Steve Bentley
Nominated by Mary Virginia Woodall
Prior Vestry Service Yes, 2004–2006, 2010–2012
Other household members David Deal
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., weekly
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s Current: Planned Giving Committee Chair, Williamson Lecture Committee, Personnel Committee and Sunday Party of Readers Book Club. Previously: Vestry (2 terms), Sr. Warden, Rector search committees (twice, once as chair), adult choir, Pastoral Care Team, Long-range Planning Committee, Outreach Committee chair, Knocking on Heaven’s Door capital campaign cabinet, RAIN care team member. Outside activities: Current: St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, former Benevolence Committee Chair; The Plus Collective (Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund), current grants committee chair, former board chair. Previously: Augustine Literacy Project, steering committee, tutor and founding board chair; Episcopal Diocese of NC, Pastoral Response Team; Board and committees of United Way.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation Periodic participation depending on the topic.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? St. Peter’s has been our spiritual home for 30 years. I never cease to be amazed at the depth of caring and commitment of the people here. My most meaningful experiences at St. Peter’s have come from participation in smaller groups (adult choir, EFM, committee work). Through these, I have come to know, appreciate, and love the members of our parish and the diverse gifts they bring. My work with planned giving has sharpened my commitment to help prepare St. Peter’s for the future. I have received many more blessings here than I can ever repay. Service on the vestry is one way I can give back.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? I’m fortunate to have the gift of time. I also bring executive leadership and human resources experience. I am a good listener, communicator and administrator.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies I “retired” from a career in human resource management and community affairs at First Union/Wachovia. Subsequently I worked in the nonprofit sector as Executive Director at Time Out Youth, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President at Levine Museum of the New South and as an independent consultant affiliated with LevRidge Resources (consulting in areas of business & strategic planning, human resources). My hobbies consist of reading, cooking, hiking, family, and my dogs.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? St. Peter’s supports my thirst for knowledge and understanding of my beliefs. I have been encouraged to challenge my theology in ways that have deepened my faith. Educational offerings such as book study and EFM have provided rich experiences to learn and share with others. Most importantly, I have experienced the demonstration of Christ-like love by others at St. Peter’s which is both an inspiration and a challenge.
Ginny Brien
Nominated by Chris Cudabac
Prior Vestry Service Yes, over 10 years ago
Other household members John Brien
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., weekly
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s At St. Peter’s I serve on the Stewardship Committee, am an Intercessor, help set up beds for Room in the Inn, and am part of the St. Peter’s grief support team. Outside of St. Peter’s I am on the Secretary of the Board of the Airy Knoll Arts Project (a summer program for visual artists). I volunteer with Citizens Climate Lobby which advocates putting a revenue-neutral price on carbon. I am working with the past directors of the Valle Crucis Summer Youth program to create ways for participants to give back to the conference center. I have previously participated in our annual retreat, Taize, the choir, small dinner groups, the Order of St. Luke (a healing ministry), coordinated Zip Code parties for the parish, and have 3 children who came up through the Atrium.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation I have led Bible study and taught classes on Spiritual Gifts for Adult Education.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? St. Peter’s is where I connect with people who share a commitment to honor the dignity of every human being and to actively live our faith through our education, worship, and social justice ministries. I appreciate how we are a community where questions, scripture and theology are central to our spiritual life.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? I will bring gifts of listening, teaching, healing, and hospitality to St. Peter’s. I’m committed to St. Peter’s to be a place where more and more people find a spiritual home.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies I work at Dorrier Underwood, a management consulting firm who purpose is to have work be fulfilling and organizations empower people. I love to garden, quilt, and write/edit, and I’m always looking for how to build community.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? I love the beauty of our sanctuary, the richness of our music, and the diversity of our congregation. St. Peter’s is a place where I can be still and center myself, and a place that takes me out of my comfort zone. I am eager to find new ways for us to connect so that we can get to know each other more deeply.
Elsie Erneseton
Nominated by Ann Miano
Prior Vestry Service Yes, 2017–2020
Other household members My daughter, Eliza
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., several times a month
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s Over the years I have participated in several of our ongoing ministries, including RITI, Hawthorne Place, The St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen, the casserole ministry, and as a member of the Youth Advisory Board. While on the Vestry, I coordinated the selection process and disbursement of the Outreach and Social Justice annual funds. Another opportunity that I have enjoyed for the past several years is that of an ALP tutor. I also currently serve as the acolyte scheduler—an ever-changing landscape.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation During my time at St. Peter’s, I have been a leader in the Journey to Adulthood program for three 6-year terms, which has given me the opportunity to get to know so many of our wonderful young people and their families. When I came to St. Peter’s, my daughter was only 5. Seeing the active youth program, I realized that I had not interacted with teens since my teaching days—when the 5th & 6th graders were my favorites. When Lyn Holt approached me to become a youth teacher, I saw what a wonderful opportunity it would be not only to be with the youth, but also to better prepare myself for my daughter’s teen years.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? I’m not sure I can find the words. When I left Christ Church after 22 years, I was lost. It felt like I had lost my spiritual footing. After several months of attending different churches, we came to St. Peter’s. All I can think of is that it felt like home. And the longer I am here, the more like home it feels—even when we are faced with challenges. It has been so nice to again SEE friends as we slowly come back together post pandemic. How can I not give back to the place that has been my anchor for the past 20+ years?
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? I am a worker bee. Give me a task, and I’ll do it. I enjoy problem solving, working with others and being helpful. I love St. Peter’s and want to keep our church home healthy and vibrant—a growing ministry inclusive to all. We are in turbulent times and St. Peter’s is well-positioned and suited to taking a leadership position as the church moves into the future.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies After deciding teaching wasn’t for me, I spent the next 30+ years in the television advertising sales business before the advent of streaming destroyed network television. Since that time, I spent three years as Development Director at The Charlotte Choir School. After that, I walked into my favorite gift shop and asked for a job. I have worked with a wonderful group of women at The Mole Hole for the past six years. I also love music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my two furry friends. I have recently also taken on caretaking for those dealing with injury or illness, for which I am well suited, having grown up in a family with two cases of MS.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? I grew up in the Presbyterian Church, part of musical family that was always involved in the choir. When I came to Charlotte to do my student teaching, I sang in the choir at Trinity Presbyterian before returning for my last semester in school. When I returned to Charlotte to begin teaching, Carolyn Darr had moved from Trinity to Christ Church and recruited me to sing there. My eyes were opened! The liturgy and music spoke to my soul, and I have been blessed by both musicians and priests who became spiritual leaders and friends along the way. While at St. Peter’s, I have become part of a prayer group with four other parishioners that has become integral to our lives. We have loved and supported each other now for many years and I feel blessed to have found this type of support, particularly over the past few years of sickness and turmoil.
Aubrey Gilleran
Nominated by Patricia Massey Hoke
Prior Vestry Service No
Other household members Samuel Gilleran
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., weekly
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s I am a member of the Congregational Engagement Committee at St. Peter’s.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation Along with Hannah Gandell, I teach the Rite 13 class on Sundays.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? St. Peter’s has offered my family a welcoming, inclusive environment where we can worship God and spread Jesus Christ’s message of love to the world. It has been a tremendous joy to worship as entirely accepted members of this thriving faith community. I want to serve on the vestry to offer my time and talents to this beautiful community as a sign of gratitude and commitment.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? I have been an educator in Maryland and North Carolina public schools for the past twelve years. In that role, I have served on various committees and led community outreach opportunities. I have experience working with and finding consensus among diverse groups of people, and I will take those gifts with me if I am elected to this position.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies I am an English teacher at South Mecklenburg High School, where I have worked since 2020. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and writing.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? St. Peter’s is the first fully affirming church I have ever belonged to. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I have spent years of my life attempting to find community and fellowship in churches that have kept the LGBTQ community at arm’s length. Finding St. Peter’s was a breath of fresh air, and it has done wonders for my spiritual journey to worship with a full spectrum of believers from all walks of life. To see God’s kingdom represented in the pews every Sunday, knowing that I am also a part of this spiritual family, has reinforced my faith beyond words.
Paul Keller
Nominated by Patricia Massey Hoke
Prior Vestry Service Yes, 2015–2017
Other household members Kay Keller (wife, not a member), Paul Keller III (son)
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., weekly
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s Room in the Inn overnight host, Center City Concerts, Greeting Host program, Congregational Development Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, served as Junior Warden.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation I have participated in a number of formation programs, most recently Ron David’s session on women’s reproductive rights.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? St. Peter’s is immensely important to me and is my spiritual home. I have been a member since 2011, and the grounding and fellowship of St. Peter’s has been crucial to my sense of contentment, particularly through some very rough personal situations. I enjoyed my three years on the Vestry and think I can again make a positive contribution.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? I believe I bring experience, faith, and an outsider’s perspective (as I am not a cradle Episcopalian). I was a bit hesitant to serve on the Vestry the first time, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies 40+ years as a banker (and still working!), grandfather (!) And very interested in classical music and opera.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? St. Peter’s feeds my spiritual growth through the worship, the music, the liturgy, the sermons, the fellowship of the congregation, and my recollection of all those things between Sundays!
Denise LaForce
Nominated by Chris Cudabac
Prior Vestry Service No
Other household members My daughter, Opal Keck
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., weekly
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s I am a new parishioner at St. Peter’s and am looking forward to being involved with the Social Justice initiatives here. I have spent time working at the Roof Above soup kitchen with St. Peter’s Catholic Church, volunteering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and working with immigrant and refugee communities in Charlotte. I also volunteer with Charlotte Choir School.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation I have been fortunate to be able to attend some of the Adult Forum sessions on Sunday mornings.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? I am a new member of this community, and I am very happy to be here! I have a lot to learn and am excited to contribute and grow with you all. Coming to St. Peter’s has meant everything to both myself and my daughter, Opal. This is the faith community we were always looking for and I feel the warmth and love from you. My spiritual journey has brought me to this place – my home. When Chris Cudabac, a dear friend and neighbor, approached me with the idea of nominating me for vestry, I was a bit puzzled. “But why would the parish want someone so new?” was all I could think. The more we spoke, the more open I was to the idea. I am called to serve this parish. Although my time here has been brief, I feel deeply connected and have talents that may be useful. I have the time to devote to vestry, as well.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? I am comfortable participating in meetings and love to lead when called to do so. I am patient, a strong communicator, and reliable. I understand financial statements and have managed budgets up to $30 million. I believe in teamwork, consensus, and community. I am also not afraid to get dirty and try to fix things in the building!
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies I worked as a director at the former US Airways and have a background in building organizations and teams. I spent five years at the Independence Regional Library and created a series of programs about systemic racism, building inclusive environments, understanding refugee crises, and immigration. I work part-time as a consultant teaching about these topics to academic librarians, public libraries across the country, as well as local businesses. I am passionate about serving the underserved and teaching others about these important issues. I enjoy spending time with my daughter and my partner cooking, reading, listening to music, and playing strategy games.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? I find great joy and peace in this community – the music, the worship, the fellowship, the prayer. I have a feeling of hope and desire to know God that I hadn’t known in my forty-plus years of being a practicing Catholic. I am excited to be on this journey with you all, and I look forward to contributing and serve in this community however I am called to do so.
Peter Morgan
Nominated by Mary Virginia Woodall
Prior Vestry Service No
Other household members Ashleigh, Wesley, Samuel (now at college)
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., several times a month
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s St. Peter’s: Coffee Hour Host, Congregational Engagement Team, Usher, Finance Committee.
Board of Directors, Latin American Chamber of Commerce (volunteer position).
Treasurer, Waverly Chapter, Carolinas Referral Group (volunteer position).
On-going support for and involvement in the Charlotte Choir School.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation My wife and I regularly attend adult formation on Sundays. Our older son, Samuel, participated in J2A all the way through Pilgrimage before going to college. Our younger son, Wesley, is currently participating in J2A.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry?
St. Peter’s has made a huge difference to the lives of me and my family. Each of the four of us has grown emotionally and spiritually as a result of participating in worship, fellowship, and outreach through the Church’s ministries and I feel this has brought us closer together. Each of us has also found different ways to serve other members of the Congregation and in so doing follow Christ’s example of servant leadership. The opportunity to serve on Vestry is a wonderful culmination of many years of both giving to and receiving from the Church.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? Empathy, patience, an open mind, and lots of experience listening to the concerns of folks from a diverse variety of backgrounds accumulated during my 20 plus years in private practice as an attorney. I enjoy and excel at creative problem-solving and helping people find common ground.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies I am both an attorney and small business owner. My priorities with my law firm are to maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, to offer the best possible representation to those in need for a reasonable cost and on occasion without charge, to provide a wonderful place for my employees to work, and to earn a good enough living to help support my family and fund a comfortable retirement. Although often a challenge, I strive to balance my professional obligations with my personal goals of involvement in the lives of my family, my Church, and my community. Down time for me involves listening to music, traveling, reading, and taking martial arts classes.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? St. Peter’s provides me with the opportunity to learn about my faith, participate with others in fellowship and the common service of people both in and outside the congregation, and engage in the worship of God through music and prayer. All of these things strengthen and renew me as a person, but also make it possible for me to remain engaged in the lives of others in a much more meaningful way.
Julie Warner
Nominated by Mary Gotschall
Prior Vestry Service No
Other household members Rick Warner
Typical Sunday Service attended 11:00 a.m., weekly
Ministry and volunteerism involvement within and beyond St. Peter’s Since joining St. Peter’s fellowship in October 2021, I have served as a Lector for the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Describe any Participation in the Christian Formation I have participated in various adult formation classes and regularly attend Wednesday Night Bible Study. I have also participated in the fall church retreat, and various other church-wide events.
What does St. Peter’s mean to you and why are you willing to serve on the vestry? My husband, Rick, and I have been attending St. Peter’s since January 2019. After a very long search to find a church home that embraces a diverse congregation, focuses on traditional values, and encourages deep understanding of scripture and how it relates to our lives in the 21st century, we felt as though we had “hit the lottery”! Although we have been members for just over a year, I feel empowered by its mission and energized through the many ministry opportunities to connect people with each other and with God. St. Peter’s is becoming the church home for which we have longed! Serving on the Vestry would give me the opportunity to offer my talents, gain understanding about the “big picture” of the church, and celebrate and protect the assets of this unique parish that touches the lives of so many.
If elected, what gifts and talents would you bring to this leadership ministry? If elected to serve on the Vestry, I hope to share insights and perspective with the spirit of collaborative practice that appears to exist among the current leaders. As a member in other churches, I have served on the Altar Guild, as lector, taught children and adult Sunday School classes, led Bible Studies, served as a lay speaker, led several youth groups, assisted with acolyte training, and participated in outreach to shut-ins and those in hospitals. I hope that I could bring perspectives from these experiences in keeping with the established and accepted processes of St. Peter’s. Additionally, as a relatively new member, I think I could bring new ideas and insights that may help to identify and evaluate mission opportunities. I have the ability to communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, and serve the congregation as a whole.
Current or recent work or profession, priorities, hobbies Without a doubt, Rick and I make our family a priority. We became grandparents this past July when our oldest son, Seth, and his wife, Madison, blessed us with a granddaughter, Rowan. Our youngest son, Caleb, lives and works in the Asheville area and we make frequent trips to visit him. I spent 35 years as a special educator—first as a classroom teacher and then as an administrator. I continue to feel “called” to serving others and shortly after retiring, I returned to work part-time as an Instructional Coach and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I frequently provide training to educators in the area of Crisis Prevention. I thoroughly enjoy conversations that make me think deeply, reading, writing, traveling, cycling, and cross-stitching.
How does St. Peter’s feed your spiritual journey and growth? The first time I entered the church, I became astoundingly aware of the newness in my spiritual journey and growth. Truly, it is the combination of elements, observances, people, teachings, and service that feeds my soul. It is the physical beauty of the church, the sacred practices within each worship service, the joyous melodies from the choir and triumphant echoes of the organ, the inclusiveness of the congregation as well as the in-depth explanation of the scriptures (that causes me to pause and reframe former misunderstandings), the sincere welcome from the staff, and the overwhelming priority to serve God and serve others –this is what feeds my spiritual journey and Christian growth.