Senior Celebrations recognize the on-going contributions that older adults make in their congregations and communities. Each year, ESM recognizes these contributions through special events during May, Older Americans Month.
Episcopal Senior Ministries recognizes the work and ongoing support from the members of the Senior Ministries Council, September 2008-June 2009
Chair, Senior Ministries Council, Mary Ann Wilmer, St. George’s Parish, DC Chaplain, The Rev. Cassandra Y. Burton, St. Luke’s Parish, Washington and Christ Church (Clinton Parish) Mabra H. Barge,
Trinity Parish, Washington John Barton, St. Mark’s Parish, Capitol Hill Peggy Eisenhauer, Transfiguration Parish, Silver Spring Frances Jones, St. George’s Parish, Washington A. Bartley McIntyre, St. John’s Church , Olney Moses Middleton, Redeemer Parish, Bethesda John G. Miers, St. James Parish, Potomac Barbara Ramos, St. Luke’s Parish, Washington Diane Robinson, Trinity Parish, Washington Wilhelmenia Walden, Parish of the Atonement, Washington Carrie Weaver, St. Philip’s Church (Baden Parish), Brandywine Louise Young, St. George’s Parish, Washington
2009 Older Adult Honoree List
Congregations in the Diocese of Washington were invited to select an older adult (age 60 or older) to be recognized for service to Church and Community. While Senior Celebrations honors all older adults in our Diocese, our service in 2009 also recognizes these specific servants of our Church. The honorees were acknowledged and blessed at one of the two Senior Celebration services. The Fabulous 50+ service on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at St. Paul’s Piney in Waldorf, MD. Honorees at that service are indicated by an asterisk next to their parish name. All other honorees are attending Senior Celebrations to be held in the Washington National Cathedral’s Bethlehem Chapel at 1:30 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2009.
Church of the Ascension, Lexington Park
Honoree: Mr. Robert Woody Bob is a fantastic lay reader who reads regularly at mass and for all holiday services. He often acts as an advisor on church issues as well as sitting on the Finance Committee. Bob also coordinates the Church of the Ascension’s Annual Stewardship Drive. He also heads, along with his wife Regina, the church's In-Reach Committee providing and Coordinating meals, transportation, company, pet care, babysitting, or other services to those who need assistance in the parish .
Parish of the Atonement, Washington Honoree: Mr. Edward Phillips Mr. Phillips currently serves as Senior Warden, member of the Men's Club, Brotherhood of St. Andrew's, Lay Ministry and Finance Committee. Edward Phillips is dedicated to God & God's church. He answers the call when asked to serve in whatever capacity needed. He is a true servant of God.
Christ Church, Clinton Parish* Honoree: Connie Russell
Christ Church (Port Tobacco Parish) La Plata * Honoree: Joan Shoemaker
Grace Church, Silver Spring Honorees: Mr. Alexander (Alex) & Mrs. Barbara Geyger Alex and Barbara came to Grace Church in 1974, and immediately became involved in the Social Concerns Committee. In the early 1980s, Alex assumed the chairmanship of the Parish Refugee Committee, (a sub-committee of the Social Concerns Committee later renamed the Outreach Awareness Committee). In this role, Alex coordinated the ‘settlement’ of a refugee family from South VietNam. Alex directed the assistance for all members of this family (adults and children) in all issues of their resettlement, including education, government entitlements, job training/placement, health, etc. In the mid-1980s, Alex was elected and served as delegate to convention from this parish for approximately 20 years. His third primary area of service was responsibility for the church’s sound system; its operation and maintenance – including ensuring its operation at all Sunday morning services and at special services (weddings, funerals, week-day services, etc.). In addition to these three main areas of service, Alex served as a licensed Lay Eucharistic Minister for many years.
At the same time that Alex was taking on duties as chair of the Parish Refugee Sub-Committee of the Social Concerns Committee, Barbara formed a craft guild of women to make crafts to be sold at the annual parish “Holiday Bazaar”. She led this group of women for some 25 years as they made crafts throughout the year to be sold at the annual parish “Holiday Bazaar” – these crafts generally formed the ‘backbone’ for the annual bazaar, which featured bake sales, consignment jewelry and china, book tables, a kitchen (featuring home-made soup and sandwiches), and activities for children; for several years, Barbara coordinated the entire Holiday Fair. As a career librarian, Barbara also assumed responsibility for developing and maintaining a library in the church – her love of children’s books led her to create a “Children’s Corner” featuring books with Christian themes for children of all ages. Barbara maintained the library for the Silver Spring campus of the Grace Episcopal Day School, and provided weekly story-telling for the younger children in the Day School. In addition to her involvement in the Social Concerns Committee, the Holiday Bazaar and the church Library, Barbara served on the Vestry of Grace Church.
One of the most recent actions that the Geyger’s performed for the Grace Church family involved setting up the Adult Christian Formation Library in Grace House, the parish administration building.
Church of the Holy Comforter (St. Andrew’s Parish) Honoree: Ms. Shirley Scott Shirley has been a very loyal and dedicated member of Holy Comforter Senior Ministry Program. She is always ready to provide her assistance in serving the seniors at our luncheon meetings. In all phases of the church life, she is ever ready to minister to the needs of others. Shirley helps to prepare sandwiches for the "Martha's Table". She also serves on the Altar Guild, with the ECW and helps with meals for Vacation Bible School.
Holy Trinity Parish (Collington), Bowie Honoree: Mrs. Susan Croft Susan is recognized for her untiring work with the Hunger Committee, Episcopal Senior Life and her deep dedication to both Holy Trinity and The Episcopal Church.
Church of Our Saviour, Hillandale Honoree: Rev. Dr. Robert Carlson Bob has done so much for churches throughout the Episcopal Church serving from Deployment Officer to Seminary Professor to interim work. But this congregation honors him for starting and leading the new Seniors Ministry at Church of Our Saviour, Hillandale. He is a gift to us all and we thank him for his ministry.
St. Andrew’s Parish, College Park Honoree: Mrs. Frances Walker Frances has served this congregation and its people faithfully for many years. Most recently she has served on the Search Committee and Vestry as St. Andrew's goes through its transition phase. She is also Chair of "Fisherfolk", an organization that connects members with one another throughout the year. Most importantly, Frances can be found at the back of the church after almost every service, greeting visitors, encouraging them to complete visitor information cards, inviting them to coffee hour and making sure the Rector follows up with these prospective members. Without doubt, Frances has provided and continues to provide, service that is essential to this church.
St. Anne’s Church, Damascus Honoree: Elizabeth Peaslee Cain ELIZABETH PEASLEE CAIN (Lib) is a founding member of St. Anne’s Church which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary February 2010. For the first year of the church’s life, she played the organ and piano and directed the choir. She also directed the Sunday School for three years. In 1969 Lib, along with other members of St. Anne’s, began an organization called Damascus Help, which is still thriving today, now supported by all the local churches. It has a food pantry and a clothing bank to assist needy members of the community. She began and led for more than thirty years a ministry called Widening Horizons, which was a monthly program of fellowship and service, an outreach to older members of the community. She was the Episcopal Senior Ministries contact for several years. She has also worked for the local Meals on Wheels program and for Montgomery Hospice. She is still an active member of the parish and participates in the Prayer Shawl ministry.
Lib is a beloved and valued member of the parish and an excellent role model of Christian servant hood.
St. Christopher’s Parish, New Carrollton Honoree: Juanita Evangeline Moore Juanita, who has served as the Episcopal Senior Ministries (ESM) liaison for the past several years, is the daughter of two murdered civil rights activists, Harry and Harriet Moore. Harry Moore worked to register blacks to vote in the state of Florida. For this the KKK bombed their home. Mr. Moore and his wife were killed. Her sister was traumatized and died years later from causes linked to PTSD. Juanita has spent her life seeing that her parents are remembered and their killers brought to justice. Her lifelong campaign led to the founding of the Harry T. Moore Justice Center and the opening of a replica of the family home as a museum. The state of Florida reopened the case and is now pursuing justice after many years of ignoring it. Despite Juanita’s pain over her family’s fate, she is one of the most gracious people you will ever met, someone who is truly working for reconciliation among all people.
St. Columba’s Parish, Washington Honoree: Betsy Linn Bowman Betsy Bowman has been the driving force in our Senior Ministries group ever since she joined the parish three years ago. She is a tireless advocate for Senior Issues and a terrific role model for living a dynamic and creative life in retirement. She serves as Parish Contact for Episcopal Senior Ministries as well as serving on the Board for IONA Senior Services.
St. George’s Parish, Washington Honoree: Myrtle G. Harris Myrtle has been a member of St. George's since 1935. She has served on the Pastor's Aid, Dorcas Guild and Altar Guild. She's been a member of Parish Guild and Daughter's of the King since 1973.
St. James’s Parish, Potomac Honoree: Ann Pararas Ann continues to participate and serve after many years of membership and leadership at St. James'. Perhaps the most remarkable of her many contributions is the Card Ministry, which she began a few years ago and continues to maintain. She uses special software to design and produce highly professional greeting cards for members and groups at Thanksgiving for their service, in honor of birthdays, other special occasions, and for loss. This ministry--which we view as a model for other parishes--also serves to thank benefactors and other from the wider community who contribute to parish life.
Ann also answers the office phone and welcomes visitors two days a week, during which time she works on the cards as time permits. She served as founder and an early member of Martha's Ministry, which supports weekly coffee hours and receptions for special occasions. Her talents include a gift for composing poetry, which is frequently featured at parish celebrations. Her spiritual and social gifts make her an ideal recipient for this award. Follow this link to Ann Praras' poem
St. John’s Church ( Zion Parish), Beltsville Honoree: Mr. Robert (Bob) Ziepolt St. John’s Church recommends Robert Ziepolt as the Senior Honoree. Bob has served on Parish Vestry and these committees: Cemetery Committee, Grounds Committee, Acolyte and Parish History. He prepared the woodwork on the altar. He is also active with the Association for the Mentally Challenged Individuals. Bob has been a member of St. John’s for more than 60 years and recently retired as an acolyte at 91 years of age.
St. John’s Parish, Mount Rainier Honoree: Mrs. Estelle Miller Mrs. Estelle Miller is a devoted and staunch member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Mt. Rainier for 86 years. She was born on April 27, 1919 and began attending St. John's in 1923 at the age of 4. In her adolescence, she was a member of the Young People's Fellowship for 8 years. Her special interest in infants lead her to be in charge of the Sunday School section for 20 years, which included 4 years working with the second graders. Mrs. Miller also sang in the choir for a period of 15 years. She has been a member of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) since its inception and chaired the ECW for 15 years until her resignation 3 years ago.
Because of her sterling contributions to St. John's, Mrs. Miller retains the gratitude and admiration of the St. John's congregation.
St. Luke’s Parish, Washington Honoree: Evelyn Burton Tuckson
Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Wheaton Parish Honoree: Marie Wallace In the past, Marie has served on the vestry for many years: first as the Outreach chair for two terms then as Jr. Warden and afterwards as Sr. Warden. She was taught Sunday School for many years. Currently she is President of the parish chapter of Daughters of the King; Co-Directress of the Junior Daughters of the King and also sits on the Diocesan Board of Daughters of the King as the 2nd Vice President. Marie serves on the Board of the Women's Group, the Stewardship, Fellowship and Kitchen Committees. On Saturdays, she can be found working as an Office Volunteer. On Sunday mornings, she can be found singing with the Sounds of the Spirit choir, Lay reading or assisting in the service passing the chalice, often in all three roles. She is always willing to lend a hand whenever she sees a need or is asked to help. Her service does not stop at St. Mary Magdalene. Marie represents Legislative District 19 on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee where she serves as the Asst. Secretary. She is a member of the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee and a member of the District 19 Democratic Club. Marie is also a Consumer Member and Chair of the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology.
St. Mary Magdalene is blessed to have Marie as a member of the congregation. Her devotion to the Church’s growth as a parish and to the Episcopal Church as a whole, makes everyone very honored to have her be the Church of St. Mary Magdalene’s Honoree at the 2009 Senior Celebration.
St. Mary’s Parish (Foggy Bottom), Washington Honoree: Mrs. Mary E. Brown Mrs. Brown has been the representative for St. Mary's Episcopal Senior Ministry for over 5 years. She has been an active member of the Board of Directors at St. Mary's Court for more than 10 years.
St. Matthew’s Parish, Hyattsville Honoree: Louise Tatspaugh Mrs. Tatspaugh has been a member of St. Matthew’s since the late 1930’s, when it was still the Pinkney Memorial Church. She has served the church in many ways through the years: serving on the Vestry, the Gifts and Memorials Committee, the Altar Guild, with the Women of St. Matthew’s, and as a teacher in the Sunday School. She still attends church regularly and is a great supporter of St. Matthew’s.
Paul’s Church (Piney Parish), Waldorf* Honorees : Pete Shanklin & Skip Roland
St. Paul ’s Church (Rock Creek Parish), Washington Honoree: Gloria Tapeka Gloria is one of those power houses at St. Paul's Rock Creek. She has served on the Building and Grounds Committee, the Finance Mission Group, the Vestry and is one of the leaders of the Altar Guild. However, it is not all of these "good works" that lead her to be honored for her contributions to St. Paul's. Beyond these important works, Gloria has during the past year and a half led a remarkable effort to raise the consciousness of the parish to hunger in the community. She has overseen the collection of 1500 pounds of food and raised more than $1200.00 in donations for the Capital Area Food Bank.
St. Peter’s Parish, Poolesville Honoree : Barbara Andreassen Barbara is currently the president of The Women of Saint Peter’s, the very active women’s group at St. Peter’s. Under her leadership the Women of Saint Peter’s raise tens of thousands of dollars a year which go to projects of their designation. One of their major projects in recent years was outfitting the new kitchen with pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and appliances. Their fundraising efforts are wide-ranging, but the most successful is the bi-annual rummage sale. Held in the spring and the fall, the rummage sale takes over the parish hall and grounds for three days (not including setup), attracts hundreds of people from the region, and last year generated nearly $30,000. The rummage sale has spawned two other sales, the Christmas Attic, which sells just the Christmas themed items from the rummage sale collection, and a book and media sale, which also aims to market specific items collected from the rummage sale. Under Barbara’s leadership the fundraisers have grown in their efficiency and impact and are anticipated by the parish and the community. The Women of Saint Peter’s are responsible for all formal hospitality in the parish, from coffee hour to funeral receptions. The Women of Saint Peter’s play a large role in ongoing pastoral support for those in the parish and the community who are in need.
Barbara is also a member of the Finance Committee, and a recent Vestry member. She serves on the Memorial Committee, and chairs the parish interior decorating committee. Her commitment to Saint Peter’s and the faith which drives her work is an inspiration to many, and matched by few. She is a wonderful part of the common life of Saint Peter’s and the Parish is grateful for an opportunity to sing her praises and share her ministry with the Diocese.
St. Philip the Evangelist Parish, Washington Honoree: Ms. Mabel N. Washington Ms. Mabel Washington is currently the treasurer of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and co-chair for ECW’s Region 5. She served our parish as a Lector and Lay Eucharistic Minister for about 33 years and served as chair of Benjamin Cole’s Scholarship. Additional leadership positions include Fund Secretary to the Vestry, Search Committee for Vicar and UTO Chairperson. As ECW's representative for Region 5, Mrs. Washington performs her task with distinction. Her commitment to ECW is evident throughout the Diocese of Washington. She promotes ECW's activities and events throughout Region 5 with a passion that is infectious.
St. Philip’s Church (Baden Parish), Brandywine* Honoree : Roland Turner
St. Thomas ’ Parish (Croom), Upper Marlboro* Honoree : Gay Scott
St. Timothy’s Parish, Washington Honoree: Mrs. Marjorie Pinchback Mrs. Pinchback is an active member of the Episcopal Church Women and the Daughters of the King. She has served as President of the Altar Guild for many years and has been commended by the rectors for the outstanding work she and her committee have performed. She is chairman of the Repast Committee, a position she has held for many years. Under her direction, the volunteers ensure there is enough food for all (whether prepared by the committee or by a caterer) so that service runs smoothly. Because of her reputation for excellence, she is often called upon by others to assist them in making arrangements for food service. In addition, Marjorie can be very often found selling tickets and keeping account of ticket dispersal and funds for various functions sponsored by different St. Timothy committees. Marjorie Pinchback is one of the hardest working volunteers in the St. Timothy’s Parish Community.
Church of the Transfiguration (Transfiguration Parish), Silver Spring Honoree: Hazel Lackey
The Washington Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Honoree : Ruth Goodchild Ruth was one who saw the need and, with energy and determination, grew the nascent Washington National Cathedral Literacy Program, the longest standing direct service ministry. It is a testament to her vision, dedication and commitment that this ministry is flourishing today, serving the growing needs of this increasingly diverse population.
For more than 23 years Ruth Goodchild directed and nurtured the Cathedral’s literacy program, providing desperately needed tutoring in reading, writing and math – as well as mentoring and encouraging – to immigrants, high school students, cathedral staff and to moms and dads simply wanting to help their own children with their schoolwork. Ruth has been the backbone of this ministry, taking a nascent program and building it into one that has served an estimated 1,000 people. And, as a true leader, she found new leadership two years ago, to assume her position.
Ruth continues to serve the Cathedral community in many ways. She is an usher for Sunday services and special occasions. She also serves on the Washington Committee for the Washington National Cathedral. The Cathedral honors Ruth Goodchild for her dedication, perseverance and desire to make a difference in our cathedral community and our city.
St. Peter’s Parish, Poolesville