Our Staff & Vestry at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church

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Our Staff

Our Rector, Fr. Bill Combs

Fr. Bill was ordained to the priesthood on January 18, 2004 following his graduation from The Virginia Theological Seminary in May, 2003 with his Masters of Divinity in hand. Fr. Bill has blessed St. Gabriel's with his leadership, knowledge, strength and compassion since 2007. He is also known for his sense of humor, and theological brilliance which converge in his wonderful sermons. If you spend a bit of time with Fr. Bill in any setting, you will always learn something and have a lot of fun doing so. We are so thankful to have him here at St. Gabe's along with his wife, Jennifer, his son, Sam, and his daughter, Emily.

Fr. Robert Fessler, Retired

Fr. Fessler was ordained a priest on May 29, 1965. He served his last parish, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, WI, for 22 years when his retirement was required by the Canons of the Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Pat, moved to the Village of Deaton Creek in Hoschton, Ga. in July, 2012 and was licensed as a priest in the Atlanta Diocese on December 5, 2012. They were warmly adopted by God's people at St. Gabriel's just prior to that and now is happy to help Fr. Bill whenever he can.

Our Deacon, Sue Huff

Deacon Sue was an attendee of the University of Georgia and the University of West Virginia. She is a cradle Episcopalian and absolutely loves to nurture our parish and serve at the altar with Fr. Bill. She is a frequent visitor of the sick and those who may be challenged by present circumstances. Sue also has a gifted sense of humor and a genuine love for people. After Sue was ordained in August, 2006, following her completion of the four year Education for Ministry (EfM) Program and the Diaconal Formation Program (three years), she accepted her first assignment here at St. Gabriel's. in October, 2006. During regular business hours, Sue is a licensed independent insurance agent and certified long term care specialist at Georgia Benefits, Inc. She specializes in individual health insurance and life insurance lines. Her favorite things to do involve pastoral care, worship, and taking care of her best friend, Mr. Snickers (miniature schnauzer).

Our Parish Administrator, Lori Johnsen

Lori keeps St. Gabe's organized, efficient, and running at full speed. Her talents shine through in everything she touches and we are so blessed to have her skills. Lori is the primary contact at St. Gabe's for calendar or event scheduling, parish communications, member questions, organizational functions, and everything in between! Thank you, Lori, for being such a treasure.

Our Patron, Saint Gabriel

According to the Bible, there are seven archangels who "stand in the presence of God". (Tobit 12:15). Four of these are named at various placed in the Bible or Apocrypha: Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel. Gabriel first appears in the book of Daniel when he explains to Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat and the prophecy of the Seventy Weeks.

In the book of Revelation, the seven angels in turn blow their trumpets. When the last trumpet sounds, voices from heaven proclaim, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. And he shall reign for ever and ever." Although not directly stated in the Bible, according to legend, it is Gabriel's trumpet that will announce the end of time.

Our Vestry

The Vestry of any Episcopal Church is the lay governing body of the church. The 'vestry' is named for the room in which vestments were stored in English churches long ago. The governing body used to meet in that room; hence the group became known as the "vestry." Because the Episcopal Church practices a representative governance (much like our congress), vestry members are elected for three year terms. At St. Gabriel's, we have nine vestry members. Each year, three members rotate off of the vestry and three new members are elected. The election of new members happens every year at our Annual Meeting in December.

The work of a vestry member is manifold. They oversee the financial administration and health of the parish. Each member serves as a liaison to a particular aspect of the church's life and they communicate with the parish about the ongoing joys and challenges of the parish. The Senior Warden is often called the "rector's warden" and serves as a confidant for the rector. The Senior Warden also serves as a liaison between the rector and the rest of the vestry. The Junior Warden is the "people's warden" and serves as a liaison between the congregation, the rector, and the rest of the vestry.

Esther Atkinson, Sr. Warden/Parish Life

I grew up Methodist but joined the Episcopal Church while I was in college. I was looking for a church with more liturgy and more opportunities for communion and prayer on my knees. Since I moved to Flowery Branch four years ago, St. Gabriel's has provided all of this and more. St. Gabriel's is a family, a community, and a warm place where your talents and time are so appreciated. The more involved you become, the more blessings you receive. I am proud to be on the Vestry and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the church and help us reach our goals.

Marshall Cheves, Christian Formation

I have been attending St. Gabriel's since July, 2009. Something traumatic happened in my life that reminded me that a higher power and not myself was in charge of my life. I found St. Gabriel's and have been attending ever since. I think it is the sincerity and genuine caring of everyone here that makes St. Gabriel's very special. Being a member of the Vestry is just one way that I can give back and help others the way I have been helped. As for interests, I enjoy motorcycle riding and spending time outdoors.

Lindsay LeMay, Jr. Warden, Worship

Lindsay is incredibly active in many aspects of our church. She sings in the choir, serves on the Vestry, and volunteers her time on many of our inreach and outreach ministries. She is also one of the first to greet newcomers with her dynamic spirit and caring for all people. Thank you, Lindsay, for your many hours of volunteer time and commitment to St. Gabe's.

Nancy Cato, Vestry Clerk, Outreach

Nancy works on many of our teams and ministries for the parish. Nancy is in our Choir, leads the Daughters of the King group, facilitates the annual Women's Retreat, and so much more that we don't have space for all of it. Her generosity with her time, talents, and treasure bless us all in so many ways. We are grateful to be able to enjoy her warmth for people and her passion for the church.

Nenion Conley, Building and Grounds

I am married to Barbara and have two sons, Bryan and Chris, and four grandchildren. I have served on the Vestry for three terms as Sr. Warden in the past. I have also served as Verger, Sacred Sweeper, Holy Mower, Reader, and Chalice-Bearer. I believe that St. Gabriel's greatest asset is our people. I also believe that it is important for our community to see us travel to St. Gabriel's every time we possibly can as a witness of our relationship to God and the Church.

Mark Guido, Communications

I was born and raised near Pittsburgh, PA. I attended the Presbyterian Church until I married Randi in 1980 and moved to Gwinnett County. We've been attending the Episcopal Church ever since. We have two children, two grandchildren, and three dogs. We moved to Chestnut Mountain in 2006 and are thankful we found St. Gabe's. We've become very involved with our church and can't imagine being anywhere else.

Grace Lutumba, Congregational Growth & Development

I have been at St. Gabriel's for 14 years. What brought me to St. Gabriel's was when we moved to Oakwood in 1997 from Gainesville, GA where we were attending Grace Episcopal Church. I am married, have two children. My hobbies and interests include knitting, sewing, crocheting, and some gardening. I think St. Gabriel's is such a great church because my children love the Youth Program and other children's programs sponsored by the Church. St. Gabriel's provides my family and I with a place to grow spiritually and a place to call home. My favorite thing about being on the Vestry is learning how various programs work together to make St. Gabriel's what it is to our community.

Callie Flack, Stewardship

I have been attending St. Gabriel's since moving to Gainesville in 2006. In addition to serving on the Vestry, I am a member of the flower guild, serve as an usher and greeter, and chair our Good News at Noon outreach program. I enjoy using my skills and talents to help others and look forward to my coming years on the Vestry. My husband, Kevin, and I have twin boys, Patrick and Harrison.

Sandy Kiddie, Finance

I am married to Mary Beth and was baptized in the Church of England. I was raised and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and have been a member of St. Gabriel's since 2003. I am a Sunday School teacher with Mary Beth, a former member of the Vestry, and have served as a lay reader for many years. I am an EfM (Education for Ministry) graduate and have been a Mentor for EfM for two years. I currently host Bible Studies in my home for EfM students until we can begin an EfM class next year. I was immediately attracted to the small, family atmosphere here at St. Gabe's. Nearly all members are active in the church outside of Sunday worship, so a sense of community exits in all of those activities. I see the "vision of our future" as maintaining the high level of involvement of our members, our many church programs, both within the church and in our community, and adhering to our Christian principles. Through all of the challenges we face as a group, I have never observed an attitude of "can't do", but rather an attitude of "we will do this -- we just have to figure out how!".

2013 Vestry Retreat

Welcome to our new members on the Vestry Team and congratulations for another successful annual retreat weekend!

We are so grateful for the many talents and for the investment of time each of our Vestry members share with our Parish.

Special thanks to Nenion and Barbara Conley for hosting our 2013 Vestry Retreat.