ESC Vestry Candidates
By Sally Cox, Senior Warden
As we near the end of a year that defies all description, we at Eastern Shore Chapel have much to celebrate. We are a vibrant church, growing in spiritual maturity and financial health. Through our many important ministries, we are serving the needs of our community. And we are taking the first careful steps toward a joyful time when we can physically reunite with one another for worship.
Because of the impact of Covid-19 on our congregation, our ministries, and our finances, we may face new challenges and uncertainties that require difficult decisions in future months and years. Despite these challenges, we will always be committed to our call to be “conduits of God’s healing and restoration” in a broken world.
Following is information on members of our congregation who have responded to the call for service and have made a commitment to run for election to our Vestry. Details for our December election will be mailed in the next two weeks. Please be on the lookout for this important information in your mailbox.
THE CANDIDATES
David Boling
Member of ESC for: 1 year 11 months
Marital Status: Married to Betsy
Name & Ages of Children, If Any: Warren (57), Will (45), Katy (37)
Occupation: Retired Director of Government Relations
Service Most Often Attended: 10:15
Parish Ministries/Activities in which you have been Involved: Choir, office volunteer, men’s breakfast group
Areas of Interest at ESC: Finance, administration, and music ministries
What Special Talents would you bring to the Vestry: Business and legislative background, consensus builder, certified mediator
I understand the Role of the Vestry to Be… the representative body of the parish, reflecting the aspirations and goals of the membership as we serve God and our community. The Vestry assumes stewardship of the assets of the church in order to support the vision of the parish. Vestry members need to be good listeners and compassionate advisors to the rector.
I Think God is calling Eastern Shore Chapel to… grow spiritually as we become an even more essential presence in our community which reflects God’s love and concern for all people through worship and outreach. We can’t be just the historical brick building on the corner. We must be the people who answer God’s call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help those in trouble.
Gina E. Williams
Member of ESC for: 7 years
Marital Status: Married
Name & Ages of Children, If Any: Elliot - 17 Jordan – 22
Occupation: Homemaker
Service Most Often Attended: 10:30
Parish Ministries/Activities in which you have been Involved: Welcome Committee, Altar Guild, Seton Friday Dinners, Winter Shelter, Chili Cookoff, Helping decorate for any event, Basically help where ever is needed
Areas of Interest at ESC: Pantry, Outreach, Feed my sheep, Family Ministry
What Special Talents would you bring to the Vestry: Creative, Social, Handy, Fast and willing learner, Flexible, Problem solver, Multilingual, Great gofer
I understand the Role of the Vestry to Be… to be the voice of the congregation and help lead the church into fulfilling its role by overseeing or taking care of different activities, programs, and the day to day decisions involving the future of the congregation.
I Think God is calling Eastern Shore Chapel to… help the community and congregation where ever is needed. Be it physically or spiritually. To offer support in becoming better Christians, as a community and individuals. To be a voice of reason and understanding in these troubling times. To be a shelter and solace for whomever seeks it. In other words, to help us remember Jesus words and why God put us in this earth.
Patricia (Pat) Edwards
Member of ESC for: 5 years & 8 months
Marital Status: Life Partner
Name & Ages of Children, If Any: Jaydan (stepson) (18)
Occupation: Paramedic – GMS Coordinator
Service Most Often Attended: 0800
Parish Ministries/Activities in which you have been Involved: Eucharistic Minister, 128th Annual Council, Adult Acolyte, Special Election to elect the Bishop (Delegate)
Areas of Interest at ESC: The Chapel Pantry, Haiti Medical Mission Outreach, Prison Ministry, Adult Forum, Winter Shelter
What Special Talents would you bring to the Vestry: As a cradle Episcopalian – Baptized as an infant, confirmed in 9th grade – I bring a lifelong commitment to my church community. Throughout my life I have been extremely active in my church. As a youth I had perfect attendance for all 6 years of Sunday School; was 1 of 4 girls to become St. Peters’ first female acolytes in 1975 and was active in the Youth Group. As an adult I have served as an Eucharistic Minister, an adult acolyte and on the Vestry at St. Thomas, Hanover, NH. I was called to serve those in need and that is reflected in my church life, my career and as a Rotarian. All done with an open mind, a kind & willing heart and a smile.
I understand the Role of the Vestry to Be… An elected body that provides leadership and oversight to articulate the mission and ministry of the congregation. The Vestry protects the vision and insures the values of the church community by ensuring effective organization and planning. Provides financial integrity, manages church resources and supports the clergy.
I Think God is calling Eastern Shore Chapel to… Continue to strengthen our ministries to serve those in need – the homeless, those that struggle to provide food for their families, and those in prison. We live in crazy times with so many that are struggling, are experiencing injustice and pain. During COVID and in a post COVID world we’ll one day see, many within our community will need us – and we need to make sure we are there.
Susan F. Kaufman
Member of ESC for: 2 years
Marital Status: Single
Name & Ages of Children, If Any: Charles F. (Chuck) (23)
Occupation: retired Ayurvedic Practitioner & Community Volunteer
Service Most Often Attended: 10:15 in choir
Parish Ministries/Activities in which you have been Involved: Choir, Chapel Pantry, Building Committee, Office of Government Relations, Prison Ministry
Areas of Interest at ESC: Diversity, Inclusion, Outreach through OG Relations & Pantry, Buildings, Music
What Special Talents would you bring to the Vestry: Previous Vestry (Christ & St. Luke's) & Building Committee
I understand the Role of the Vestry to Be… Servant Leadership
I Think God is calling Eastern Shore Chapel to… Express the Love al All People & All Creation thru Action. Worship that recharges & restores us for that mission.
Kenneth Lamott Fields
Member of ESC for: 3 years
Marital Status: Single
Name & Ages of Children, If Any: One Daughter
Occupation: Car Detailer Charles Barker Mercedes-Benz
Service Most Often Attended: Every Sunday
Parish Ministries/Activities in which you have been Involved:
Areas of Interest at ESC: I am also the co-chair Newcomer Committee, and Historical Committee
What Special Talents would you bring to the Vestry: My leadership and commitment
I understand the Role of the Vestry to Be… Yes, I do understand position been on Vestry
I Think God is calling Eastern Shore Chapel to… Call of faith and Duties and Eastern Shore
Do you feel called to help lead ESC through the excitement and uncertainty of the next three years and want to join the above candidates for Vestry? Let the Vestry Elections and Nominating Committee (Sally Cox, Senior Warden; Deb Painter, Junior Warden; Patti Frankenfield, and Dan McCready) or any member of Vestry know of your interest.