church community at Saint James’ is a caring family, a family that acknowledges and accepts its members, a family that trusts in the inherent goodness of all who choose to worship here and a family that I am proud to call my own. There is no question for me that God is at work within these walls and that the spiritual abundance received resonates beyond Saint James’ and into the greater community.

Particularly coming out of COVID, there has been much time for reflection given the challenges faced by this game changer. What do we do well as a parish? What can we do better? How can we as a congregation renew and reinvent our spirits? There are so many doors of opportunity for growth, nourishment and sharing our story. Let the light shine!

Lucian Niemeyer

A person in a suit and tie

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

I’m a first generation American born at Fort Benning GA in 1963. I grew up in New Jersey and the Philadelphia area before studying architecture at the University of Notre Dame courtesy of an Air Force ROTC scholarship. I’ve spent most of my professional life in public service – Active Air Force for 16 years in the Civil Engineering Career field, then as a professional staff member on the U.S Senate Armed Services Committee working for Sen John Warner of Virginia and then Sen John McCain for 11 years. During this time, I also served in the Virginia Air National Guard, retiring in 2008. I also served in the Pentagon and the White House as an Assistant Secretary of Defense confirmed by the Senate. I now run a national non-profit organization committed to protect human safety from growing cyber threats. I also co-founded another non-profit organization to promote the use of clean, safe nuclear power. I am divorced with one son, Benjamin, 21 y.o.  

My attraction to the Episcopal church originated with my Grandfather, a political theorist who was ordained as an Episcopal Minister in his 70’s and my Dad, who served two congregations on vestries at Calvary Church in Aston PA and St Bede’s in Santa Fe, NM. Although I have lived in the DC area for 17 years and attended church in various communities, I started attending Saint James’ in 2019. I was drawn by the vibrant and insightful sermons and the warmth of the congregation. I was reminded of the value of service and the love a spiritual family can share in the communion of worship in Saint James’ by recent personal experiences.  

By far, my greatest experience has been the gradual introduction of my Mom to Saint James’. She has been staying with me since the beginning of COVID and has not attended church regularly in years. She also has wrestled with her faith in recent years and had become dissatisfied with the messages in sermons. She also quickly appreciated the warmth of Saint James’ and the positive tenor of the sermons. She has moved from not attending services at all to volunteering time and service in Saint James’. I thank God each day for the smile on her face driving home each Sunday.  

I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because of the care and family atmosphere nurtured by the clergy and congregation on a weekly basis and the community programs and ministries supported by the Church.

I would love to see Saint James’ grow attendance, membership, volunteerism, and ministries to continue to positively impact the lives and spirituality of citizens in the Warrenton regional area. I also would love to start a Saint James’ photography club to introduce Members to the beautiful world around us.

Vestry Nominee Joanne Charles

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Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Joanne Charles is a retired family practice nurse practitioner, married, with a daughter, a stepson, and five grandchildren. She lives in an old country house in Orlean with her husband Randolph, two Labradors and two cats. She loves nature, reading, painting, playing with grandkids, and is a hobby Labrador breeder.

Joanne has been an Episcopalian for 37 years and has enjoyed multiple ministries as an active parishioner, including Sunday School teacher, EYC leader, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Adult Choir, Outreach programs, Layreader, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and Diocesan Council Parish Representative. She especially enjoys Adult Christian Formation and Social Justice Ministries, having been a member of The Gamaliel Foundation’s Empower Hampton Roads, The Mission of the Holy Spirit Youth Program in Norfolk, VA, member of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, JustFaith Mentor, JustMatters Mentor and Education for Ministry Mentor. Joanne has developed and offered a number of programs and retreats for Christian Formation, including Anticipatory Grief, Death and Dying, Breaking Bread for Justice, Spirituality and Prayer, and Women’s Spirituality.

She prayerfully looks forward to the possibility of helping Father Ben and the St. James’ parish community through service on the Vestry.

Vestry Nominee Greg Arthaud

A person wearing glasses

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

I grew up in Minnesota and began my career as a forester in northern Minnesota.  I returned to school and completed graduate work at Virginia Tech, the University of Freiburg (Germany), and the University of Minnesota.  I met my wife, Lisa, when doing my doctoral study in Minnesota.  I was a professor at the University of Georgia and Yale University before taking on my current position as the lead for ecosystem services research at the U.S. Forest Service Headquarters in D.C.  This work involves research on the connection between people and nature.  Lisa retired in 2020 after working in the school system as an occupational therapist.

Both Lisa and I were raised Catholic and began attending Episcopal churches after moving to Athens, Georgia and continued to find a home at St. Peter’s Episcopal in Cheshire, Connecticut, and Saint James’ (in 2002).  Our three children all grew up active at Saint James’ in youth missions work and as acolytes.  They have all completed college and have begun their own careers.  

My primary service at Saint James’ has centered on food.  I served as a back-up for Café in its early days and have led a team since we went to a rotation of volunteers.  In association with Food for Friends, I have been leading a team which produces breakfast sandwiches each month for the Fauquier County Food Distribution and the Fauquier Family Shelter.  I also led cooking for three South Carolina youth missions trips and cooking for Mardi Gras.  I enjoy our Saint James’ home and involvement with the Warrenton community, including the Fauquier Community Band (past President), Fauquier Conservation Roundtable, Living Christmas Tree orchestra, and Fauquier Arts Council.

We have found friends and spiritual connections at Saint James’.  We are proud to be involved in a congregation that embraces inclusivity, participation, and outreach to the community.  We would love to see Saint James’ continue on the path pf being a welcoming church for new members and increasing service to the community.

Vestry Nominee John Pearce

A person wearing glasses

Description automatically generated with medium confidence My wife, Rachel, and I moved to Warrenton with our 2 children in 2007 and joined Saint James’.  Since joining, I have served on Vestry two times, served as Senior Warden, chaired the Search Committee in 2012, and was a co-leader of the Stephen Ministry program from 2010-2018.  We especially enjoy the 8:00 AM service.  By day, I work in software product management for a global software company.  

When considering our move to Warrenton, we contacted longtime family friend Gary Shook, who recommended joining Saint James’.  Our first day was the same day Fr. Chris Pierce arrived in 2007.

I really enjoyed being part of the caring community of Saint James while co-leading the Stephen Ministry program for 8 years with Sue Gruszewski.  I also had a tremendous and faithful experience working with the Search Committee and the Vestry during the search process that resulted in calling Fr. Ben to St. James.

I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because we care for each other.

I would love to see Saint James’ be the light during dark times by focusing outwards and not pulling inwards.

Vestry Nominee Chris Bonner

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Description automatically generated with medium confidence

I was born in Los Angeles the son of a writer, grew up in New York City and studied journalism at the University of Georgia. Washington Correspondent for Knight-Ridder Newspapers, then became a communications consultant to trade associations, corporations and nonprofits, including Historic Christ Church in Alexandria. I am a Stephen Minister, active with Learning Starts Early and served on the Discernment Committee considering the call of Seldon Walker to the ministry. Served two terms on the vestry of Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in McLean. Cradle Episcopal.

I worshiped at Saint James’ for the first time 10 years ago Easter Sunday and my wife and I immediately felt at home.

My greatest experience at Saint James’ was witnessing my grandchildren’s baptisms and becoming a Stephen Minister.

I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because ours is a welcoming congregation blessed with a passionate rector, a rich musical tradition, a strong school and abundant opportunities to serve.

We celebrate the off-going vestry members, Amy Petty, Whitney Blandford, Tommy Pritchard, and our junior warden, Sharon Pitta-Michel, and we will elect new vestry members to serve for the next three years.

Above are your four Vestry Nominees for this year. Please get to know each of them better by reading their bios below.

Vestry Nominee Mary Battaglia

I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin with my five older brothers and am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I moved to Warrenton in 2004 and absolutely love this community. My husband, Ron, and I are proud parents of our two sons, Anthony (12) and Jack (11), the latter of whom is very anxious to return to acolyte at Saint James. For the past 30 years, I have been an international HR practitioner and as such, have had the privilege of supporting international development programs and staff around the world. I am currently serving as the Sr International HR Manager for Global Communities, an INGO headquartered in Silver Spring, MD. My husband, Ron, and I were raised Catholic and practiced that faith until our oldest son, Anthony, was born in 2008. We felt strongly that we wanted to raise our children in a faith community that demonstrated a genuine acceptance of children for who they are – – individuals who are curious, free-spirited, and not always quiet or still. We attended our first service at Saint James in 2010 and have never looked back. The church was pulsing with children who genuinely liked being there, who clearly felt at home walking through the sanctuary, and who were allowed to participate in so many ways in the service. We knew we had found our faith community. I was asked to share my greatest experience at Saint James. There are so many experiences to choose from. Father Ben’s sermons are so very thought-provoking and meaningful; his words are incredibly impactful. I leave each service feeling fed. I am very thankful for Saint James’ relationship with First Baptist Church. Associate Pastor Holland’s sermon from the Saint James pulpit left me wishing I could hear his message more often.Hearing and watching the Saint James congregation sing Silent Night in candlelight on Christmas Eve – – also a very powerful experience. I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because it is a faith community that meets people where they are in their faith journey. Imperfections are expected and embraced, and humility is genuine. I would love to see Saint James’ continue its good work in the larger Warrenton community, and I look forward to supporting our congregation’s outreach efforts. I am also very interested in supporting the relationship with First Baptist Church and other faith communities in Warrenton.

Vestry Nominee Maria DeCristoforo

I am a defense contractor at USMC Quantico who lives on a small farm just outside Warrenton. I’m also a Navy Reservist who returned in March from a deployment to Bahrain. My wife, Christine, is a college professor who recently started her own editing and tutoring business. We loved participating in Trivia Night at Molly’s and hope that it resumes sometime this year.    I first attended Saint James in the Fall of 2017. I had moved to Warrenton earlier in the year and I was looking for a way to positively connect with my new community. I had grown up in the Episcopal Church and was looking for the comfort and familiarity I experienced in my youth.  I have to say my wedding was my greatest experience at Saint James, followed closely by my participation in the Music Ministry. I loved participating in the Handbell Choir and hope to again post-COVID. I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because diversity and inclusion matters. As a member of the LGBTQ community, it is important for me to belong to a church that not only reflects my values and belief system but cherishes who I am as an individual and what I can contribute to the church community.  I would love to see Saint James’ continue to partner with local charities and outreach organizations. During such uncertain times, it is incredibly important to recognize that there are now even more members of our community who rely on the services and generosity of their neighbors. I love participating in the Fauquier Builds and Firewood Ministries and hope to become more involved with the Fauquier Food Bank.

Vestry Nominee Joseph Errera

I grew up in Troy, NY. and attended West Point and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I have been married to my spouse, Amy, for 17 years. I am the father of three daughters and a son. Our family has lived in Warrenton, VA since 2014.  In 2005, I retired from the FBI as a Supervisory Special Agent after 30 years of service. For the past 16 years I have worked for the FBI and the DOD as a consultant and contractor.   I really enjoy cooking big family meals (Italian cooking gene), fishing, doing crossword puzzles, playing with my daughter Giuliana, who is 7 years old (and attends St. James’ Episcopal School), and my two granddaughters, and being an active member of the St. James’ congregation.  My priorities in life are service to God, family, country and community. My family became a member of Saint James’ in 2015. We had previously lived in Fairfax, VA and had attended both St. Peter’s in the Woods and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. We initially attended Saint James’ for the 8:15am Sunday service when our daughter was six months old. We first met Fr. Ben at that time. Honestly, we felt embarrassed during that initial visit that our daughter was disrupting the service by methodically remodeling the back of the church in her own special way. Several months later we returned to Saint James’ for the 10:15 am service and we were immediately greeted by Fr. Ben with a “Nice to see you all again.” We were impressed. (and I thought I had a good memory). We began to get to know the other parishioners and fell in love with the entire Saint James’ experience, looking forward for each Sunday to roll around so we could come “home” again, be peaceful, joyous, fill our hearts with God’s Word and share special times with our new friends.  I have attended church most of my life, but it has only been at St. James’ where I have literally been brought to tears on a weekly basis by the moving, insightful, Spirit-filled sermons from Fr. Ben, Fr. Randolph and Bishop Ted. I regularly comment on our drive home that “I never knew that” or “I have never heard the Gospel explained that way.” These clergymen “see” God with their hearts, not their eyes.I was asked to pick my greatest experience at Saint James’. It’s hard to pick just one experience; however, I would say that my greatest experience has been to be an integral member of a Christ-centered, parish community that embodies in both word and deed the Christian values of inclusivity, non-judgmentalism, humility, empathy, honesty, truth, kindness, love, peace, serenity, joy and forgiveness. I must also add that teaching the 1st/2nd graders “Godly Play” in Sunday School fills my heart and soul with great joy, and I always learn more from them than I could ever try to teach them. (“For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”)   I am proud to be part of Saint James’ because although the church is only a brick-and-mortar structure that will naturally decline with the passing of the years, His Word will remain alive, vibrant, incorruptible and timeless over the ages through the working of the Holy Spirit and the words and actions of the congregation. Saint James’ is a special place where you can hear the Word and learn to know it in your head, stow it in your heart, show it in your life and sow it in the world! I would love to see Saint James’ welcome many new members to the St. James congregation through the active involvement of all current members and through the ongoing efforts of the New Member Pathway team. I would like to see Saint James’ continue to be deeply committed to all of the important outreach efforts to the surrounding communities and to ensure their success through the dedication, time, talent and resources contributed by the congregation. I would love to see more instrumental (guitar?) and contemporary Christian music sung and played at the Sunday services.

Vestry Nominee Bonnie Zacherle