Report of The Diocesan Leadership Committee 2022
The following people were elected in 2022.
Standing Committee
CLERGY
The Rev. Veronica Chappell, Retired
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Welin, Mt. Calvary, Camp Hill
LAY
Mrs. Barbara Cross, St. John’s, Carlisle
Mr. David Luo, St. Andrew’s, Shippensburg
Council of Trustees
CLERGY
The Rev. Dr. Amy Doyle Welin, 2nd term, St. Stephen’s, Harrisburg
LAY
Ms. Kari Teitjens, St. John’s, Huntingdon
Ms. Kathryn ‘Cricket’ Tate Webb, St. Andrew’s, York
Disciplinary Board
CLERGY
The Rev. Grant Ambrose, St. Andrew’s, York
The Ven. Jane Miron, Arch Deacon for Deacons, St. Thomas, Lancaster
LAY
Dr. Pam Vnenchak, St. Thomas, Lancaster
Deputies to General Convention 2024
4 Clergy Deputies
The Rev. Shayna Watson, St. James, Lancaster
The Rev. Grant Ambrose, St. Andrew’s, York
The Rev. Jennifer Mattson, St. Thomas, Lancaster
The Rev. Cn. Kate Harrigan, St. Luke’s, Mechanicsburg & St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Harrisburg
4 Lay Deputies
Mrs. Sarah M Reid, Trinity, Williamsport
Cn. Anthony Alexander, St. Stephen’s, Harrisburg
Mrs. Amy Swiernik, St. Paul’s, Manheim
Mrs. Drew Dorgan, St. John’s, Lancaster
2022 Nominees for The Standing Committee:
All first-term except as noted and all Nominees listed in alphabetical order.
Each Year Elect: 2 Clergypersons & 2 Laypeople – Can run 2 successive terms of 3 years each.
Clergy 2nd Term: The Rev. Veronica Donohue Chappell, Retired Clergy
As a current member of the Committee, I believe my organizational and critical thinking skills are helpful to this diocesan body that is responsible for many crucial decisions. As I am retired, I am able to engage with the Diocese as a whole body in a way that was not possible as a parish priest, allowing me to express a position that is free of parochial or regional loyalties.
Clergy 2nd Term: The Rev. Dr. Gregory Welin,
Mount Calvary Episcopal Church, Camp Hill
I have enjoyed serving on the Standing Committee for the past three years. I support the many different voices and perspectives that come together in the Standing Committee. I bring long experience in parish ministry (30 years) and much experience working with others to create new ways of working through the challenges that parishes face in our day. I am happy to support our bishop and to continue to find ways that we can be faithful as we re-imagine our diocesan structures and procedures. I have also been pleased to support the many candidates for ordination that come before the Standing Committee as they prepare for ministry.
Layperson: Mrs. Barbara Cross,
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Carlisle
I have served my Parish, St John’s, Carlisle in a variety of roles during the past 21 years, by serving meals during a mid-week lecture series; organizing costumes for our 12th Night Celebration; as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and most recently in my second term as Senior Warden.
I find it incredibly difficult to articulate my own skills, but if defined as a gift, I would say my ability to see the big picture- the picture of where we are and where we want to be, and the courage and honesty to recommend course corrections when deemed appropriate and then the respect and support to carry out what directions are decided. COVID-19 reinforced my military background that tough and unpleasant decisions must be made. And when those decisions are made, then understanding, compassion and love should be expressed not only to those impacted by the decisions, but also towards those making the decisions.
I enjoy the challenge of problem solving and pray that I can in some small way contribute to a constructive, healthy, kind and long term solution.
Layperson: Mr. Robert Davis Jr., Esq.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mechanicsburg
I have served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the State Bar of Georgia, Bar Counsel to the West Virginia State Bar and Deputy and Acting Chief Counsel to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA. These posts provided experience in management of large voluntary organizations – which seems to be the task of the Standing Committee, as I understand it. My experience involved planning, management of operations and of involved professionals, leadership generally and provision of vision for the future of the organizations I served.
Layperson: Mr. David Luo,
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Shippensburg
Before joining FMA Advisory, an Registered Independent Adviser based in Harrisburg, as Chief Investment Officer, I was an investment portfolio manager with F&M Bank and Trust Co., Camp Hill, PA. Prior to that, I was Senior Financial Analyst at National Grid USA, Brooklyn, NY, and Chief Financial Officer at TRAC, Camp Hill, PA.
I hold a MS/BS in Electrical Engineering and BA in Quantitative Economics from Tufts University and an MBA in Corporate Finance and Investment management from Boston University. Additionally, I serve on the adjunct faculty at Penn State University, Shippensburg University John Grove School of Business, and Dickinson College Mathematics Department. I am a CFA® charter holder.
I am the current Vice Chairperson of The Real Estate Collaborative and his most recent past community involvement includes Safe Harbor Carlisle, Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation and Habitat for Humanity.
It would be a great privilege to offer my gifts in service to the Diocese.
2022 Nominees for The Council of Trustees:
Clergy 2nd Term: The Rev. Allison Carnahan,
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Christ Church, Danville, PA and The Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Mission, Mount Caramel
I have looked for opportunities to learn more about the diocese and the General Convention during my years as an aspirant and postulate. Since being ordained to the transitional diaconate in January 2021 and then the priesthood in August 2021, this yearning to serve and to learn more about the greater church has only grown.
Clergy 2nd Term: The Rev. Dr. Amy Doyle Welin,
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, Harrisburg
I am passionate about the work of justice and inclusion in the church. I currently serve on the Council of Trustees and have become quite engaged with both the general mission of the Council (i.e., to continue the work of our Convention the other weeks of the year), as well as the work of the two subgroups for which I serve as the liaison to the Council (LGBTQ advocacy and Union of Black Episcopalians).
Layperson: Mr. David W. Sheely,
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mechanicsburg
While my religious “leadership” has been limited to that experienced at St. Luke’s, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with seven very different priests. Some refused to work within a team environment. Whenever possible, I prefer to work collaboratively with leadership and committee members. I also seek to remain patient and attempt to utilize my interpersonal and listening skills to build relationships. Depending on the organizational issue, group decision making and goal planning skills may be useful.
Layperson: Ms. Kari Teitjens,
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Huntingdon
It would be a privilege to serve on the Council of Trustees for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. As a proud, lifetime Episcopalian and member of St. John’s, Huntingdon, I would like to be more involved on the diocesan level. I am a 5th grade elementary school teacher who deeply understands the struggles and needs of our youth. As director of our altar guild (and the daughter/granddaughter of the former directors) the traditions and beauty of our liturgy is of great importance to me. Along with this respect for our history, I also feel that it is time for us to be brave and unafraid to step away from “what has always been done before.” Presiding Bishop Curry and Bishop Scanlan’s leadership has inspired me to try something new in my walk of faith.
Layperson: Ms. Kathryn ‘Cricket’ Tate Webb,
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, York
I am a seminary educated lay person who is dedicated to empowering the laity so we can live into our mission of being The Church in the world. As a retired Air Force officer with 29+ years of service I also bring a variety of leadership skills, tenacity, and flexibility.
Layperson: Mr. David Wirick,
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Hollidaysburg
The gifts and skills I bring to the Diocese of CPA and this ministry include: An M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and a D. Min. from Palmer Seminary, a clergy position within the United Methodist Church, and counselor positions in drug and alcohol rehab and in pastoral areas. I bring a unique perspective to my love of the Body of Christ. I sought solace and direction when I joined Holy Trinity Church as I’d recently accepted being a gay child of God and moved both away from repressive church structures as well as a marriage of 20 years. I believe The Episcopal Church presents awesome opportunities for the Good News to be shared in many ways because we are a forward looking community with a respect to our history without becoming a museum of Christianity.
2022 Nominees for Disciplinary Board:
For the Disciplinary Board there are 9 members, five clergy, four laypersons – each year elect three persons to serve for a term of three years. Persons elected shall be from each order as required to maintain the required compliment of the board. Can run successive 3 yr. terms. Year 2022 Elect: 2 Clergypersons & 1 Layperson
Clergy 2nd Term: The Rev. Grant Ambrose,
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, York
I have served as the rector of St. Andrew’s, York, since March 2019. I am passionate about walking with people as they seek to be formed into mature followers of Christ. Likewise, I strive to help congregations and faith communities seek ways to remain relevant for our time. In addition to working with the people of St. Andrew’s York to proclaim the Gospel in our community, I also serve on several diocesan commissions and committees. I am also a member of the CREDO Faculty – a clergy wellness and formation program of the Church Pension Group (CPG).
Clergy: The Ven. Jane Miron,
Archdeacon for Deacons, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster
I used to occupy my time during the day by “hanging out” with 7th graders trying to instill in them a deep love and appreciation for history. I have since retired from teaching middle-schoolers, but not from church work! In addition to serving as a deacon at St. Thomas, I also serve as the Archdeacon for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, where I help educate and empower others to live out their diaconal ministry. I live in Neffsville, with my husband, David. One of my favorite activities is spending time with my two grandchildren, Sierra and Christian. Other activities include biking, walking, reading, and spending time with people! David and I have raised two children, Hannah, who lives in Lancaster, and Nick, who lives with his wife Allison, and the grandchildren in Lititz.
Layperson: Caroline Robelen, Esq.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, Harrisburg
I am a licensed attorney who is committed to upholding the Canons of the Episcopal Church. I have been a faithful steward to the church for many years and have served in numerous capacities.
I consider myself to be highly reliable, professional engaged in spiritual growth.
Layperson: Dr. Pam Vnenchak,
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster
I am a family physician. Over the last 25 years I have held professional leadership roles including Medical Director, Department Chair and now as Program Director for a Family Medicine Residency. In these positions I have extensive experience in investigating and adjudicating cases of professional misconduct. I have training in crucial conversations. In these positions, maintenance of confidentiality has been paramount. During my tenure as Senior Warden of St. Thomas I assisted the Rector in several sensitive situations involving parishioners.
General Convention 2024 Deputies, Louisville, Kentucky
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
Rector: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, York
The gifts and skills I bring to the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and this ministry include a passion for listening to all voices and not rushing into 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.
Clergy: The Rev. Dr. Richard Bauer,
Rector: St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster
As the full-time rector of a socially engaged, growing, and progressive parish, I strive to offer leadership energy and strategic reflection to our diocese. An author on spiritual formation through inner-work and personal responsibility, I bring a passion for pastoral care and empowerment to my vocation with the added benefit of significant professional training and experience. With two master’s degrees, in Religious Studies and Divinity, a doctorate in Christian Leadership from Duke, coupled with my ongoing training through Boston University’s MBA program, I embrace a balance of both administrative acumen and pastoral sensibility.
Clergy: The Rev. Allison Carnahan,
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomsburg, Christ Church, Danville, and The Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Mission, Mount Caramel
I have looked for opportunities to learn more about the diocese and the General Convention during my years as an aspirant and postulate. Since being ordained to the transitional diaconate in January 2021 and then the priesthood in August 2021, this yearning to serve and to learn more about the greater church has only grown.
Clergy: The Rev. Veronica Donohue Chappell,
Retired Clergy
Having just served on the 2022 delegation (for the first time) I was taken by the spirit in which the “old guard” is carefully passing leadership on to a new, more diverse contingent.
I believe that my voice (and vote) of support to the “other” in our midst and beyond will enable our beloved Church to expand in thought, word, and deed in the years to come. I am committed to being well read on the issues that will be presented.
Clergy: The Rev. Canon Kate Harrigan,
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church,
Mechanicsburg and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Harrisburg
I strongly believe in the power of positive change. I have the flexibility and imagination to encourage growth, to live into new wine and new wineskins, being faithful to the deep and loving foundations of our faith. I bring gifts of faith, vision, and creative thinking, and a vision of the church’s potential. Seeking election to General Convention, I bring the experience, service, and extensive knowledge of General Convention work. I have served on interim bodies, task forces, and legislative committees as both chair and vice chair. Also, I have been instrumental in writing legislation and seeing it pass. I believe it is important to bring the work of General Convention back to the diocese in an effective manner.
Clergy: The Rev. Jennifer Mattson
Rector: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA
I am a creative person who deeply values collaborative ministry. I am passionate about anti-racism work and serve on the board of POWER Interfaith, working with other church leaders for racial and economic justice on a livable planet. I am an avid gardener who loves creation and am presently discerning a call to vocation in the Community of Francis and Clare as a novice. I have previously served on the Council of Trustees, as a delegate to the most recent General Convention and currently serve on the Standing Committee and as a member of the Diocesan Evangelism Committee. I am also the Co-Chair for the Diocesan Ministry to End Gun Violence. I volunteer in the local prison where I lead a monthly worship team of Episcopalians from our convocation. I am an advocate for children and young adults and have experience in creating and leading innovative programs and models for intergenerational ministry. I have lived and worked in this diocese for over thirty years and would be honored to represent our diocese at General Convention again.
Clergy: The Rev. Anjel Scarborough,
Rector: All Saints Episcopal Church, Hersey
I bring 15 years of ordained experience from my time in the Diocese of Maryland including experience with serving on the Commission On Ministry during a restructuring of our formation to incorporate adult learning principles, the Congregational Development Task Force where I consulted with parishes seeking to re-vision and restructure or who faced imperilment, and I was rector of a parish redevelopment effort which tripled the attendance and became a vital resource to their community. Developing spiritually vital parishes and ministries, and building strong lay leaders is a passion of mine and General Convention’s work impacts our health and vitality.
Clergy: The Rev. Ken Wagner-Pizza,
Rector: Trinity Pro-Cathedral, Williamsport, PA
Serving in two very different dioceses and geographic areas has been a blessed learning experience for me. I love our church and how we attempt to reflect God when we are at our very best. I was honored to serve as an alternate delegate in 2022, filling in as needed. I humbly ask for your support in serving as a delegate for all of you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you think should be addressed by our church.
Clergy: The Rev. Shayna Watson,
Assistant Rector: St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster
The Church should be a safe space for all people to discover grace, mercy, forgiveness, and to heal. I am aware of the mixed opinions regarding how well we as a church address these theological needs. It is important for us, ordained and unordained, to seek ways to be the beloved community in the face of our sociopolitical climate in an everchanging world. Serving as a delegate at our 81st General Convention, I hope to continue to represent our Diocese in a way that both honors tradition and adapts to the current needs of its members and community. My representation will uphold diplomacy, holy listening, and the importance of honoring all voices.
Layperson: Canon 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 the 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 of 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.
Layperson: Mrs. Drew Dorgan,
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster
I am hoping to bring my gift of communications and relationship to a position as a General Convention Deputy. The 80th GC this year, was my first time in attendance. If I am elected, I would love to find a way to communicate all the activities and wonderful work done by the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. In addition, it is interesting to be with the people from our own deputation as we share commonalities and challenges particular to Central Pennsylvania.
Layperson: Ms. Jennifer Hreben,
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster
As Junior Warden, my Senior Warden nicknamed me “honey badger”, for better or worse. This was because if there was something to be found, I would find it. If anything had slipped through the cracks, I found it and rectified it. I facilitated communication between different committees.
I helped to revive the Stewardship Committee by simply inviting the congregation to brainstorming sessions on ways to raise funds. As a result, people became more interested in being a part of stewardship and the committee has remained strong. I am also organized and curious. I tend to ask a lot of questions.
Layperson: Ms. Theodora (Theo) Moyse-Peck,
St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster
As a young adult, I will serve the immediate and long-term interests of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania as a new generation arises. This year I represented the diocese and province at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. As an Arabic and Middle East Studies major, I have lived and worked alongside other churches and their leadership development of youth and young adults in the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Having been an active member in parish, convocation, and diocesan events, I will represent a broad spectrum of our diocese at the General Convention.
Layperson: Mrs. Nicolette Norris,
St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster
As a lifelong Episcopalian with a keen understanding of national religious trends, church growth strategy and parish engagement, I was amazed at the 80th General Convention in Baltimore this past July 2022. To be able to watch and participate in the legislative workings of the Episcopal Church is a true privilege. There are hundreds of Deputies from every Diocese in the USA Episcopal Church, each with their own ideas and understandings of the most pressing problems we face. There are hundreds of resolutions to act upon; it is amazing to see the wheels of the church turn. As a first-timer to GC, I was not on a committee. If elected, I have a good chance of being assigned to a committee and am eager to do this work on behalf of the Episcopal Church and represent our Diocese well.
Layperson: Mrs. Sarah M. Reid,
Trinity Pro-Cathedral, Williamsport
I am very interested and actively engaged in the work of the Episcopal Church, specifically in the areas of racial reconciliation and justice, creation care and evangelism. I currently serve on several committees and commissions doing this work. I enjoy listening, story telling and working with others. I was privileged to serve our Diocese as a Lay Alternate to the 80th General Convention this past July 2022 in Baltimore. It gave me a unique perspective on the polity of the Church, and I’d enjoy serving as a Deputy at the 2024 GC.
Layperson: Mrs. Amy Swiernik,
St. Paul’s, Manheim
As a Deputy in 2018, I learned how the Episcopal Church is governed. As a Deputy in 2021 (July 2022), I was on the Committee for Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation (GC20). Some of the issues brought before the Committee were sustainability, our carbon footprint, and carbon offsets. If elected again, I would most likely be asked to serve on the same Committee to continue this good work. At GC 80 in Baltimore this past July 2022, Kate Harrigan and I were the two repeating Deputies and it was a joy to help the new Deputies learn the legislative system at General Convention. We could see their minds working as the the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops work separately, but together, to make the best decisions for the entire Episcopal Church. It would be a privilege to represent the Diocese of Central PA again.
Timeline for Nominations committee
January – 1 March, 2022
Follow up with all Convention Committee Leadership Chairs.
1 March, 2022
Call for Nominees. Nomination period opens
12 June, 2022
Resolution and Nomination Deadline
March-May 2022
Recruiting takes place, information distributed, and Connections made at Spring Convocation meetings.
13 June 2022
Nomination Deadline
13 July 2022
Deadline for additional nominations from parishes.
14 August 2022
Nominating Committee announces full Slate of Nominations including biographies, photos, and written consent.
