CANDIDATES
There are currently 5 seats open on the Vestry, as well as 1 seat open for Warden. If you have any questions about the election process, please email the Nomination Committee directly at stjo.nominations@gmail.com.
WARDEN (1)
Robert Saunders
Robert is a faithful member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, and his parish ministries include serving on the Altar Guild, Hospitality Committee, and Usher Guild. He has served on the vestry for five years, chairing the Building & Grounds Committee for the last four years.
If elected warden, Robert will bring strong leadership skills, his ability to work well with others, and his knowledge of the church ministries and governance to the vestry as he supports the goals and vision of the Rector and the parish.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
VESTRY (5)
Joan Bryan
Joan is an active minister of the Gospel in her daily life. Her ministries include the Brotherhood of St. Andrew; the Newsletter Committee and the vestry. Joan is also a proud member of the Queens Village Lion’s Club. She is a gifted communicator and seeks to utilize the knowledge and experience she’s gained from her various participation in parish ministries and community-based organizations for the edification of the Church.
If elected to the vestry, Joan offers her full support to the congregation and Rector as she seeks to spread the gospel to God’s children inside and outside of the church walls.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Maureen Grey
Maureen’s ministries have included the Sunday School; the choirs; the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Cultural Committee. She is a founding member of the Alumni Association of St. Joseph’s Parish Day School. Serving as the de facto parish historian Maureen regularly shares interesting historical facts about the parish. Maureen has always been active, enthusiastic and personable. Impossible is not a word that she uses often. She is not afraid to speak her mind or champion causes she believes in.
If elected to the vestry, she will bring a discerning mind and be a stalwart advocate for the parish and its youth.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Coretta Johnson
Coretta’s ministry has been as a member of the Cultural Committee and assisting the Treasurer. She is grounded in her faith and exercises her ministry by sharing her knowledge and love of Christ with the youth. Coretta’s strengths are her ability to work with others. She is a good listener and is knowledgeable in managing and prioritizing fiscal resources.
If elected to the vestry, Coretta endeavors to represent the congregation as she supports the Rector, vision, and mission of the Church.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Cynthia Lewis
Cynthia is a committed parishioner and her strong spiritual connection spurs her to put her faith into action. Her ministries include the choirs; Willing Workers for Jesus; the Stewardship Committee; 150th Anniversary & Gala Committees; the Newsletter Committee; 40 Days of Prayer and other Christian Formation/Retreats.
Cynthia possesses the traits of an excellent leader demonstrated by her years in publishing and marketing: she is smart, organized, decisive, humble and compassionate. If elected to the vestry Cynthia will freely share her leadership skills.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Jennifer Maxfield
Jennifer’s parish ministries at St. Joseph’s include the Sunday School; Usher Guild; Willing Workers for Jesus; Health Ministries and Cultural Committee. As a former NYC public school educator, Jennifer brings an understanding and connection to the youth and community.
Not only is Jennifer a great organizer, she is hard worker and pledges to work hard for the congregation if elected to the vestry.
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Venice Naidoo
Venice, known as Vinnie, serves on the Usher Guild and is grounded in his faith and love of God. Venice is committed to doing the work of the Lord. Venice is a dedicated and compassionate leader, with a professional background in Business and Accounting.
If elected to the vestry Venice will endeavor to represent the interests of the parishioners while upholding the vision and mission of the Church.
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Claudia Sawney
Claudia is an active member of St. Joseph’s. Her ministries include the Hospitality Committee; Outreach Committee, Parish Aid Guild and Parish Health Ministry. Claudia has been a vestry member for five years and she understands the requirements and challenges of the role. As a member of the Building and Grounds Committee, Claudia has played an important role in the beautification of the premises.
If elected to the vestry Claudia will bring her communication and skills and her strong work ethic as she seeks to support our Rector and congregation as we face new challenges.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2