The Vestry is the Board of Directors of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The name "Vestry" is taken from the room where clergy used to vest (don their liturgical garments) and where the church governing board used to meet.
Reverend Tom began his tenure as Rector (Senior Pastor) on September 1, 2016 after having served as Co-Rector of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in San Jose, California for several years. Prior to that, he served at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Albany, Oregon from 2002 to 2009. He holds a BA in Psychology from Humboldt State University and a Master's in Divinity (MDiv) from Virginia Theological Seminary. His passion is helping people become better followers of Jesus through preaching, forums, and small group studies.
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve at St. Mark's. I believe music in church should be inspiring, fun, and inclusive. I encourage you all to dust off your talents and bring them to church! I intend to expand the styles of music we enjoy in church, as well as the voices from whom that music emanates. It is said to sing once is to pray twice, and that includes instruments. So let's make all the joyful noise we can!
TieKara joined St. Mark's as our Administrative Assistant on August 1. Please contact her with any administrative questions.
Nancy Miles received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College in Detroit, MI in 1964. She practiced in medical-surgical nursing, nursing education and as a certified addictions nurse while living there. In 1995 she received her MA in Clinical Psychology and established her own private practice until leaving Michigan and moving to Oregon in 2002. She worked as a "Surveyor," for the State of Oregon inspecting nursing homes until 2008 focusing on care of the geriatric and disabled populations. She has done volunteer work in diabetic education at a clinic in White City. She is currently a member of the Medical Reserve Corps in Medford. Nancy also works at the St. Mark's Food Pantry and helps her husband, Cal, on the church Building & Grounds Committee.
Nancy was commissioned as a Faith Community Nurse at St. Mark's on July 1st, 2012.
The Vestry of an Episcopal church is the governing board, responsible for the finances, facilities, and programs of the church. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, St. Mark's conforms to the laws of the State of Oregon and donations to the church are tax-deductible. Officers of the Vestry include Senior Warden (Board Vice-Chair), Junior Warden (Property Chair), Treasurer (Finance Chair), and Clerk (Secretary of the Corporation). The Rector is the Board Chairperson and President of the corporation. Each Vestry member serves a three-year term (expiring in late January of the year noted below) and is required to take a year off before being eligible to serve for another term.