Resolutions

Nominations

125th Annual Convention
of the Diocese of East Carolina

Making History in a New World

Thursday, January 31 to Saturday, February 2, 2008
New Bern Convention Center

The 2008 Convention Reporter
(includes a schedule)

Standing Committee, Clergy, Three-Year Term

Office:  Standing Committee, Clergy
Person Nominated:  The Rev’d Anne Natoli
Nominee’s Parish: Grace Church, Whiteville

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Great leadership skills, insightful and bring clarity of thought in decision making.

Diocesan Involvement:
Ecclesiastical Court
Board of Examining Chaplains
Former Dean

Parish Involvement:  Rector

Nominated by:  The Rev’d Mary Ogus
Parish and City:  St. Paul’s, Clinton
……………………………………………..

Office:  Standing Committee, Clergy
Person Nominated:  The Rev’d Thomas E. Wilson
Nominee’s Parish: All Saints’, Southern Shores

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Tom has served willingly and faithfully on both the Deanery and Diocesan levels.  He has led All Saints through a time of growth and development. The Standing Committee would benefit from his participation.

Diocesan Involvement:
Dean of Albemarle Deanery, 2005 to present
Executive Council, ex-officio, 2005 to present
Cursillo, 2005
Commission on Ministry, Diocese of Atlanta – 3 years
Executive Board, Diocese of SW Virginia – 3 years
Higher Education Committee, both in Diocese of Atlanta and SW Virginia
General Convention Alternate, Diocese of SW Virginia

Parish Involvement:  Rector

Nominated by:  Thomas W. Secules
Parish and City:  All Saints’, Southern Shores

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated: Mr. David Abbott
Nominee’s Parish: St. James, Wilmington

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
David’s leadership as a deputy in 2006 and as chair of the Diocese Convention Committee gives him great insight to the needs of the church.

Diocesan Involvement:
Lay Deputy 75th General Convention, Columbus, OH
Vestry Member St. Andrew’s (8 yrs.)
Junior Warden St. Andrew’s (4 yrs.)
Lay Reader/Chalice Administrator
Presenter, DOCC
Delegate to Diocesan Convention (3 yrs.)
Floor Chair, Diocesan Convention (2 yrs)
Chair, Diocesan Convention Committee (7 yrs)

Previously served on Diocesan Council, Diocese of Long Island (4 yrs)

General Convention Deputy, Lay 2006
Diocesan Convention Committee, Chair

Nominated by:
Mr. Larry Overton
St. Thomas, Ahoskie

………………………………………………………………

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated: Mr. T. John. F. Becker
Nominee’s Parish: St. Paul’s, Edenton

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
John brings a sharp intellect and a passion for our Lord and church to the taste.  We need more Leaders like him.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Diocesan Convention, 1999-2008
Deanery Representative, 2000-2008
Alternate Delegate to General Convention

Parish Involvement:
Vestry, Two terms
Chair, Newcomers Committee
300th Anniversary Committee

Nominated by:
The Rev’d Thomas Rickenbaker
St. Paul’s, Edenton

………………………………………………………………

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated:  Ms. Casey Ludlum
Nominee’s Parish: Church of the Servant, Wilmington

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
In 2006, less than 10 lay deputies out of 400+ were under the age of 30.  It is high time to increase that number.  Casey loves and knows the larger Church as well as her parish; she gets involved and follows through.  She would serve with distinction.

Bio:  Casey Ludlum is a cradle Episcopalian, having being brought up in Church of the Servant, Wilmington, NC.  She was baptized there, had her Rite Thirteen service, went on a pilgrimage as part of J2A, and was confirmed and has remained very involved. In addition she has been active the last three years in Episcopal Campus Ministry at NSCU, showing her genuine desire to grow spiritually and serve in Christ’s name.

She attended New Hanover High School in Wilmington’s historic district and participated in marching band, Science Olympiad, and Quiz Bowl.  She was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with honors in the top 15% of the class of 2005.  Now a junior at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, she is pursuing a degree in psychology and planning on attending graduate school in the field of clinical psychology.

Diocesan Involvement:
Convention Delegate
Representative at Episcopal Youth Event (2002, 2005)
General Convention 2006 Adult Festival
Camp Trinity Choir Cam Staff and participant (8 years)
Convention Youth Representative (2 years) and Youth Page (2 years)
NCSU Episcopal Campus Ministry (Sacristan)

Parish Involvement: 
Acolyte (11 years)
Lector (7 years)
J2A pilgrim

Nominated by:  The Rev’d Blair Both
Parish and City:  Church of the Servant, New Bern

………………………………………………………………

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated: Mrs. Joan Geiszler-Ludlum
Nominee’s Parish: Church of the Servant, Wilmington

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Joan has served her parish and Diocese in a number of leadership roles over the past 18 years, most recently as Chancellor of the Diocese since 1999.  She served as a Lay Deputy to the 2003 General Convention, learning the process of General Convention, studying the issues great and small, and acting based on the best interest of the Church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  She attended the 2006 General Convention as an Alternate Lay Deputy, where she served by appointment of the President of the House of Deputies as Liaison to the Legislative Committee on the Structure of the Church.  As Liaison, she provided guidance on the legislative process and drafted legislation to bring forward action by General Convention.

Her experiences as Chancellor and her expertise in Canon Law serve both the Diocese and the Episcopal Chancellors Network, currently as Vice President.  The Network links the Chancellors of The Episcopal Church to enable sharing of experience and expertise in support of the mission and ministry of the Dioceses.  She serves as a member of the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons of the General Convention by appointment until 2012 and as a member of the Council of Advice of the Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop.

Diocesan Involvement:                                                        
Chancellor, 1999 to present
Clergy Compensation Committee
Constitution and Canons
Episcopal Foundation Board of Directors
Trustee of the Diocese

Parish Involvement:
Chalice bearer and Lay reader
Evangelism/New Member Ministry
Finance Committee
Stewardship
Vestry including Senior Warden

Nominated by:      
Mr. David Smith, Church of the Servant, Wilmington
The Rev’d Margaret Hutchins

………………………………………………………………

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated: Mr. Tom Holt
Nominee’s Parish: Holy Trinity, Fayetteville

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Tom will be a deputy who does his homework, listens and prays prior to making decisions.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Standing Committee
Lay Deputy, 2006 General Convention

Parish Involvement:
Chair, Building Committee
Long Range Planning
Vestry – Senior Warden
Convention Delegate
Altar guild

Nominated by:
Ms. Nancy Broadwell
Holy Trinity, Fayetteville

………………………………………………………………

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated: Mrs. Tess Judge
Nominee’s Parish: All Saints’, Southern Shores

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Tess is an exceptional leader in out diocese and provides an important voice in the National Church.

Diocesan Involvement:   
General Convention Deputy, Lay 2006
Personnel Committee
Diocesan Treasurer
Clergy Wellness Committee
Insurance Committee

Parish Involvement:
Former Senior Warden - 2 terms
Junior Warden
Finance Committee, Chair
Building Committee, Chair
Insurance Committee

Nominated by:            
The Rev’d Ron Abrams
St. James, Wilmington

……………………………………………………………..

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Lay
Person Nominated: Mr. Larry Overton
Nominee’s Parish: St. Thomas, Ahoskie

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Larry is a leader who brings experience, wisdom and honesty to our General Convention Deputation.

Diocesan Involvement:                                  
General Convention Deputy, Lay 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006
Standing Committee, President
Environment Ministry Network Coordinator
Executive Council

Nominated by:            
The Rev'd Ron Abrams
St. James, Wilmington

………………………………………………………………..

General Convention Deputy, Clerical 

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical 
Person Nominated: The Rev’d Ron Abrams 
Nominee’s Parish: St. James, Wilmington 



Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office: 
Ron has served our diocese tirelessly.  The many committee’s he has served on have benefited from his tremendous organizational skills and pastoral influence. 

Diocesan Involvement: 
General Convention Deputy, Clerical 2000, 2003, 2006 (chair)
Standing Committee, President (2002-2004)
House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church
Executive Council
Committee on Constitution and Canons 

Nominated by:            
Deacon Kay Swindell                                   
St. Anne’s, Jacksonville  

……………………………………………………………….. 

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical
Person Nominated: The Ven. Sonny Browne, III
Nominee’s Parish: Trinity Church, Chocowinity

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
It is my privilege to nominate the Ven. Sonny Browne for clerical deputy to General Convention.  Sonny is passionate about the Church and her vital ministry in the world.  Sonny came to the Episcopal Church during his time at university.  His many contributions to the Church are therefore shaped by a valuable breadth of experiences in other Christian traditions.  His warm demeanor, thoughtful scholarship, and pastoral presence would enable him to represent our diocese well at our church’s triennial gathering.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Archdeacon
Executive Council
Convention Committee

Nominated by:
The Rev’d David Umphlett
Grace Church, Plymouth & St. Anne’s/St. Luke’s, Roper

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Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical
Person Nominated: The Rev’d Richard Elliott
Nominee’s Parish: St. Andrew’s on the Sound, Wilmington

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Richard is beginning his sixth year as rector of St. Andrew’s on the Sound.  He has been a faithful shepherd in uncertain times, and has overseen a period of growth in membership and deepening commitment to ministry at St. Andrew’s.  He brings intelligence, compassion and wit to any issue which arises in the life of the church.

Bio:  The Rev’d Richard Elliott is a native of Kentucky and served parishes in Kentucky, Florida and South Carolina before coming to North Carolina.  He has a special interest in ministry to youth and young adults, serving as a campus chaplain for nearly fourteen years.  Together with his wife, Giles Singleton, he has led workshops on prayer and spirituality in parish churches and at provincial and national gatherings.  He has served on Standing Committee and Executive Council in several dioceses and was the representative from Province IV to the Steering Committee of the Episcopal Society for Ministry in Higher Education.

Richard is a singer, a fiddler and a story teller. He and Giles have two children, Sam, who works in the video game industry, and Alex, a budding actress.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Executive Council, 2003 - 2007
Anglican Academy, 2002-2005
UNCW and CFCC Campus Ministry Steering Committee, 2002-Present
General Convention Alternate Clerical Deputy, 2006

Parish Involvement:
Rector

Nominated by:
The Rev’d C. Thomas Midyette, IIV
St. Andrew’s, Morehead City

………………………………………………………………..

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical
Person Nominated: The Rev’d John Pollock
Nominee’s Parish: St. Andrew’s, Morehead City

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
John’s clear leadership in our diocese and his understanding of the issues which confront the church today make him an extremely capable candidate for General Convention Deputy.

Bio: John has been a priest in the church for over ten years, seven of which have been in the Diocese of East Carolina.  He has proven his leadership abilities in both the diocese, and in the wider church.  As Rector, he has led St. Andrew’s, Morehead City, to a place of new growth, vision and vitality.  He is a member of the Standing Committee; and he was a Deputy to the 75 General Convention in 2006.   He is also on staff as a Chaplain for the Clergy Leadership Project which trains priests to face the adaptive challenges of leadership in today’s church.  He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry Program in Ministry in Ministry Development at Virginia Theological Seminary.

John is committed to the Episcopal Church as the via media, and a place which honors the wide range of voices in the church today while remaining true to the Gospel of Christ.  He believes that the Holy Spirit works through the process of listening, relationship building, respecting the dignity of others and in the consistent proclamation of the Gospel in action in the relief of suffering of the poor and oppressed.  He and his wife Mary Withington have been on several mission trips to Haiti, and are committed to the Millennium Development Goals.  They live in Morehead City and both enjoy music, gardening and surfing.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Standing Committee, Current
General Convention Deputy, 2006
Constitution & Canons Committee, Current
Compensation & Benefits Committee, Current
Adhoc Committee: Funding Task Force

Parish Involvement:
Rector, St. Paul’s, Clinton 1999-2004
Rector, St. Andrew’s, Morehead City 2004 - Present

Nominated by:
The Rev’d C. Thomas Midyette, IIV
St. Andrew’s, Morehead City

………………………………………………………………..

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical
Person Nominated: The Rev’d Thomas Rickenbaker
Nominee’s Parish: St. Paul’s, Edenton

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Fr. Tom has shown us what it takes to build a Christ centered church.  His life is a model of servant ministry. He can help our diocese do both.

Diocesan Involvement:
Commission on Ministry
Diocesan Foundation
Camp Trinity
Happening

Parish Involvement:
Head Chaplain, Chowan County Sherriff’s Office
President, Edenton Ministry Association
Edenton-Chowan School Board Advisor                                    

Nominated by:
Ms. Carolyn Jackson
St. John’s, Edenton

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Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical
Person Nominated: The Rev’d Pamela Stringer
Nominee’s Parish: Holy Trinity, Hampstead

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Through her knowledge and experience, Pamela brings insight into the faith of our church at the parish, Diocesan and world-wide level. She is a leader, encouraging others to assume responsibility and reach out to the community and beyond.  She is an example of stewardship, not only by tithing, but also by giving her time and talents to the congregation, Diocese and community.

Bio: Prior to seminary, Pamela Stringer was an Occupational Therapist, serving as a clinician, assistant professor and consultant in Florida, Texas and Tennessee.  After seminary at Seabury Western in Chicago, Pamela served as Canon Missioner, Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis (1991-1996) and Assistant to the Rector, Priest in charge, Deacon in training, St. Stephens Church, Oak Ridge Tennessee (1984-1991).  She came to the Diocese of East Carolina in 1996 as regular Supply Priest and later Interim Rector, St. Paul’s, Clinton (1996-1999) and Interim Rector, St. Thomas’, Bath (1999-2000).

Since 2000, Pamela has served as rector of Holy Trinity, Hampstead, strengthening and developing the ministry of the laity, focusing particularly on worship, stewardship and Christian formation.  In addition to her ministry at Holy Trinity and in the Hampstead/Wilmington community, the Rev’d Stringer has served the Diocese in numerous activities.  She was on the Standing Committee from 2002-2005, serving as president in 2004-2005, and is currently the chair of the Trinity Center Board of Mangers, a position which she began in 2006.  Pamela was First Alternate Clerical Deputy to the 2003 General Convention, and Clerical Deputy for the 2006 Convention.  She has also served on a number of Diocesan Committees, including Constitution and Canons, Clergy Wellness and Commission on Ministry.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Chair, Trinity Center Board of Managers: 2006-Present
Clerical Deputy 2006 General Convention
First Alternate Deputy 2003 General Convention
Standing Committee 2002-2005: President 2004-2005
Trinity Center Board of Managers 1999-2003
Camp Trinity Session 1998-2004
Constitution and Canons Committee
Liturgy and Music
Clergy Wellness Committee
Commission on Ministry
Stewardship Commission

Nominated by:
Deacon Kay Swindell
St. Anne’s, Jacksonville

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Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical 
Person Nominated: The Rev’d Canon Dr. Peter Stube 
Nominee’s Parish: Christ Church, New Bern 

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office: 
Dr. Stube is the 30^th rector of Christ Church, New Bern.  He is in his fifth year there.  During his tenure Christ Church has continued its strong ministries of outreach and service, entered into a major capital campaign and building project, which so far has been constructed debt free.  Dr. Stube has served as the Canon Theologian for the Diocese for the past four years.  During that time he has sought to develop programs that focus the diocese on mission while inviting us to stay at Christ’s table so that we may discern together where Christ is leading his church. 

Diocesan Involvement:                                               
General Convention Deputy, Clerical 2006
Standing Committee 2007-
Canon Theologian 2003-
Executive Council 2004-2007
Chair - Reconciliation Committee 2003-2005
Council of Deans, Diocese of Pennsylvania 1999-2003  

Parish Involvement:
Rector, Christ Church, New Bern 2003-

Nominated by:            
The Rev’d Ron Abrams                                   
St. James, Wilmington 

………………………………………………………………..

Office:  General Convention Deputy, Clerical
Person Nominated: The Rev’d David Umphlett
Nominee’s Parish: Grace Church, Plymouth and St. Luke’s/St. Anne, Roper

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
I am pleased to nominate the Rev’d David Umphlett to the slate of candidates for clerical deputy to General Convention.  I believe that David will enthusiastically and faithfully represent East Carolina in this capacity.  David grew up in parishes in Wilmington and has experienced parish life at larger parishes in Chapel Hill, NC and Washington, DC.  David now serves as rector in rural parish ministry in Washington County.  I believe that his live in both rural and urban settings will be extremely useful to us.  David is pastorally sensitive, scholarly, fair and faithful.  He will do a grand job.

Bio: David Alton Umphlett was born in Suffolk, VA and raised in Wilmington, NC.  In Wilmington, he was a member of St. Andrew’s on the Sound and later of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.  He benefited tremendously from diocesan youth activities.  He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in percussion performance.  The people of St. Paul’s, Wilmington sponsored him for the discernment process and he entered seminary at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2001.  David married his wife Lorinda in 2003.

After graduating from seminary in 2004, David was called to the rector of a newly formed partnership between Grace Church, Plymouth and St. Luke’s/St. Anne’s, Roper.  David’s time in Washington County has been marked by personal growth as a priest and a renewed sense of ministry in Plymouth and Roper.  David is pleased to serve on several diocesan committees and commissions.  For General Convention 2006, David served on the planning team for the Young Adult Gathering, which took place concurrently with General Convention. However, he was unable to joyous event of the birth of his son, James.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Executive Council, Member at Large, 2010
Chair, Diocesan Liturgical Commission
Chair, Diocesan College and Young Adult Commission
Spiritual Director, The Happening Movement
Member, Convention Committee
Member, 125th Anniversary Committee

Parish Involvement:
Rector, Grace Church, Plymouth and St. Luke's/St. Anne's, Roper, 2004 - present

Nominated by:
The Ven. Joseph Malcolm Browne, III
Trinity Episcopal Church, Chocowinity

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Executive Council, Member At Large, Lay

Office:  Executive Council, Member at Large, Lay
Person Nominated: Mr. Tom O’Brien
Nominee’s Parish: All Saints’, Southern Shores

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Tom has a vision and concern for all of the churches in this diocese.

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Cursillo

Parish Involvement:
Senior Warden (2 years)
Vestry
Stewardship Committee
Worship Committee
Choir

Nominated by:
The Rev’d Thomas Wilson
All Saints’, Southern Shores

………………………………………………………………..

Office:  Executive Council, Member at Large, Lay
Person Nominated: Mr. Philip Stine
Nominee’s Parish: Church of the Servant, Wilmington

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
Phil brings a global experience of the Church and a passion for the Gospel to whatever roles he is called to fill.  He is a thoughtful consensus builder and is eager to see the Diocese thrive. Dr. Philip Stine will bring an exceptional background to Executive Council:

• Former executive with the United Bible Societies, a global church related organizations;
• Worked closely with local, national and global church leaders from Anglican, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches around the world, as well as other organizations including the World Council of Churches, UNESCO;
• Was a global leader in Bible translation, training and consulting with translators on six continents and leading research in related biblical fields; author and editor of numerous books and articles on translation, missiology and management;
• Now brings this translation background to adult Christian education in Church of the Servant and other parishes;
• Reader of the General Ordination Examination given by the General Board of Examining Chaplains;
• Member of Church of the Servant since 2000; vestry 2003 – 2005; senior warden 2005; co-chair of rector search committee.

Diocesan Involvement:                                          
Convention Delegate 2005, 2006, 2007
Bible study leader with 2 other parishes
National:  (T.E.C.)
Reader for General Ordination Exams 2007, 2008

Parish Involvement:
Vestry 2003, 2004, 2005 (Senior Warden 2005)
Adult Christian Education Teacher (2000 – present)
Co-Chair, Rector Search Committee (2007 – present)

Nominated by: The Rev’d Blair Both
Church of the Servant, Wilmington

………………………………………………………………..

Executive Council – 3 year term - Clergy
Lower Cape Fear Deanery Representative

Office:  Executive Council, Lower Cape Fear Deanery Representative, Clergy
Person Nominated: The Rev’d Margaret Hutchins
Nominee’s Parish: Church of the Servant, Wilmington

Statement of your reason for nominating this person for this office:
The Lower Cape Fear Deanery fells like she is well qualified to serve as our representative and has noted at one of the gatherings the desire to see her serve in this capacity.

Bio:  She was ordained to the priesthood in 1982 in Connecticut and served as an Interim Priest there until I retired in 1994.  I served on the Executive Council there for one year, the Commission on Ministry for 6 years and the Liturgical Commission for 10 years.  She was elected twice as First Clerical Deputy to General Convention.

She has a deep and continuing interest in the Episcopal Church at all levels and take seriously her ordination vows to “serve in the councils of the church” – even after her retirement! 

Diocesan Involvement:                                     
Retirement Feasibility Committee
Supply Priest
Active in Clergy Women’s Group

Parish Involvement:
Preacher/Celebrant
Choir Member
Worship Committee
Discernment Committee

Nominated by:
The Rev’d David Davis
St. James the Fisherman, Shallotte

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