Meet the Vestry Candidates

Each Vestry candidate has made a stewardship commitment of time, talent and treasure to Grace Church.  In the text below, each candidate answers the questions:  Why do you feel called to serve on the Vestry of Grace Church? Please describe your participation at Grace or in the community, indicating leadership experience you think will be helpful for the Vestry.  How do you see God guiding Grace Church in the next few years?

Suzanne (Suzy) LeClaire 
For years I have wanted to be more in support than leadership roles, after so many years of teaching. But Grace Church is really my second family and I believe that because the church means so much to me, that I should step up and participate in a leadership role. I am proud of the way Grace Church works in the community and cares about all of God’s children. I believe that this is what we are called to do. I wasn’t sure I wanted to give my time and the effort that being a vestry member is bound to entail, but I realized that it is only by participating in, and supporting, the programs of our church that our mission to make a difference can be accomplished.  

I have served in various ministries at different churches in the past: Eucharist minister, Sunday school teacher, Arts ministry, Altar guild, Community garden, and Congregational Care.    

Joyce Brooks  

I feel called to serve in this capacity because I want to be part of the continued vision of our church.  I want to support the many programs our church offers and expand where there might be additional need.  I want to be a part of the team that oversees the operations of our church and I feel I have the ability to do so.  I have many skills and experience to offer as a Vestry member such as management and program coordination.  I am a firm believer in community involvement and the church’s mandate to “go out” and serve in the mission field while also doing our best to meet the needs of our parishioners.  I am a creative problem solver and an avid proponent of thinking “outside of the box” while respecting tradition and established procedures.  Most of all, I love our church and that is ultimately my motivation in wanting to be a Vestry member.  

Leadership Roles:  Past Vestry member, Past Vestry secretary, Past Fundraising Chair for the Vestry, member of the Daughters of the King, Past Secret of the Episcopal Church Women, Visitation Coordinator for the Congregational Care Committee, Past leader of “Ashes To Go”, Member of Sisters of Grace, Past member of the Adult Forum Committee, Prayer Tent leader for the Parish Fair, Past coordinator of socks for Pathways.  

I see Grace Church continuing to be a beacon of Light in God’s entire creation serving as Christ’s hands and feet to bring comfort and peace using our unique gifts to accomplish this.

Mary Lockey 
I recognize the need for someone to serve on the Vestry and am willing to do so. (I would not seek to compete against others who are willing to serve.)
Leadership Roles:  I was a member of the "Education Committee" at Grace Church from 2017 - 2021. I served on the Vestry from 2019 - 2021. I am currently a member of the Altar Guild, a Eucharistic Minister, and a lector, and have been known to fill in as an usher.
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Grace Church in the Mountains has a vibrant outreach ministry. From Pathways and Bethel House to Ukraine, with the parish fair and food pantry, and in the many ways we engage in creation care, our parish casts a wide net in service to our community and the world. I believe that God is calling us now to go deeper, to "put out into the deep" with efforts and opportunities to grow our spiritual lives (apart from Sunday services.) The Renewal Works program the parish will participate in beginning next summer - after Joslyn's own sabbatical time of renewal - will hopefully, prayerfully provide the direction for us to deepen our spiritual lives, remembering that the Spirit is the very reason for our outreach and source of all our doing.