The Vestry Nominating Committee has canvassed for candidates for the Class of 2027. After discussions, prayer and discernment they are pleased to present four candidates who have agreed to stand for election to the four available positions.
Elections will take place at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 9:00am, Cox Hall, and will include a special Coffee Hour.
Vestry terms are three years and will begin in February 2025. Candidates must have met the eligibility qualifications as shown overleaf.
We are very grateful to the Vestry Nominating Committee for their work and to all the candidates who have agreed to stand for election in service of their church. Biographical information is presented here for your information.
Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville, VA.
Notice of
Sunday, January 26th, 2025 9:00am
Who is Eligible to Serve on the Vestry?
According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Canon 11, Section 4:
Only lay persons who are confirmed adult communicants in good standing of the church, as defined in General Convention Canon 1.17., shall be eligible for election as Vestry Members of such church. However, regardless of eligibility of a person for election, no person shall be elected at a duly convened congregational meeting to consecutive full terms on a congregation’s Vestry or Vestry Committee.
So what does this mean in plain English?
“Confirmed Adult Communicant in good standing” means the following:
• You are age 16 or older.
• You have been baptized and confirmed in the church, and we have your baptism and confirmation duly recorded.
• You are active in worship, and have received communion at least 3 times this year.
• You have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God (meaning you are active and intentional about your participation in the life of the church and are known to the treasurer of the church).
• Furthermore, this Canon states that you can only serve one consecutive full term (3 years) on the Vestry.
A prayer for those who serve on our Vestry and for those seeking election to the Vestry
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given the gifts of leadership and service to those in your Church who guide the care and keeping of our parish. Be present with those who serve on our Vestry and those seeking election to the Vestry, that their committed hearts may be fixed upon you. Grant them wisdom to notice the cares and concerns of this community, trust to follow your guidance when answers are not easy, and the knowledge and love of you to be ever-present in their discussions and decisions. Through Christ our Lord we offer our prayers to you. Amen.
Vestry Nominations
SCOTT ANDREWS
I am honored to be considered as a candidate for the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church. It has been my pleasure to have recently served on the Vestry since October 2024, as an interim member to fill the position vacated by Randy Mullett. My wife Jennifer and I have adult children (Turner, Merrill & Babbie and Jamie). We have lived in the Middleburg/The Plains area since 1991. We feel blessed to see the extraordinary spirit and growth occurring within Trinity. My professional experience lies within a wide range of industries leading complex restructuring and turnaround environments. I have more than 40 years of experience in executive and board-level roles with multiple organizations including business strategy, financial services, entrepreneurship and team building. I have a passion for non-profit service and have served on a number of non-profit boards, including those for Truth for Life, Meadowkirk Retreat at Delta Farm, and Hill School.
STEVE PUTNAM
I was born and raised in Warrenton. I started working in Middleburg as a carpenter 18 years ago. I moved here in 2010 with my wife, Bess and two daughters, Gwenevere and Lila. I have been working in property management and restoration, a construction company, and manage a cattle operation.
We have been attending Trinity since 2019, helping wherever we can to support this community. I am honored to be considered for this role and look forward to the possibility of service.
REBECCA SCHAEFER
I have been attending Trinity Church on and off since childhood. I was a member of Leeds Episcopal Church in Markham for 20 years where I was involved in almost every ministry, except the Vestry. I moved back to Upperville four years ago and rejoined Trinity Church where I’m an ardent attendee and supporter of the 5:00pm Celtic service. I live and work on my family’s farm, Welbourne, where I run a Bed and Breakfast. I am the mother of two sons. I feel called to minister to those who are suffering or struggling, which gives added meaning and purpose to my life.
LISA WHITE
I am a mom to three amazing kids (Allie, Ky and Wagner) and foster mom to a future service dog (Finney). A Virginia native, originally from Oakton, I moved to the Piedmont area full time In 1990. As a lifelong Episcopalian, I frequently joined my parents, Henry and Betty Long for services at Trinity and my husband, Chip and I became members in 2015. My first role here was as a Sunday school teacher and program coordinator for several years. I served on the Parish Life committee, and as a lector, an d usher. I am currently on the Outreach Committee. For the past three years I have coordinated the Acolytes; it is a true joy to help children serve. I am passionate about community service and mission work and believe everyone has something special to share in God's service.
