The following people were elected to diocesan committees:
Standing Committee
The Rev. Veronica Chappell
The Rev. Dr. Greg Welin
Nicolette Norris
Kathy Hettinga
Council of Trustees
The Very Rev. Dr. Amy Welin
Allison Carnahan
Thomas Hinton
Disciplinary Board
Robert Davis, Jr.
Deputies to General Convention, Baltimore 2021
The Rev. Canon Dan Morrow
The Rev. Shayna Watson
The Rev. Canon Katherine Harrigan
The Rev. Jennifer Mattson
Clergy Alternate: The Rev. Veronica Chappell
Anthony Alexander
Amy Swiernik
Charles Banks
Nicolette Norris
Lay Alternate: Drew Dorgan
All nominees are listed in alphabetical order.
Standing Committee
Each Year Elect: 2 Clergypersons & 2 Laypeople – Can run 2 successive terms of 3 years each.
Clergy
The Rev. Veronica Chappell
Rector: Trinity Episcopal Church, Jersey Shore
As I move into my later years of ministry, I think bring maturity and experience that may be valuable to the Diocese. I believe that we are at a pivotal point in the history of our diocese and, in fact, the Church at large, and I desire to be more closely involved in the challenges and joys of the process of adapting to the new shape of the Jesus Follower Community.
I am extremely interested in many ways we might approach the ordination process during this transitional stage in the Church and have experience to share with the recent lay pastor- to-ordained clergy model we’re doing at Christ Church.
The Rev. John Harwood
Rector: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lewistown
I came to St. Mark’s-Lewistown on Pentecost, 2017, after spending seven years serving Trinity Episcopal Church and Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Renovo. I was ordained to the diaconate in 2010 and priesthood in 2011 by Bishop Nathan Baxter. I received my certificate in Anglican Studies in 2013 from the California Divinity School of the Pacific. I completed my training in pastoral care at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and my parish internship at St. Luke’s-Altoona. I retired from Penn State in 2016 after a long career as a faculty member and administrator in information technology.
The Rev. Eric Hillegas
Rector: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, York
I have enthusiastically engaged the ministry of parish revitalization and community outreach for the past 10 years in the Diocese of Massachusetts. I am deeply familiar with opportunities and challenges that accompany parishes as they seek to balance budgets, maintain property, and respond creatively to God’s call in Christ. I bring an abiding passion for the Church and its mission in every generation to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
Rev. Greg Welin
Rector: Mount Calvary Episcopal Church, Camp Hill
I bring 27 years of ordained ministry experience from the Diocese of Connecticut where I served on the Standing Committee. I am interested in continuing to explore how we can support one another in our many vocations. I look forward to working with the Commission on Ministry, and how the Standing Committee can support their work, and how we can encourage candidates for ordained ministry. I am also interested in working to use all our resources so that we can be formed as disciples and share the good news that we been given to the people of Pennsylvania.
Layperson
Ms. Kathy Hettinga
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mechanicsburg
Leadership qualities: Experienced, collaborative and creative leader and teacher ready to work for the Diocese. St. Luke’s, Mechanicsburg: As Senior Warden I led the congregation through the celebration of ministry of our retiring priest, and successfully worked with the Bishop’s office, Vestry and congregation to call our new Priest in Charge. As Junior Warden I developed the Educational offerings at St. Luke’s, chairing the Adult Formation and Spiritual Growth Ministry. I Co-led the Stevenson School for Ministry Parish Life course, “Becoming the Beloved Community.” And I have served as a: Woman’s Retreat leader, provided Graphic Design for the church, member of the choir, and I am in my fourth year of Education for Ministry, EFM. Member of the Social Justice Network for the Diocese.
Mrs. Nicolette Norris
Minister of Giving and Communications St. James, Lancaster
Experienced fundraiser in sacred and nonprofit organizations, including annual and planned giving, special projects and capital campaigns
2+ decades experience in marketing and communications, including websites, social media, internet marketing, interviewing and digital storytelling—and how to leverage these platforms in ministry
Lifelong Episcopalian (a limit and a strength!) with a keen understanding of national religious trends, church growth strategy, and parish engagement
Served on at least five discernment committees for ordination or religious vocations which has given me an awareness of how communities call people into ministry and how individuals discern their own calls.
Council of Trustees
Each Year Elect: 1 Clergyperson & 2 Laypersons – can run successive 3-year terms.
Clergy
Rev. Amy Welin
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Harrisburg
The gifts and skills I bring to the Diocese of Central PA and the ministry of the Council of Trustees include my passion for mission and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, skill in organizing and capacity to bring projects to completion, and a desire to include as many people at the table as possible. Although I am recently arrived in central PA, I have 30 years’ experience in parish work, 15 of that as a priest working to turn around parishes in crisis. I have a good understanding of the cultural and spiritual challenges that we confront as people of faith, and I am committed to sharing the Gospel with the next generations.
Layperson
Mrs. Allison Carnahan
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Harrisburg
I have been a member of the Episcopal Church for over 30 years. As a deputy, I will bring a sincere interest in the proceedings of the General Convention. Through my education in recent years both in seminary and in college where I earned a degree in theology, I possess a strong background for clearly understanding the discussion topics at the Convention. I am well organized and a strong note-taker, which both prepare me to concisely convey the business of the Convention to the people of the Diocese upon my return.
Mr. Thomas Hinton
St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, York
I hold a master’s degree in management. I believe in consensus management and can focus a group to an outcome. I set goals and measure progress. If goals are not achieved, then the goals will be reset. I have developed strategic plans which are achievable and can assist the diocese in this regard. I can set mission priorities and make valid tradeoffs due to resource limitations. I can assist with the development of time-phased operating budgets which reflect the realities of cash flow, and assist with the management of diocesan assets.
Disciplinary Board
9 members: five clergy, four laypersons – can run successive 3-year terms.
Year 2019 Elect: 2 Clergypersons & 1 Layperson
Clergy
Layperson
Mrs. Allison Carnahan
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Harrisburg
I have been a member of the Episcopal Church for over 30 years. As a deputy, I will bring a sincere interest in the proceedings of the General Convention. Through my education in recent years both in seminary and in college where I earned a degree in theology, I possess a strong background for clearly understanding the discussion topics at the Convention. I am well organized and a strong note-taker, which both prepare me to concisely convey the business of the Convention to the people of the Diocese upon my return.
Mr. Robert Davis Jr.,
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mechanicsburg
Bob Davis, Jr. is in the solo practice of law in Harrisburg, is focused on representation and advice to lawyers, judicial officers, government employees and officers before professional and judicial discipline boards and the State Ethics Commission. He counsels law firms, lawyers, judge’s government officials and employees and other professionals on questions of professional responsibility and ethics. In the 47 years of his practice he has both prosecuted and defended ethics cases of professionals. Bob is an adjunct professor at the Widener University School of Law’s Harrisburg Campus, teaching Professional Responsibility. Bob is a lifelong Christian, has sung in church choirs for at least sixty-five years, is presently a licensed lay reader and is involved in the music ministry at St Luke’s Mechanicsburg. He has been senior warden and served in other leadership posts at parishes in Georgia and West Virginia.
General Convention 2021 Deputies, Baltimore, MD
Total of 8 – 4 Clergy and 4 Laypersons – Alternates shall be designated as deputies as needed, in the order of votes received – no limit on successive conventions.
Clergy
The Rev. Grant Ambrose
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, York
The gifts and skills I bring to the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and this ministry include that I grew up in a very rural area of Eastern North Carolina in a yoked ministry of four Episcopal congregations and can relate to small-church life. As a priest, I served St. Mary’s, Arlington, VA, a large suburban parish. I bring a passion for listening to all voices and not rushing in to something “already knowing” the way forward. I bring a calm presence that encourages conversation. I bring a love of Jesus Christ that seeks to keep the faith and essential parts of our rich tradition relevant to today’s realities.
The Rev. Gina Bautista
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Marietta
I bring experience to this position as I have been a General Convention deputy four times. I love the legislative process, and I have a desire to serve. I have a quick mind and good communication skills. I’m not afraid to speak the truth, and yet I do so lovingly. I’m a hard worker and “play well with others.” I have a good sense of humor and don’t take myself too seriously.
The Rev. Veronica Chappell
Trinity Jersey Shore/Christ Church, Williamsport
I have a long history in our diocese but would bring a new voice to Convention. With an acute interest in the governance of the Church, I am well read in the current challenges of our Church.
As a Rector/Mentor in a parish with a person in priestly formation, I have a unique up-to-the-minute take on some of the ways the Church is changing.
I am particularly invested in the mission of small struggling parishes and how the corporate body supports these congregations as beacons of Christian life in increasingly secular communities.
The Rev. Canon Kate Harrigan
Rector: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Harrisburg
I bring gifts of vision and creative thinking to the diocese. Seeking election to General Convention, I bring experience and service, having served eight General Conventions. I bring extensive knowledge of General Convention work, serving on interim bodies, task forces, and legislative committees (as chair and vice chair), been instrumental writing legislation, seeing it pass, and bringing the work of General Convention back to the diocese effectively. Through my work in many areas of diocesan life, the community, and the broader Episcopal Church, I believe I bring the gifts and skills to serve on the deputation for General Convention.
Rev. Jennifer Mattson
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster
My gifts include enthusiasm, creativity, and boundless energy. I am an advocate for children and teens, believing they should be both seen and heard. My skills include able and effective leadership, compassionate communication, and the ability to listen carefully and consider differing points of view. I am a priest with a deacon’s heart and strongly believe the theme for the church is now.
The Rev. Canon Dan Morrow
Canon for Congregational Life and Mission
As your canon, I have traveled the width and breadth of our diocese. I have a keen awareness of the needs of each of our regions. I have seen how God is active in your parishes, and I’m aware of how more funding and more support from General Convention could serve you well. My experience at the last several General Conventions will serve you well as I work on your behalf and offer a strong voice of support for God’s mission and ministry in our diocese. I have an undaunted hope for the future of the Episcopal Church, and I am eager to put in the hard work necessary to support it. Many important issues will be decided at the next convention, from Prayer Book Reform to grant funding for small parishes. I want to be at this convention working on behalf of our churches, lending a voice of support, especially for the rural and small parish.
The Rev. Canon Ken Wagner-Pizza
Trinity Pro-Cathedral, Williamsport
As we move into the third decade of this new century, I believe my many years of ministry with young children, youth, elderly and people from a range of economic, political, cultural, and religious backgrounds would be a useful experience for this position. Activities from youth retreats to nursing home services, ecumenical vacation Bible schools and studies have enriched my understanding and building of the body of Christ. These ministries have been in rural, urban, exurban and suburban settings. I can prayerfully bring all of this experience and contextual knowledge for the benefit of our church as we answer God’s calling.
The Rev. Shayna Watson
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, Harrisburg
Recently ordained a priest, and serving as the Canon Pastor a tour St. Stephens’s Episcopal Cathedral. I assist in the shaping of our growing congregation. I offer prayers at interfaith and ecumenical events, while developing networks with local community groups, bears evidence to my capacity to be compassionate, navigate historical divides, and to represent our church with integrity and diplomacy. As a Diversity Officer in our diocese’s only school located in the City of Harrisburg, I lead a team of educators, ordained and laypersons in strategically planning and implementing a curriculum and policy reform that will have a long-term impact on the cultural ethos of our school.
Layperson
Mr. Anthony Alexander
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Harrisburg
I was elected and served as a delegate in another denomination for three General Conferences. As a former pastor, I understand the legalities involved in administering a Christian Church. I found the work of the legislative committees to be demanding, inspiring, and it helped to shape me to become a more informed leader in the Church of Jesus Christ. Currently, I serve as a Eucharistic Minister, serving my second term on the vestry, and have taught at the adult forum.
At present, I serve on the Standing Committee, am the SC representative to the COM and have served on Council of Trustees. Given the call by God to be involved in the ministry of reconciliation, I am on the Diocesan Anti-Racism Taskforce and was elected president to the local chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, the Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter. Other gifts I offer this Diocese are the spirit of discernment and the gift of being a decent orator. I have been blessed with the ability to get along with people who are not like me.
Mr. Charles Banks
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Carlisle
I attended my first General Convention in 2015. At my second in 2018, I was appointed to the Constitution and Canons Committee, where I had a role in developing important canonical changes and changes to the Church’s marriage rites, and I was present on the floor of the House of Delegates when they were adopted. Very gratifying to be present when history was made.
I have particularly valued the chance to rub collegial shoulders with my fellow diocesan chancellors, many of whom were attending Convention as elected deputies. I hope to do so again so that I can bring the benefit of their experiences in their dioceses to my work in our Diocese.
Mrs. Allison Carnahan
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Harrisburg
I have been a member of the Episcopal Church for over 30 years. As a deputy, I will bring a sincere interest in the proceedings of the General Convention. Through my education in recent years both in seminary and in college, where I earned a degree in theology, I possess a strong background for clearly understanding the discussion topics at the Convention. I am well organized and a strong note-taker, which both prepare me to concisely convey the business of the Convention to the people of the Diocese upon my return.
Mrs. Drew Dorgan
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster
My gifts of communication and creativity will help our Diocese to play an active role at General Convention in 2021. I am currently the Vice President of the Standing Committee and take a co-leadership role in exploring and defining the roles between the SC and the COM, as they relate to the ordination process. Being involved with the ministry of the Shippensburg Home has given me the opportunity to share my skills in marketing and branding to help the Home become more financially solvent. Learning and studying agile leadership and management practices is also something our Church is exploring, and I hope to learn some new things that we can bring back to our Diocese to actively respond to the changing models of how we ‘do church’.
Mrs. Martha Harris
St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster
I am a postulant for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. I am enrolled in the weekend Master of Divinity degree program at Lancaster Theological Seminary. I am also working on a Certificate in Anglican Studies from LTS and the Stevenson School of Ministry. I hope to complete both programs by 2021.
I was honored to serve as a Lay Deputy to GC in 2015. I have a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School and have worked in government for many years. The deliberative process for making governance and policy decisions is fascinating to me. For the last 20 years, I have been an entrepreneur. My latest venture, b_Fizika, LLC, is a social enterprise whose mission is to foster healthier communities through strategic applications of brain science.
Mrs. Nicolette Norris
Minister of Giving and Communications, St. James, Lancaster
Experienced fundraiser in sacred and nonprofit organizations, including annual and planned giving, special projects and capital campaigns. 2+ decades experience in marketing and communications, including websites, social media, internet marketing, interviewing and digital storytelling—and how to leverage these platforms in ministry. Lifelong Episcopalian (a limit and a strength!) with a keen understanding of national religious trends, church growth strategy, and parish engagement
Served on at least five discernment committees for ordination or religious vocations which has given me an awareness of how communities call people into ministry and how individuals discern their own calls.
Ms. Sarah Reid
Trinity Pro-Cathedral, Williamsport
I consider myself to be a bridge builder, and like forming connections between people and ministries. I am a skillful listener, story teller and like working with others. I enjoy direct service ministry opportunities as well as being involved in planning. I am very interested in the history of TEC and being involved in shaping the future ministries of the wider church. I currently serve on the Commission on Ministry within the Diocese.
Mrs. Amy Swiernik
St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster
As a Deputy in 2018, I learned how the Episcopal Church is governed and am ready to attend with a greater role in 2021, with the possibility of serving on a committee. I am an active member at St. Edward’s, Lancaster for 24 years. My ministries include; LEM, LEV, Pastoral Care, Reader, and Praise Band. Past activities include serving on the vestry, youth leader, hospitality, and the memorial garden. I bring leadership, organization, coordination, communication, and cooperation skills and a heart for serving to the Diocese of CPA.
2019 Nominations
The deadline for Convention Nominations was June 1, 2019.
For questions regarding Nominations, contact Amy Swiernik, aswiernik@diocesecpa.org.
