Courtesy Resolutions

CR-1 Courtesy Resolution for Mr. James Parkinson

Whereas, James T. Parkinson has been and remains a faithful member of the body of Christ, serving The Episcopal Church in many ways, both formally and informally; and

Whereas, Jim, who was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, received his MBA degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and had a long and distinguished career in investment management, his service in the Episcopal Church has included faithful committee work at churches in New York and Virginia, and

Whereas, on the national level, Jim was a long-time board member of the American Bible Society, an institution founded in 1816 which seeks to make the Bible accessible to all, with his service to them including national Vice-Chair; and

Whereas, he served on the board of the Diocesan Missionary Society from 2006 to 2015, including serving as Secretary from 2007 to 2015; and

Whereas, he served on the board of the Trustees of the Funds from 2000 to 2006, and then again from 2008 to 2014; and

Whereas, during his time on the boards of the Diocesan Missionary Society and the Trustees of the Funds, Jim helped shape, grow and improve the financial processes of each organization, earning the deep respect and profound admiration of his board colleagues and supporting staff by using his fine talents in leadership, listening, financial management and humor to support the work of the Church in and beyond Virginia; and

Whereas, Jim and his wife, the Rev. Caroline Parkinson, are members of St. James’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, and have contributed tremendously to the life of the Church in lay and ordained ministry through their collective optimism, civic-mindedness and dedication; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 221st Council of the Diocese of Virginia expresses its sincere appreciation to James T. Parkinson, for his loyal service and continued dedication to the Diocesan Missionary Society, the Trustees of the Funds and the Diocese of Virginia as a whole, and does hereby recognize and express sincere gratitude to him for his leadership and gifts freely offered to enrich the quality of our communal life; and be it further

Resolved, that the 221st Council requests the Secretary of the Diocese to provide Jim with a copy of this resolution.

Respectfully submitted by the Diocesan Missionary Society and the Trustees of the Funds

CR-2 Courtesy Resolution for The Rev. Dr. Margaret Ann Faeth (“Sam”)

Whereas, the Rev. Dr. Margaret Ann Faeth is a lifelong Episcopalian, nurtured and formed by her parents, Mary Ellen and Bill Bishop; and

 Whereas, she has been involved in church ministry for most of her life beginning as a choir member at the age of four; and

 Whereas, she studied at, graduated from and taught at Virginia Theological Seminary since 1993; and

 Whereas, she earned her doctorate in Organizational Behavior and Leadership Studies at Virginia Tech; and

 Whereas, she served as a student intern, associate rector, priest-in-charge, and Rector at Immanuel Church on the Hill in Alexandria, Virginia, for almost twenty years; and

 Whereas, throughout her ministry she has mentored seminarians and clergy and empowered the laity and served as an encourager for many; and 

 Whereas, even though retired, she still teaches, leads retreats, mentors many including Doctoral candidates, and tutors individuals for ordination, and was one of the leadership facilitators for new bishops at the House of Bishops retreats; and as she has served on various committees and capacities for the Diocese of Virginia, including the Committee on the Diaconate; and

 Whereas, Sam, along with her best friend and husband Paul, serve as loving parents to Sean and Chelsea, and supportive in-laws to Kirsten and Joe, and adoring grandparents to Molly and Fisher; and

 Whereas, she, after retiring from full-time ministry for health reasons, along with her husband Paul, have become active members of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Springfield, Virginia, where she serves as the Honorary Associate Rector, preaching and teaching and singing in the choir; now therefore be it

 Resolved, that this 221st Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins the members of St. Christopher’s Church, Springfield in extending its gratefulness, thanks and best wishes to Sam and her family as they leave Virginia for the mountains of North Carolina, where we are certain she will continue to serve her God in whatever way the Lord calls.

 Submitted by the Rev. Peter K. Ackerman, Rector, on behalf of the Vestry and Parish of St. Christopher’s Church in Springfield, and by Helen K. Spence President of Region VII, on behalf of the Region.

CR-3 Courtesy Resolution for The Rev. Jack Sutor

Whereas, the Rev. Jack Sutor is a native of the Commonwealth of Virginia and priest of the Episcopal Church, and

 Whereas, the Rev. Jack Sutor faithfully served congregations in the Diocese of Virginia and the Diocese of West Virginia and was Priest in Charge and then Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Hanover Courthouse beginning Palm Sunday 2004 until his retirement at the end of January 2015, and

 Whereas, the Rev. Jack Sutor was a compelling preacher as well as a kind and compassionate pastor to all the generations at St. Paul’s but especially to the children of St. Paul’s, bringing together people of all ages in worship and empowering the laity for ministry, therefore be it

 Resolved, the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia join with the Vestry and congregation of St. Paul’s Hanover Courthouse in honoring the Rev. Jack Sutor as a disciple of Jesus Christ and example of Christian leadership, be it further,

 Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Rev. Jack Sutor and it be recorded in the minutes of the 221st Annual Council.

Submitted by the vestry and congregation of St. Paul’s, Hanover Courthouse

CR-4: Honoring the Christian Service of the late Mr. Tom Reed, St. John’s, Centreville, Parishioner

Whereas, Thomas E. Reed III was an active and devoted member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish in Centreville, Virginia, for 55 years, helping to rescue it from near dormancy in 1960; and

Whereas, with the Reverend William Peterson’s arrival in 1963 he was a key member of the reverend’s intrepid vanguard who nurtured the resurgent St. John’s through mission status, re-established its appeal to Episcopalians living in and moving to western Fairfax County, and ultimately attracted enough parishioners to allow it to re-emerge as a viable parish community; and

Whereas, during St. John’s reawakening period he actually served as a lay reader and Eucharistic minister for two Episcopal congregations, one in Centreville and the other at the former Christ Church, Chantilly; and

Whereas, during more than five decades of active service to St. John’s Parish he volunteered both his time and talents, serving several terms as St. John’s Treasurer, as a member of the Vestry, its Senior Warden and, for his last two decades, as one of three St. John’s Trustees; and

Whereas, he also contributed liberally and consistently from his fiscal resources to help the Parish cover its overhead and meet its Diocesan obligations; and

Whereas, with his expertise in real estate, he was instrumental in helping St. John’s Parish acquire the adjoining Hunsberger property, enlarging the church grounds, allowing it to expand its physical space,  making it more inviting, and increasing both Episcopal and ecumenical worship options in Washington’s western suburbs; and

Whereas, Tom fulfilled his baptismal covenant to proclaim through word and example the Good News of God in Jesus Christ both in Centreville and the surrounding communities and embodied St. John’s vision of “Offering Healing, Hope and Hospitality” to all who crossed its threshold; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that this 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins with the clergy, laity and staff of St. John’s, of Region VII and the entire Centreville and Fairfax County communities in honoring the Christian services of this saintly parishioner who walked among us, Thomas E. Reed III of Clifton, Virginia.

Submitted by Walter Cooner on behalf of the Vestry of St. John’s, Centreville

 CR-5- Courtesy Resolutions for Ms. Joy Buzzard

Whereas, Ms. Joy F. Buzzard served for twenty-three years as a dedicated staff member of the Diocese of Virginia; and

Whereas, Joy and her family are faithful members of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Richmond; and

Whereas, her efforts as Financial Administrator made her a trusted counsel and good friend to clergy members, church business managers, vestries and parishioners all over the Diocese; and

Whereas, Joy has faithfully served related organizations of the Diocese, including but not limited to the Diocesan Missionary Society, the Roslyn Conference Center, the Committee on Congregational Missions, the Trustees of the Funds and Shrine Mont,

Whereas, Joy has supported the ministries of many bishops of Virginia: Peter Lee, Bob Atkinson, Clay Matthews, David Jones, Frank Gray, Shannon Johnston, Ted Gulick, and Susan Goff, and three diocesan treasurers: David Charlton, Mike Kerr and Ted Smith; and

Whereas, Joy provided invaluable support through the initiative known as Dayspring, bringing not only patience and diligence to the support of renewed congregations and management of returned properties but also a pastoral ear and calming voice for those in those congregations; and

Whereas, as Financial Administrator, Joy provided patient guidance during the transition to a new diocesan treasurer; and

Whereas, Joy’s tenure on the diocesan staff ended June 30, 2015, and she has begun a new role as Director of Finance and Operations of the New Community School in Richmond; and

Whereas, the Diocese as a whole has benefited from Joy’s competence and grace over these many years; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia offers its profound thanks to Ms. Joy Buzzard for her dedicated and compassionate service to the Diocese of Virginia, her diocese; wishes her well in her new career; prays that she will thoroughly enjoy her passion of fishing and the mountains of Augusta County when she finds time to be there, and be it further

Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Ms. Joy Buzzard as a gesture of appreciation for a job well done.

 Submitted by E. A. Smith IV and Michael J. Kerr

CR-6- Courtesy Resolutions for Ms. Emily Cherry

Whereas, Ms. Emily Cherry served for nine years as a dedicated staff member of the Diocese of Virginia; and

Whereas, Emily’s efforts as Coordinator and then Director of Communications made her a beloved colleague and good friend to the diocesan staff, and to so many others around the Diocese; and

Whereas, Emily’s intense work ethic in no way diminished her delight in having fun with her friends; and

Whereas, Emily was always available as a supportive colleague and as an inspiring mentor; and

Whereas, under Emily’s direction, the Virginia Episcopalian became a full-color, award-winning magazine; Center Aisle grew as a respected journal at the General Convention of The Episcopal Church; and parishes all over the Diocese developed and implemented their communications strategies; and

Whereas, having departed the diocesan staff on March 27, 2015, Emily has since enriched the University of Richmond School of Law as Communications Director; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia offers its fervent thanks to Emily Cherry for her dedicated and compassionate service to this Diocese, and wishes her well in her future pursuits; and be it further

Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Emily Cherry as a gesture of appreciation for a job well done.

Submitted by the Mayo House Staff

CR-7- Courtesy Resolution for Mr. Wilbert "Skeet" Jones, Jr.

Whereas, Mr. Wilbert “Skeet” Jones Jr. served for seventeen years as a dedicated staff member of the Diocese of Virginia; and

Whereas, Skeet’s efforts as Sexton and Groundskeeper made him a trusted colleague and good friend to bishops and staff, as well as clergy and laity visiting Mayo House; and

Whereas, Skeet spent many a frigid morning breaking up ice and shoveling snow to ensure safe arrivals at Mayo House; and

Whereas, Skeet’s dry but robust sense of humor enlivened many a moment during the daily work of the diocesan staff; and

Whereas, Skeet has been active in devoting hours of volunteer effort for the broader community, including at the Peter Paul Development Center in Richmond; and

Whereas, Skeet retired from his full-time position on the diocesan staff on October 1, 2015; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia offers its fervent thanks to Wilbert “Skeet” Jones Jr. for his dedicated and compassionate service to this Diocese, and wishes  him well in his busy and productive retirement; and be it further

Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Wilbert Jones Jr. as a gesture of appreciation for a job well done.

 Submitted by the Mayo House Staff

CR-8 - Courtesy Resolution for Mrs. Laura Lockey

Whereas, the Rev. Laura Lockey served for fourteen years as a dedicated staff member of Shrine Mont Camps; and

Whereas, her efforts as Director of St. Elizabeth’s Camp, a program which caters to young adults with mild to moderate disabilities, made her a trusted leader and good friend to thousands of campers, camper families, clergy and lay people all over the Diocese; and

Whereas, Laura’s knowledge and pastoral sensitivities, particularly to those with special needs, are recognized and respected all over the Diocese and beyond; and

Whereas, Laura’s leadership of St. Elizabeth’s Camp led to a significant growth in the number of campers and volunteer counselors who participate in the camp each summer as well as a growth in awareness of the positive impact of such a specific, loving and powerful program; and

Whereas, Laura’s pastoral and professional presence at times of conflict or difficulty has touched many hearts and calmed many nerves; and

Whereas, Laura retired from her position as Director of St. Elizabeth’s at the end of summer in 2015; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia offers its fervent thanks to Laura Lockey for her dedicated and compassionate service to this Diocese and Shrine Mont Camps, and wish her well in the future; and be it further

Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Laura Lockey as a gesture of appreciation for a job well done.

 

Submitted by Paris Ball, Director of Christian Formation and Shrine Mont Camps, Diocese of Virginia

CR-9 - Courtesy Resolution for The Rev. Emmanuel Johnson

Whereas, the Reverend Emmanuel Johnson has been a long-time spiritual advisor to numerous Episcopalians in both Africa and the United States; and

Whereas, Fr. Johnson served with distinction as the Dean of the Cathedral in Monrovia, Liberia, where he was a leader in the Liberian faith community during both times of peace and times of conflict; and

Whereas, his service to his home country was recently recognized with the highest civilian honor by the nation of Liberia and presented to Fr. Johnson by its Ambassador to the United States; and

Whereas, Fr. Johnson then served as chaplain at Vorhees College, South Carolina, a historically black college associated with The Episcopal Church, where he mentored a generation of students and staff; and

Whereas, Fr. Johnson has been a founder and national leader in the vibrant Liberian Episcopal community in the United States of America; and

Whereas, Fr. Johnson has served with distinction as Priest Associate at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Ashburn, Virginia, under three rectors; and

Whereas, Fr. Johnson has provided pastoral care, preaching, teaching and spiritual guidance to St. David's for 13 years, and is regarded as a wise mentor, guide and friend to all generations, and at age 91 has remained true to his commitment to God that he will “serve as long as God gives him breath,” giving us a shining example of faithfulness and service; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia, in convention assembled, expresses its sincere appreciation for the lifelong commitment of Emmanuel Johnson to nurturing Christ’s flock;  and honors his service as a priest, teacher, mentor, advisor and Godly example of the Christian Faith.

 Submitted by the Rector and 221st Annual Council Delegates of St. David’s, Ashburn

CR-10 - Courtesy Resolutions for The Rev. Jennings Hobson

Whereas the Reverend Jennings (Jenks) Hobson III, a priest of this Diocese recently retired after forty-two years of service at Trinity Episcopal Church, in Washington, Virginia; and

Whereas Jenks is a true child of the Diocese of Virginia, having been confirmed in it, having entered the postulancy from it, and having been ordained deacon and priest in it; and

Whereas Jenks has long been an effective supporter of Region XIII of this Diocese both as Rector of Trinity Church and through his several years of service as Region Dean and as Vicar of St. Andrews Church, in Ada, Virginia; and

Whereas Jenks has long been an effective supporter and servant of this Diocese of Virginia both as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church and through his service on many Diocesan boards, commissions, and other activities; and

Whereas Jenks has ably served this Council for many years as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee and did so effectively and efficiently with Christian grace and charity; and

Whereas Jenks has been an ecumenical leader in his community helping to bring local churches together both for occasions of common worship and for service to the local community; and

Whereas Jenks has been an exemplar of Christian citizenship through many years of service and leadership in Rappahannock County and beyond through participation in Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Social Service, non-profit hospital and other local organizations;

Resolved, the 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia thanks the Reverend Jennings Hobson while expressing its hope that his commendable service to church and community will continue for years to come; and

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Jenks and that it be recorded in the minutes of the 221st Annual Council.

 

Submitted by the Vestry of Trinity, Washington

CR-11 - Courtesy Resolution for the Rev. John Miller

Whereas, the Rev. Dr. John Miller retired on December 31, 2015 as rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dover parish, Goochland County, after thirty-eight years of devoted service to a single parish, becoming at the time of his retirement the longest serving rector among those then active in the Diocese; and

Whereas, although John was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, raised in the Baptist Church, educated at Washington and Lee University, ordained into ministry in the Baptist Church and awarded a doctorate by Union Presbyterian Seminary, he chose to devote his broad ecumenism to saving Episcopalians; and

Whereas, John was inspired by his beloved parson, the late Rev. Holt Souder, to build on the foundations of a little country parish and, over the course of nearly four decades, saw the congregation and annual giving both grow more than ten-fold; and

Whereas, in 1990, when the power of his preached word had routinely overfilled the little church to Standing Room Only and often caused people to turn away, unable to find parking, John led the visionary team that created New St. Mary’s, an architectural triumph whose Carpenter Gothic style, inspired by the original structure, connects and embraces the old and the new; and

Whereas, John combined a sound theological understanding with deep historical knowledge, open personal revelation and a joy in weaving Woody Allen films into his sermons; and

Whereas, John served his Diocese with distinction as a member of the Standing Committee, the Board of Examining Chaplains, Dean of Region XII and chair of the Council’s Resolutions Committee; and

Whereas, the Gospel teaches, “there was a man sent from God, and his name was John”; now therefore be it

Resolved, that this 221st Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia expresses its great admiration and deep appreciation to John Miller for his labor in our vineyard and wishes him all success and happiness in his future ministries.

Submitted by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Goochland County