Annual Meeting Vestry Profiles

I grew up in Kansas City, MO where I attended UMKC and received my B.S. in Biology. I then went on to get my M.S. in Oceanography at Florida State University. Most of my professional career has been in the life sciences; starting out as a lab assistant in academic research and finally ending up in a supervisory and project management position in private biotech. Recently, when we moved from Kansas City to San Francisco, I began volunteering at a food rescue non-profit named White Pony Express. I soon progressed into being hired as their Operations Manager. This position married my professional experience with my concern for food insecurity and serving the community.

Throughout my career I have taken any opportunity to serve in the community, whether through my workplace or through church. This is one of the reasons I was drawn to The Episcopal Church of the Nativity. I saw the many active outreach programs and appreciated that the church went beyond words into actions. My hobbies include running, photography, playing my French horn and sewing. I have managed an online shop on Etsy since 2006 called Banjoflannel where I sell the pieces that I make.

I also volunteer as a sewing instructor in the Lutheran Social Services – Southwest refugee sewing program, and at the Desert Mission Food Bank at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Hospital. I believe being a member of the vestry would be a wonderful opportunity to affect positive change in the church. My background includes both analytical and creative sides and I think it would provide a balanced approach to decision making. In my personal and work life I have always attempted to make the most efficient use of resources, and I believe this is also of value to the operations of the church.

 Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Pilgrim, Child of God. I have worked with at risk youth for 30 years within boarding schools in a variety of direct service and administrative roles, including being the Chapel Director for St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy in Phoenix for several years. I am currently a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with high school students. I am a cradle Episcopalian and have been active since Jr. High School. Joyce and I have been active in Faith Alive and the Arizona Episcopal Cursillo for too many years to count. Cursillo is a short course in Christian Life experienced during a three-day weekend retreat. Through the years I have been a lector, chalice bearer, acolyte, Sunday School teacher, Lay Eucharistic Minister, vestry member at another church in Phoenix, and choir member. It would be an honor to serve on our vestry to help support our Christian life together through our worship, Christian education, outreach and fellowship.

Hi, my name is James Newhouse.  My wife Sandi, her service dog, Ziva, and our future service dog, Jethro, have been members of the Church of the Nativity for approximately two years.  I grew up outside of Omaha, Nebraska, then attended and graduated from Arizona State University.  It was quite the culture shock because ASU had more people than my home town.  For the last twenty-nine years I have been a police officer with the Phoenix Police Department which has been great.  I have enjoyed serving the community and wish to serve the serve the church and parishioners.  

Since day one we felt welcome as soon as we entered the door.  Sandi and I have become greeters, imagine that Sandi talking to people, and I was elected to a one year term to the vestry.  I would like to continue my service to the church, to God, to faith and to you, the parishioners, for a three year term to the vestry. 

These past few months have been very difficult but our faith in God and in each other has kept us going.  I had the pleasure of participating in calling several parishioners to check on their welfare and thoroughly enjoyed talking to you.  This is what our church is all about, helping and caring for those in need whether we personally know them or not.  

I have learned a lot during the last year on the vestry and want to continue to learn.  I wanted to keep the church small but now realize the church must grow to spread the word of the Lord and ensure financial stability for the future.  

Thank for your time and consideration.

My name is Darrell Spencer and am a professor with Maricopa Community College in the Humanity and Performing Arts departments. I have been an Episcopalian since 1998, and at Nativity since 2012. It has been my honor to serve on the Vestry here and our parish in Las Vegas (and as Sr Warden). Marty Treinen and I were married at Nativity (the first same-sex wedding), and our kids have been in Sunday School and Youth Group. My ministries include the Church Growth Committee, facilitated the Story Sharing program, and lead the monthly Film Club. In the past I have taught Sunday School,  Bastion BIBLE School, directed the annual pageant, Trunk-or-Treat, and served on the Vestry as we were searching to find an interim priest. The highlight of my time at Nativity was serving as a Chalicist and Verger while my children served alongside.