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VESTRY
The Vestry is comprised of laypersons who have been elected by the membership of St. Benedict's to oversee the business of the parish.
Anna Best
-What should your parish family know about you?
I have been a member of St. Benedict's for over ten years. My husband and I visited St. B's while the congregation was worshipping in a school gym but didn't join until later. I knew about this new church of St. Benedict's as I used to work with Rev. Lang Lowry at St. Anne's Episcopal Church (the first interim priest at St. B's). In fact, I spent my work career employed at different denominations throughout the years - Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Catholic.
- What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hope for St. Benedict's is that we continue on the road we have been traveling. For a recently new parish, we have done a lot of things right already, but we must continue to learn and grow. I believe we can do that by honest conversation with each other and setting goals for our future.
- What gifts do you bring to Vestry service?
It is often hard to talk about your own gifts but I believe that some of mine are to listen to others and to really hear them when they talk. I know we can achieve so much more as a Vestry group instead of separately pushing our own agenda.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
These days, Jesus is in my life more than ever. I talk to him daily, sometimes hourly, and often minute-by-minute. I give myself more grace, now that I'm older than I did earlier in life. I used to feel insignificant if my prayer wasn't structured and filled with big and flowery words. I have evidence that my prayers are heard, and I feel the love of God. He has graced me with many years of life and great family and friends. I used to view weekly church attendance as a chore or a goal that had to be met weekly. Now, I miss church a lot if I'm not able to go. I see God in each one of the St. B members and staff.
I have been a member of St. Benedict's for over ten years. My husband and I visited St. B's while the congregation was worshipping in a school gym but didn't join until later. I knew about this new church of St. Benedict's as I used to work with Rev. Lang Lowry at St. Anne's Episcopal Church (the first interim priest at St. B's). In fact, I spent my work career employed at different denominations throughout the years - Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Catholic.
- What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hope for St. Benedict's is that we continue on the road we have been traveling. For a recently new parish, we have done a lot of things right already, but we must continue to learn and grow. I believe we can do that by honest conversation with each other and setting goals for our future.
- What gifts do you bring to Vestry service?
It is often hard to talk about your own gifts but I believe that some of mine are to listen to others and to really hear them when they talk. I know we can achieve so much more as a Vestry group instead of separately pushing our own agenda.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
These days, Jesus is in my life more than ever. I talk to him daily, sometimes hourly, and often minute-by-minute. I give myself more grace, now that I'm older than I did earlier in life. I used to feel insignificant if my prayer wasn't structured and filled with big and flowery words. I have evidence that my prayers are heard, and I feel the love of God. He has graced me with many years of life and great family and friends. I used to view weekly church attendance as a chore or a goal that had to be met weekly. Now, I miss church a lot if I'm not able to go. I see God in each one of the St. B members and staff.
Julie Savini
-What should your parish family know about you?
I’m a native Floridian but have lived in the Atlanta area for 40+ years. I have two cherished adult daughters and a son-in-law who all live nearby. I was raised and educated in the Roman Catholic faith, and I’m so happy to have found a welcoming church home in the Episcopal Church at St. Benedict’s. I retired from a career in media and marketing in 2015.
I have offered my time and talent to our Path to Shine ministry since 2016. I’ve served as a Mentor, co- Affiliate Director and on the Board of Directors. I’m a member of Daughters of the King and enjoy working on the Low Country Boil and our Angel Tree outreach.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hope is that St. Benedict’s will continue in our amazing “thrive mode” since our pandemic slowdown. I’m optimistic that we will continue to find new ways to serve the needs of our church family and of our community neighbors in need. My hope is that our light will shine even brighter in our Smyrna area community as we welcome new members to our St. B’s family. I hope to continue to encounter people and children I don’t know on Sunday morning. It’s such a pleasure to welcome them warmly to our faith home!
-What gifts do you bring to Vestry service?
My career in marketing and media allows me to bring good listening, observation, communication and problem- solving skills to Vestry service. I always try to see things from various perspectives, and I commit to helping serve the diverse needs of our parish.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
It is important for me to be intentional about witnessing the presence of Jesus in my life every day. A daily devotional reading “resets” me on my spiritual journey to experience the peace and goodness of Jesus in so many ways. Jesus lights my way every day.
I’m a native Floridian but have lived in the Atlanta area for 40+ years. I have two cherished adult daughters and a son-in-law who all live nearby. I was raised and educated in the Roman Catholic faith, and I’m so happy to have found a welcoming church home in the Episcopal Church at St. Benedict’s. I retired from a career in media and marketing in 2015.
I have offered my time and talent to our Path to Shine ministry since 2016. I’ve served as a Mentor, co- Affiliate Director and on the Board of Directors. I’m a member of Daughters of the King and enjoy working on the Low Country Boil and our Angel Tree outreach.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hope is that St. Benedict’s will continue in our amazing “thrive mode” since our pandemic slowdown. I’m optimistic that we will continue to find new ways to serve the needs of our church family and of our community neighbors in need. My hope is that our light will shine even brighter in our Smyrna area community as we welcome new members to our St. B’s family. I hope to continue to encounter people and children I don’t know on Sunday morning. It’s such a pleasure to welcome them warmly to our faith home!
-What gifts do you bring to Vestry service?
My career in marketing and media allows me to bring good listening, observation, communication and problem- solving skills to Vestry service. I always try to see things from various perspectives, and I commit to helping serve the diverse needs of our parish.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
It is important for me to be intentional about witnessing the presence of Jesus in my life every day. A daily devotional reading “resets” me on my spiritual journey to experience the peace and goodness of Jesus in so many ways. Jesus lights my way every day.
Jeff Cain
-What should your parish family know about you?
I am blessed beyond measure! I am married to my wonderful husband, Todd Kimball. We have an amazing daughter, Emily, who will be graduating in May to pursue a career as a High School Biology teacher in Charlotte, NC. Todd and I own a home building company, Midtown Builders Group here in Smyrna. I was raised primarily in the Methodist Church but have attended Baptist and Presbyterian churches as well. My family relocated often, due to my dad’s corporate job, and my mother always found the best church for us. From that experience I learned more about inclusion and similarities than I did about difference and exclusion. And now we find ourselves affiliated with this wonderful community of St. B’s and the Episcopal Church.
Being active in the church and church leadership has always been a big part of my life. From youth group leadership, being an acolyte, an usher, administrative board chair, and even offering a joyful noise in the choir for a season, I am honored to share my time and talents with the church.
- What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My prayer is that St. Benedict’s continues to be a light to the community, creating a space where ALL are welcome. I’m reminded of the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, let us love one another as Christ Loves Us.
- What gifts do you bring to Vestry service?
Thank you for the invitation. I am a servant leader and I have served on various church administrative committees throughout my adult life. In our business, I’m often confronted with “opportunities” (I prefer that term over obstacles). My approach to those opportunities is always, “ok, now what? What are our options and what CAN we do?” I don’t spend a lot of time in the “CAN’T DO CAMP” as it doesn’t serve my desired outcomes. It is from that mindset that I intend to serve the church and vestry.
- Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
“Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that Name!” Where would I be without HIM? Throughout my life in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times, in abundance and in scarcity, Jesus has been my ever-present HOPE. No more so than today. I have so much to be thankful for. Last year I shared the story of Jesus saving a man’s life through me performing CPR, it changed me forever. God has been abundantly gracious to me and without HIM I wouldn’t be here today. Through HIS grace, HIS love, HIS forgiveness, and HIS blessing my life is more complete now than ever before. Jesus loves me this I know because my life experience tells me so!
I am blessed beyond measure! I am married to my wonderful husband, Todd Kimball. We have an amazing daughter, Emily, who will be graduating in May to pursue a career as a High School Biology teacher in Charlotte, NC. Todd and I own a home building company, Midtown Builders Group here in Smyrna. I was raised primarily in the Methodist Church but have attended Baptist and Presbyterian churches as well. My family relocated often, due to my dad’s corporate job, and my mother always found the best church for us. From that experience I learned more about inclusion and similarities than I did about difference and exclusion. And now we find ourselves affiliated with this wonderful community of St. B’s and the Episcopal Church.
Being active in the church and church leadership has always been a big part of my life. From youth group leadership, being an acolyte, an usher, administrative board chair, and even offering a joyful noise in the choir for a season, I am honored to share my time and talents with the church.
- What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My prayer is that St. Benedict’s continues to be a light to the community, creating a space where ALL are welcome. I’m reminded of the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, let us love one another as Christ Loves Us.
- What gifts do you bring to Vestry service?
Thank you for the invitation. I am a servant leader and I have served on various church administrative committees throughout my adult life. In our business, I’m often confronted with “opportunities” (I prefer that term over obstacles). My approach to those opportunities is always, “ok, now what? What are our options and what CAN we do?” I don’t spend a lot of time in the “CAN’T DO CAMP” as it doesn’t serve my desired outcomes. It is from that mindset that I intend to serve the church and vestry.
- Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
“Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that Name!” Where would I be without HIM? Throughout my life in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times, in abundance and in scarcity, Jesus has been my ever-present HOPE. No more so than today. I have so much to be thankful for. Last year I shared the story of Jesus saving a man’s life through me performing CPR, it changed me forever. God has been abundantly gracious to me and without HIM I wouldn’t be here today. Through HIS grace, HIS love, HIS forgiveness, and HIS blessing my life is more complete now than ever before. Jesus loves me this I know because my life experience tells me so!
Bill Frank
-What should your parish family know about you?
I’m recently retired from a 35 year medical business career. During this time I’ve moved from Chicago to New Jersey and ended up in Atlanta 20 years ago. I have four children (3 girls and 1 boy). My wife, Jeanne has also just retired from a 30 year medical device career and we are both looking forward to travel and giving our time to helping others through volunteering.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hopes for St. Benedict’s is that we continue to transition and grow as a parish by having a larger presence in the smyrna community in order to attract those seeking a new spiritual home.
-What gift do you bring to the Vestry service?
First of all, I am flattered at the invitation! I’m hoping that my professional background in sales and operations management can contribute to my role on the vestry.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season in your life.
Jesus continues to be very present in my life as well as my family by reminding us that there are no coincidences. We have experienced the love of Jesus through family members passing (both parents and pets), professional transition, and the spiritual growth of our children.
I’m recently retired from a 35 year medical business career. During this time I’ve moved from Chicago to New Jersey and ended up in Atlanta 20 years ago. I have four children (3 girls and 1 boy). My wife, Jeanne has also just retired from a 30 year medical device career and we are both looking forward to travel and giving our time to helping others through volunteering.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hopes for St. Benedict’s is that we continue to transition and grow as a parish by having a larger presence in the smyrna community in order to attract those seeking a new spiritual home.
-What gift do you bring to the Vestry service?
First of all, I am flattered at the invitation! I’m hoping that my professional background in sales and operations management can contribute to my role on the vestry.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season in your life.
Jesus continues to be very present in my life as well as my family by reminding us that there are no coincidences. We have experienced the love of Jesus through family members passing (both parents and pets), professional transition, and the spiritual growth of our children.
Phyllis Seitz
-What should your parish family know about you?
My introduction to faith and to the church began when I first attended Vacation Bible School at Hamilton Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, where I did much of my growing up. Sunday School and Youth Choir followed, and at the end of a serious Confirmation Class, I was baptized by immersion and confirmed as a Christian and church member shortly before I was twelve. I remained Presbyterian for what passes as the first half of my life, but, after my move to Atlanta in 1981, the church nearby was Holy Innocents Episcopal, and, since Bill Seitz had both Presbyterian and Episcopal roots, he introduced me to the Episcopal Church, and it seemed a good fit.
Bill and I married late and had no children together, but we shared the ones we already had and were happy to enlarge our family so instantly. I am a teacher by profession and taught about five years in Florida and then about twenty-two years here in Atlanta before retirement.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hopes for St. Benedict’s are that we continue to be the household of God here in Smyrna—a beacon on the hill, a light to the community. My prayer would be that we continue to offer inspiring worship, empathic pastoral care, enriching Christian education at all levels, and that, as the Body of Christ, we grow in grace, service, and sacrificial giving.
-What gift do you bring to the Vestry service?
I offer to the Vestry my Christian commitment, as well as fairly unstructured time, and whatever skills and talents are mine. I am freer now to give away what has been given to me, so I relish the opportunity. Perhaps I also bring the gift of years and a veteran’s status, for I have been seriously engaged in various roles in the church for decades.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season in your life.
I am grateful that it was as a child that I met Christ and that, by belonging to Him, the years of my earthbound life were somehow hallowed or made whole. Now, in this season of my life, I am very aware of my mortality, and my faith in my Lord, who overcame death, is a great comfort.
My introduction to faith and to the church began when I first attended Vacation Bible School at Hamilton Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, where I did much of my growing up. Sunday School and Youth Choir followed, and at the end of a serious Confirmation Class, I was baptized by immersion and confirmed as a Christian and church member shortly before I was twelve. I remained Presbyterian for what passes as the first half of my life, but, after my move to Atlanta in 1981, the church nearby was Holy Innocents Episcopal, and, since Bill Seitz had both Presbyterian and Episcopal roots, he introduced me to the Episcopal Church, and it seemed a good fit.
Bill and I married late and had no children together, but we shared the ones we already had and were happy to enlarge our family so instantly. I am a teacher by profession and taught about five years in Florida and then about twenty-two years here in Atlanta before retirement.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
My hopes for St. Benedict’s are that we continue to be the household of God here in Smyrna—a beacon on the hill, a light to the community. My prayer would be that we continue to offer inspiring worship, empathic pastoral care, enriching Christian education at all levels, and that, as the Body of Christ, we grow in grace, service, and sacrificial giving.
-What gift do you bring to the Vestry service?
I offer to the Vestry my Christian commitment, as well as fairly unstructured time, and whatever skills and talents are mine. I am freer now to give away what has been given to me, so I relish the opportunity. Perhaps I also bring the gift of years and a veteran’s status, for I have been seriously engaged in various roles in the church for decades.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season in your life.
I am grateful that it was as a child that I met Christ and that, by belonging to Him, the years of my earthbound life were somehow hallowed or made whole. Now, in this season of my life, I am very aware of my mortality, and my faith in my Lord, who overcame death, is a great comfort.
Kerry Thomas
-What should your parish family know about you?
My husband and I have been members of St. Benedict’s Church since 2018. Since that time, I have been active in many areas of church life. I have chaired and co-chaired the Pastoral Care committee, became a Daughter of the King, participated in Women’s Bible Study and facilitated a Life Story Workshop for some of our older parishioners. Recently, I have become involved in the Newcomer’s Committee. I was raised Catholic in the Midwest (Wisconsin), but have lived in the Atlanta area for 35 years. I spent over 30 years in Corporate/Business before earning a Masters in Gerontology and transitioning my career 5 years ago. I have my own business and also sit on a Board of Directors that supports and encourages the social and psychological side of positive aging. Joe and I have four grown children, and a 10-year old black lab mix.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
I am full of hope and optimism for our parish in 2023! I’m excited to see so many new faces each week and believe God is blessing us with a contagious energy and promising momentum. I look forward to seeing the many ways our church can effectively expand both inreach and outreach programs by bringing together the unique gifts of individual parishioners.
-What gift do you bring to the vestry service?
I bring the vestry at St. Benedict’s a well-trained head and heart that I have developed along a personal, professional and faith journey that definitely has not been a straight line! I commit to using my strengths and God-given talents to help St. Benedict’s grow and prosper during my term on the Vestry.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
Trying to live in a way that pleases Jesus, and prioritizing a close relationship has become a strong priority for me in the past 15-20 years of my life. My faith no longer feels shaky in the Valley’s, but rather, creates an opportunity to give up control and grow even stronger and closer to Jesus. I practice my faith through daily devotionals and peaceful moments with Jesus, sharing inspirational Bible lessons and scriptures with my fellow Women’s Bible Study and DOK members, and being intentional to fulfill God’s will and purpose for my life.
My husband and I have been members of St. Benedict’s Church since 2018. Since that time, I have been active in many areas of church life. I have chaired and co-chaired the Pastoral Care committee, became a Daughter of the King, participated in Women’s Bible Study and facilitated a Life Story Workshop for some of our older parishioners. Recently, I have become involved in the Newcomer’s Committee. I was raised Catholic in the Midwest (Wisconsin), but have lived in the Atlanta area for 35 years. I spent over 30 years in Corporate/Business before earning a Masters in Gerontology and transitioning my career 5 years ago. I have my own business and also sit on a Board of Directors that supports and encourages the social and psychological side of positive aging. Joe and I have four grown children, and a 10-year old black lab mix.
-What are your hopes for St. Benedict’s?
I am full of hope and optimism for our parish in 2023! I’m excited to see so many new faces each week and believe God is blessing us with a contagious energy and promising momentum. I look forward to seeing the many ways our church can effectively expand both inreach and outreach programs by bringing together the unique gifts of individual parishioners.
-What gift do you bring to the vestry service?
I bring the vestry at St. Benedict’s a well-trained head and heart that I have developed along a personal, professional and faith journey that definitely has not been a straight line! I commit to using my strengths and God-given talents to help St. Benedict’s grow and prosper during my term on the Vestry.
-Tell us about Jesus in this season of your life.
Trying to live in a way that pleases Jesus, and prioritizing a close relationship has become a strong priority for me in the past 15-20 years of my life. My faith no longer feels shaky in the Valley’s, but rather, creates an opportunity to give up control and grow even stronger and closer to Jesus. I practice my faith through daily devotionals and peaceful moments with Jesus, sharing inspirational Bible lessons and scriptures with my fellow Women’s Bible Study and DOK members, and being intentional to fulfill God’s will and purpose for my life.
Pat Engel
Shortly after I moved to Atlanta in 1966, I attended St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Dunwoody. We later became members of Holy Innocents’ when my three sons attended HIES where I served on the Board of Trustees for six years. I taught at The Westminster Schools for twenty-four years, retired for one month, joined the faculty at St. Benedict’s Episcopal School, and soon after I joined St. B.’s Church where one of my four grandchildren was later baptized.
While at St. B.’s, I had the pleasure of participating in EFM for four years. I have served as a Eucharistic Minister, on the Flower Guild, as a temporary usher, and on the Pastoral Care Team. I have particularly enjoyed my Small Group which meets twice a month.
St. Benedict’s members are warm and friendly, and I have observed visitors commenting on the welcoming atmosphere they found at our church. Also, during the past few years, I have been amazed at the endless hours some of our members, particularly our vestry, have contributed to guiding us through many transitions, including COVID. I admire their commitment! I have heard similar stories about dedicated parishioners who were founding members of this church. That dedication and commitment is what makes St. B.’s the special place of worship it is today!
While at St. B.’s, I had the pleasure of participating in EFM for four years. I have served as a Eucharistic Minister, on the Flower Guild, as a temporary usher, and on the Pastoral Care Team. I have particularly enjoyed my Small Group which meets twice a month.
St. Benedict’s members are warm and friendly, and I have observed visitors commenting on the welcoming atmosphere they found at our church. Also, during the past few years, I have been amazed at the endless hours some of our members, particularly our vestry, have contributed to guiding us through many transitions, including COVID. I admire their commitment! I have heard similar stories about dedicated parishioners who were founding members of this church. That dedication and commitment is what makes St. B.’s the special place of worship it is today!
Chris Gaffney
I grew up in Washington, DC and went to a Catholic military school there. I came to Atlanta to attend Georgia Tech where I studied Industrial and Systems Engineering. I met Ellen during college and we married shortly thereafter. We raised 4 children who now live and work around the Eastern US and we are blessed with two granddaughters.
The majority of my professional career, I worked at Coca-Cola where I recently retired. I continue to work as an independent Supply Chain advisor, so I have been very busy this past year.
We spent much of our Atlanta church life at St James’ Episcopal Church in Marietta. We moved to Vinings in 2015 and in St. Benedict’s, we are blessed to have a church within a mile of our house for the first time in our marriage. We were immediately welcomed and felt at home on day one. At St B’s, I have served as a lector and chalicist, I’ve been on the Stewardship Committee, and actively support Path To Shine. Over my church life, I have served as a lector and Eucharistic minister and I have prior Vestry experience.
I am blessed and honored to be considered to serve and believe I have more to offer to St Benedict’s.
The majority of my professional career, I worked at Coca-Cola where I recently retired. I continue to work as an independent Supply Chain advisor, so I have been very busy this past year.
We spent much of our Atlanta church life at St James’ Episcopal Church in Marietta. We moved to Vinings in 2015 and in St. Benedict’s, we are blessed to have a church within a mile of our house for the first time in our marriage. We were immediately welcomed and felt at home on day one. At St B’s, I have served as a lector and chalicist, I’ve been on the Stewardship Committee, and actively support Path To Shine. Over my church life, I have served as a lector and Eucharistic minister and I have prior Vestry experience.
I am blessed and honored to be considered to serve and believe I have more to offer to St Benedict’s.
Bob Porter, Sr. Warden
Bob Porter is an Atlanta native, having lived in a variety of places in metro Atlanta and ultimately landing in Smyrna in 2013. He is a 1983 graduate of Presbyterian College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in modern foreign languages. For more than 40 years, Bob has worked in the areas of marketing, communication and public relations for organizations such as AT&T, Equifax, BellSouth and UPS. He is currently director of communication, training & safety for Georgia System Operations Corporation, where he is about to celebrate his 25th year. Bob has been married to wife Jenny since 1987 and they have two grown children, Matthew and Rebecca, who live in Costa Rica and work in the travel industry. Raised primarily in the Methodist church, Bob and Jenny came to St. Benedict’s in 2019 in search of a church whose beliefs and values more closely reflected their own. Since then, Bob has been involved in St. Benedict’s Reopening Task Force, the Auction/Low Country Boil and Sons of Benedict.
Courtenay Wallace, Jr. Warden
I am originally from Florence, SC and am a lifelong Episcopalian. Prior to moving to Smyrna in 2006, I was a member of the Church of the Epiphany in Druid Hills where my husband, Rob, and I were married. When we were expecting our daughter in 2010, I wanted to move to a church that was closer to our home and had a youth presence. I visited St. Benedict’s and immediately knew I was in the right place. I’ve enjoyed getting to know other St. B members and participating in the Mom’s Bible Study group. Professionally I am a risk manager at Cox Enterprises, Inc., where I have worked for over 25 years. Rob and I have one daughter, McKay who enjoys serving as an acolyte and singing in Trinity Choir. We have 2 dogs and cat. In my free time, I love reading, traveling, cycling, hiking, and watching movies.
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